| You can actually pinpoint the exact day nylon stockings became available to the public: May 15th, 1940. Du Pont had announced back on October 27th, 1938 that they had developed a new material called nylon. In 1939 the miracle yarn was displayed at the World's Fair. Du Pont completely controlled the production of the first pantyhose, and then made sure that the selected stores that were given merchandise didn't sell any until "Nylon Day".
Needless to say, pandemonium ensued. Hosiery departments were bombarded and near riots broke out. (Women are scary when they want stuff.) Three million dozen pairs were sold by the end of the year - all that was available. Compared to the delicacy of silk, the stockings were considered a threat to the industry for being so industructible - many manufacturers feared bankruptcy.
Pantyhose industructible. Hah. Give me 15 seconds and one good toenail... | 
