Gerbe is a French brand of hosiery that’s been around since 1904, and is now being carried at Birdies Lingerie & Swim Boutique, located in the Crossroads District of downtown Kansas City.
If you know me, you know that lingerie has long been a passion of mine. When the weather grows colder I especially look forward to wearing tights and stockings, and Gerbe is my current obsession.
Birdies has selected a range of tights, thigh highs (stay-ups) and stockings from Gerbe. I am impressed with the vibrant colors, intricate patterns and quality of the material from which they are made. With proper care, these are not a one season purchase. This hosiery should be considered a statement accessory and a luxurious addition to your wardrobe. Birdies is carrying hosiery from the Gerbe signature range, as well as the premium Gaspard Yurkievich range (which is more expensive but also more exquisite, as you will see).
Any of the tights would be particularly fabulous with a LBD (little black dress) for holiday parties, allowing you to wear that mini dress while remaining appropriate around the office mates, or stay warm when running around town on New Year’s Eve.
Tips for wearing tights and stockings:
- Remove all jewelry before handling the hosiery you’re going to wear
- Check feet for ragged toenails and rough heels — ideally take care of these issues before dressing
- Wear a pair of satin gloves to protect hosiery from nails and rough skin
- Gently roll the leg(s) of the tights or stockings down and carefully pull them over your feet
- Gently roll hosiery up your legs, avoiding pulling too much, while checking that you don’t have them twisted.
Tips for laundering and care of hosiery:
- Wash as soon as possible after wearing
- Wash gently by hand, in the bathroom sink for example, with gentle detergent (I like Mrs. Meyers).
- Do not ring out hosiery after rinsing, you risk damaging it!
- Lay wet hosiery on a clean dry towel and roll up in the towel to remove excess water.
- Hang to dry (no clothespins!) in an area safe from curious pets or children
- Store rolled somewhere away from clothes with zippers, etc.
Here are a few shots of me in the sample legs of the tights, which Birdies graciously let me borrow. Below I am trying two legs from a style named Sublime; available as tights in Gerbe’s premium Gaspard Yurkievich range. Birdies stocks black (Noir), burnt orange (Rousse) and raspberry (Pinkissime). Note the gloves — you don’t have to use fancy gloves to put on hosiery like I am here, but satin really is the best since it’s slippery. In the second photo below I’m trying a leg from another style of tights called Delice, in this gorgeous mon bleu color; also from the premium Gaspard Yurkievich range. The Delice style is definitely my favorite of the tights — beautiful and intricate.
In addition to trying out the sample legs of several of the Gerbe tights, I also chose a pair of their seamed stockings for myself. This style, named Carnation, features a fully-fashioned seam and keyhole in the band, an embroidered French heel, and is made from 100% polyamide, aka, fancy nylon. Fully-fashioned is the standard for those of us interested in vintage and pinup looks. I’m partial to the French heel over the Cuban heel, so I was very pleased to discover that Birdies stocks this style!
I just adore nylon stockings. No, they don’t lay as perfectly as a stocking with Lycra, and yes, you have to be a little more careful with them. I always choose nylon over Lycra because they are just so much more authentic (if you care about that sort of thing), luxurious, and dare I say sexy. I am so impressed with these Gerbe stockings, and can’t wait to try more styles!
15 comments
Danielle Meister says:
Nov 16, 2011
What a lovely article! and what a fox you are in Birdies latest, Gerbe hosiery!
Louise LeMans says:
Nov 16, 2011
Thank you Danielle! I’m glad you approve! xoxo
Peregrine says:
Nov 16, 2011
I think you are a great writer with fabulous legs.
Louise LeMans says:
Nov 16, 2011
Peregrine, flattery will get you everywhere! xoxo
Sarah says:
Nov 17, 2011
I adore nylon stockings as well. I’m so happy that I can now find them in town. For the longest time I’ve had to order them England.
Louise LeMans says:
Nov 17, 2011
Sarah, me too! I’ve been ordering the brand from What Katie Did for several years now. I actually think that the Gerbe stockings are sturdier, and will thus last longer too. Something I didn’t mention in the post that might also interest you is the micro fishnet tights with the seam that are in the picture of the legs with all the different styles — they are VERY cool!
Miss Julie says:
Dec 11, 2011
Dear Louise LeMans,
I have to confress that I’m a very clumsy girl and always find myself tearing my stockings! Is there any way to repair a stocking if it has a slight tear that is not too big? Or should I toss them out? Make an art project? I feel so gulity for throwing them away.
-Miss Julie
Louise LeMans says:
Dec 13, 2011
Hi Miss Julie!
If the snag is somewhere really noticeable, like the front of your calf, you may be out of luck. But if it’s somewhere hidden by your clothes, then I have a few ideas for you. The tried and true one, clear nail polish, still works. A less smelly option is picking up Fray Check at the fabric store. It’s a liquid that dries on fabric fibers to stop them from unraveling. It doesn’t dry totally clear though, so it’s better if the snag isn’t in a noticeable place. Unfortunately you may only get a wear or two more out of them before the Fray Check starts to wear thin — but it’s great if you just need them to make it though the night! Hope this helps!
Miss Julie says:
Dec 14, 2011
Thanks so much!! I will try those ideas!!
Gerbe Hosiery at Birdies | La Mode Du Jour says:
Dec 26, 2011
[...] Gerbe Hosiery at Birdies: http://louiselemans.com/gerbe-hosiery-at-birdies-hosiery-how-tos/ [...]
Hershel Martin says:
Feb 8, 2012
Jody and I are headed to Birdies tonight. She’s looking for some stockings for her workshop with Bettina tomorrow. Is there anything else at Birdies that you would recommend for a pinup workshop? Thanks!
Louise LeMans says:
Feb 8, 2012
Hi Hershel! I am sure if you tell them the occasion you’re buying for they will present all sorts of options — it’s a very customer-service oriented store. However, be sure to mention that I said to ask about the Bettie Page pink and beige set. It’s darling, and would look very cute in photos. They will have tons of fun giving Jody things to try on. I know they are open until at least 7.
BTW, if Jody doesn’t have any back up stockings at home, and if for some reason Birdies doesn’t have Jody’s size, you might stop in Deborahs on 39th street and pick up a pair of their Leg Avenue or Berkshire seamed stockings. They won’t be the quality of Birdies, but at least then Jody will have them as a back up. Those stockings are under $15, so they’re good if they are your only option. I can’t recall how late they are open though.
Anyway, I hope that helps, and hope that you both have fun!
Hershel Martin says:
Feb 8, 2012
That’s great information. Jody and I both thank you for your help!!!
Louise LeMans says:
Feb 8, 2012
You are most welcome! The Birdies gals are going to think you are great for being there and being sweet to Jody. I hope Jody has a ton of fun with Bettina too!
Clint says:
Mar 2, 2012
I love the Gerbe line of hosiery. They are wonderful and your legs look amazing in them. I am a wearer of hosiery myself, just the men’s line though. I have tried many styles through the years but nothing compares to Gerbe. Great article and Great legs!!!