Nylon appears like silk. It is strong and flexible. These endearing qualities of nylon created a public sensation, or nylon mania, when it was introduced in Women’s stockings made from this new fibre were in great demand. But, unfortunately, most of the nylon production had to be diverted to making parachutes during the Second World War (1939-1945). After the war, when production of stockings resumed, supply did not match the demand. There was a huge black market for this product. Women had to wait for hours in queues to get a pair. Often there were nylon riots.