Nylon, a material initially heralded for its strength and versatility, experienced a dynamic journey through its early years, marked by rapid consumer adoption, a critical role in wartime efforts, and an explosive return to the civilian market. After its nationwide release in 1940, nylon production quickly ramped up, with 1,300 tons of the fabric produced that year. This initial surge was driven by strong consumer demand, particularly for nylon stockings,
which saw 64 million pairs sold in their first year on the market. The material's success was so significant that a second plant was opened in Martinsville, Virginia, in 1941 to meet the growing demand.
The Pre-War Boom and Fashion's Influence
Before the onset of World War II, nylon was marketed as a durable and indestructible material, capturing the public's imagination. Despite being sold at a higher price than silk stockings—approximately one-and-a-half times the cost—its popularity soared. This success was partly attributed to evolving women's fashion trends. By 1939, hemlines had risen to the knee, creating a need for stockings that provided ample coverage without relying on garters. Nylon stockings perfectly fit this emerging fashion, offering a sleek and practical solution that resonated with consumers.
DuPont's marketing also subtly played into national sentiment by suggesting that nylon could reduce the country's reliance on silk imports from Japan, an argument that appealed to many customers. This combination of fashion trends, strategic marketing, and the material's inherent qualities set the stage for nylon's initial commercial triumph, establishing it as a desirable and modern product in the American household.
Nylon Goes to War
The trajectory of nylon production dramatically shifted on February 11, 1942, when its manufacturing was redirected from consumer goods to military applications. DuPont ceased production of nylon stockings and other lingerie, with the majority of manufactured nylon being used to create essential items for World War II, such as parachutes and tents. This redirection underscored nylon's strategic importance and its superior properties for critical military equipment.
During the war, consumer nylon products became scarce. While some nylon stockings manufactured before the war could still be found, they were often sold on the black market at exorbitant prices, sometimes as high as $20 a pair. This scarcity only intensified public desire for the material, creating a pent-up demand that would explode once the war concluded. The wartime period transformed nylon from a luxury item into a symbol of national effort and a highly coveted commodity.
The Post-War Nylon Riots and Beyond
Once the war ended, the return of nylon to the civilian market was met with immense anticipation. Despite DuPont projecting an annual production of 360 million pairs of stockings, there were significant delays in converting manufacturing facilities back from wartime production to consumer goods. This inability to meet the overwhelming demand led to widespread social phenomena known as the "nylon riots" in 1946. In one notable instance, an estimated 40,000 people lined up in Pittsburgh hoping to purchase just 13,000 pairs of nylons, illustrating the extraordinary consumer frenzy.
In the interim, resourceful women even repurposed nylon tents and parachutes left over from the war to create blouses and wedding dresses, further demonstrating the material's desirability and versatility. Between the end of the war and 1952, the production of stockings and lingerie alone consumed 80% of the world's nylon supply. DuPont responded by focusing heavily on civilian demand and continuously expanding its production capabilities, solidifying nylon's place as a post-war consumer staple.
