Finally! Sustainable Hosiery that YOU Can Buy in Seattle or Online.

This is big, really big.

During World War II, the country banded together to fight a common enemy. Not only did they do this through taking on unexpected jobs; but they also conserved resources. Women were an essential part of this endeavor. Locally, women worked in various capacities including at Boeing.

As an aside, here's a super interesting tidbit. 

" Dramatic growth, however, occurred in the 1940’s, as thousands of African Americans migrated to this area to work in defense industries related to World War II. In 1940, Seattle’s black population was 3800; by 1943, it had jumped to 7,000." This included "Black Riveters," African American women who came to the PNW to work for Boeing and stayed. 

Hosiery uses nylon based thread, which comes from petroleum products. Oil was needed to support the war effort, so women found a creative way to wear stockings- They simply used eyeliner to draw a seam down the back of each leg that mimicked the seam on stockings. 

And that was the last time we had a sustainable alternative to hosiery..... Until now.  Welcome Swedish Stockings. Each year, two billion pairs of tights are produced and after wearing (sometimes once, sometimes several wears), they are discarded into landfills. Swedish Stockings produces pantyhose made from recycled yarn. Additionally, the factories engage in sustainable practices: the use of environmentally friendly dyes, post-dyeing water treatment and the use of solar power for much of the energy needed in the manufacturing process. 

There is a wide array of styles including control top and socks. Pick up a pair for yourself or for friends. Gift certificates are also available. If you'd rather see them in person, Pip + Row is the only retailer in Seattle right now. 

And there you have it- it's not as messy as eyeliner and it makes a significant impact.