frequently makes use of the fact that wetting rayon promotes additional recovery.

 “Wash as soon as possible after each wearing, and you will get
     better service.”

Stockings other than Cotton Lisle should not be pulled or strained while wet. The ideal solution and the method of washing are as follows:-

Toss mild soap flakes into a little hot water first, and when thoroughly dissolved, add cold water to make a luke-warm solution, then whisk into bubbly suds (hot water, strong soap solutions and soaking, impair the strength of the stocking and cause streaking and fading of colour).

Keep dipping the hose instead of swirling in circles stubborn soiled or rain spots should be treated by sending the suds through the fabric by a cupped motion of the hand. After three rinsings in luke-warm water (same temperature as the washing water) to remove all soap, the stockings should be wrapped in a towel, and the water gently pressed out (no twisting or wringing) and then be unwrapped at once. Hang by the toe to dry at room temperature—never put on a radiator, or in the strong sunlight.

Do not iron stockings—this raises a gloss.

Dry thoroughly.

1. After washing, do not wear the following day.

Stockings—especially Rayon stockings—are weakest when wet, and their full tensile strength is not regained until they are completely dry, which is 48 hours after washing. Rayon stockings appear to be dry before they actually are dry—in this they are very deceptive. Nylon dries faster than any fibre.

If possible, allow three days to elapse between completion of drying and the wearing of the hose.

During the second day after rayon stockings are washed, if they are given two three-minute exposures to ultra-violet rays from say, an ultra-violet ray lamp, being again subjected on the third day to a further fifteen-second exposure, the fibre regains its former strength, and the quality is equal to that of a brand new pair.

2. Stockings washed and dried this way will give maximum

service, and their beauty of appearance is prolonged, thus proving them an investment instead of—as is so often the case—a speculation!

3. When crêpe-twist stockings are laundered, it will be noticed that they apparently go out of shape, seeming to go in a spiral, and throwing the seam out of line. This is only a temporary phase, however, and the hose will revert to proper seam alignment as they dry. There is, therefore, no need for dismay over the washing process—this type of hose is specially recommended for hard wear, and it lives up to its reputation.

4. Several pairs of one colour is a good buy, so that there is always a “reserve” to draw upon in the event of a last minute accident or wear.

5. Contrary to popular belief, the storing of stockings made from any fibre has no effect on the wearing qualities providing they are kept in a dark and dry place. Natural silk hosiery is very sensitive to light, and to the presence of moisture in the air, and is easily weakened by ultra-violet or visible sunlight.

6. To put on hosiery. Be seated. Roll down the entire length of the stocking with both hands (be sure stocking does not catch on rough fingers or sharp jewellery), slip foot through the roll and right down into the toe. Do not jerk the stocking over the heel—adjust the heel, and slowly roll the stocking up the leg. Check seam straightness before attaching suspender, and while still seated, with knees flexed, fasten suspender into the welt, taking into account the length of the stocking, and adjusting accordingly. Never suspender below the welt, this being a specially reinforced suspender top intended for this definite purpose, and the suspender should be adjusted so that it does not stretch the welt out of line and prejudice leg freedom. The putting on of hose this way provides for that little extra “give” and helps to minimise the strain at the knee on delicate fabric, which strain—when bending or stooping—makes itself very evident to the wearer. Rings and bracelets, of course, are an ever-present menace to stockings, and as all stockings will snag when brought into contact with rough surfaces or sharp objects, due care should be exercised in this direction.