Knitted and fitting snugly to the leg and/or foot, hosiery was knitted by hand until 1589. It was at this time that William Lee invented the first knitting machine in England. Hosiery was, and to this day still is, produced in silk, wool, and cotton. The invention of nylon, elastic fibers, and Lycra spandex had a dramatic impact on the cost, the production, and the fit and look of hosiery.
Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry. Francesca Sterlacci and Joanne Arbuckle.