The kids were already climbing into the van to hit the road for an early morning set of my husband’s concerts when I realized my nylons had a snag. Not just a snag, a run. Not just a run, the Grand Canyon racing down my thigh. With no time to spare, I could not change. I had about 20 seconds to implement Plan B: repair.
How to Stop a Run in Nylon Stockings
Nail polish–this is the old tried and true. Dab a little nail polish on the area around the run to keep it from spreading. Let it dry. Voila! Clear is preferred, but if all you have is red and the run is on your ankle, why not paint on a flower! (Unfortunately for me, I don’t have nail polish.)
Hair spray–another old favorite. Spray the area around the run. Let it dry, repeat. Depending on the mammoth proportions of the run, you may need to use about as much hairspray as a locker room full of teenage girl in the late 80s. (Unfortunately for me, the only mild hairspray I had in the house would be no match for the Civil War going on with my panty hose.)
Jam–dab a little jam on the area and gently wipe off the excess. Tear off a small piece of tissue or napkin to place on the jam, if you like, to keep it from getting on your skirt while it dries. Any sticky substance will work, as long as it will dry. (Peanut butter won’t dry, people! School glue will.) If your body heat keeps the jam slightly sticky, the tissue will make that a non-issue.
My jammed nylons survived two of my husband’s concerts, three hours in the van, an hour of set-up and take-down, and two extra hours of socializing and child tending. Sweet–in more ways than one!
What is your best tip for how to stop a run in nylon stockings?
Thanks to Blue Velvet Vintage for the great vintage stocking ad!