Its Forgotten History, and the Reimagining of the Male Body

When we think of hosiery today, it is often associated with women, sensuality, or rigid gender symbolism.

Yet for centuries, hosiery belonged almost exclusively to men.

It was a symbol of power, status, and the physical expression of the male form.

In SHÉR’s first podcast episode, we return to the beginning — to rediscover hosiery, and to reconsider the relationship between men and their bodies.

The Origin of Hosiery, Its Forgotten History, and the Reimagining of the Male Body

Hosiery can be traced back to medieval Europe.

Between the 14th and 16th centuries, hose and stockings were a standard element of aristocratic male dress.
Made from wool, silk, or finely woven linen, they were designed to closely contour the legs, serving several purposes:

• To emphasize muscular definition

• To display the value and craftsmanship of the fabric

• To signal social rank and authority

In this era, the exposure and framing of the male leg was not considered provocative — it was an assertion of strength and confidence.

Silk stockings were once a visual language of male power.

Gender Shift

From Male Dress to Gendered Garment

The gender transition of hosiery occurred primarily during the 18th and 19th centuries.

With the Industrial Revolution, men’s clothing evolved toward:

• Looser silhouettes

• Darker tones

• Functional construction

• Minimal ornamentation

At the same time, women’s fashion absorbed more decorative and expressive elements.

As a garment that closely follows the contours of the body, hosiery was gradually reclassified as feminine.
The male body, in contrast, was expected to be restrained, concealed, and visually neutral.

Hosiery itself did not change — society’s expectations of masculinity did.

Modern Rediscovery

Why Men Are Wearing Hosiery Again

In recent years, several cultural shifts have reshaped how men relate to clothing and the body.

1. A renewed focus on the male body
Fitness, skincare, and form-fitting garments are no longer stigmatized.

2. The softening of gender boundaries
Clothing is increasingly defined by experience rather than gender labels.

3. A demand for tactile comfort
Fit, stretch, and skin contact have become essential design values.

Hosiery, as a second skin, is being rediscovered —not as a costume or provocation, but as an authentic extension of the body.

SHÉR: Redefining Hosiery for Men

SHÉR began with a fundamental question:

Why has hosiery never been designed for the male body?

At SHÉR, we do not view hosiery as a gendered product.
We treat it as a structural garment — one that must respect anatomy, movement, and sensation.

Our philosophy is clear:

• Hosiery is not concealment, but continuation

• Not decoration, but integration

• Not imitation, but embodiment

Every pair of SHÉR hosiery is developed around male proportions, real-world wear, and long-term comfort — creating a garment that feels natural, intentional, and honest.

The history of hosiery is not a one-way journey from men to women.

It is a language of the body that was interrupted.

SHÉR simply continues the conversation.

If you are seeking a more intimate, precise, and refined way to experience clothing,
begin with hosiery — begin with SHÉR.