With the elevation of skirts rising higher and higher in the 60s, those with less than perfect legs needed a little fashion assistance to help pull of the style. And fashion designer Mary Quant was more than happy to lend a helping hand when she offered a line of colorful tights to cover up those unsightly thighs. These fishnet and mesh designs were adorned with vibrant psychedelic designs and available in just about every brilliant color of the rainbow. They soon became the accompaniment of choice for mini-skirt loving women everywhere.

Quant received her inspiration from a dancewear company called Capezio, who she commissioned to produce a series of tights that were more fashionable than the thick, shiny version that professional dancers had long embraced. Produced in a wide palette of colors, Quant began pairing them with her miniskirt designs and the rest was, as they say, history.

Prior to pantyhose being invented in 1965, regular old hosiery and the accompanying garters just wouldn’t work with the mini-skirt, as the tops were often left exposed, thanks to the ultra-short lengths. And, in fact, one of the things that led to the invention of this new high-tech hosiery was that miniskirts were crossing over into the world of middle-aged women. The hosiery industry needed to be innovative if they wanted to continue to grow their business.

Tights were a simple solution that protected a girl’s modesty, while never compromising her ability to remain fashionable. And legions of fans of the mini-skirt owe a debt of gratitude to Mary Quant for coming through when they needed her most.