In the 1490’s, breeches and hosiery were one piece. They later became known as tights. They were made of colorful silks,
wools and velvet. Each leg was often a different color. At the turn of the fifteenth century knitted hose was being worn
in France and Scotland.
In the 1590’s knitting machines were created. This made the use of knitted hose more common. With the wearing
of tunics hose had to be made longer.
In the 17th century the use of cotton became popular in the making of socks. Early Americans also used wool and silk.
Poorer people wore woolen hose usually tan in color. The rich on the other hand wore fine silk hosiery and more colors.
During the 19th century knitting mills allowed hose to be made in America. As men’s pants became longer stockings
became shorter until the term was changed to sock and replaced the term stocking. The word sock is derived from the
Latin word “soccus” which means light covering of the foot. Women to date wear stockings, tights, or socks.
