SHEERIO

Van Raalte's SHEERIO line, used the most beautiful silky and ultra sheer nylon imaginable. Most of the labels I've seen have the SHEERIO name on them, but occasionally you will see the same fabric called PHILMY Sheerio, or sometimes just PHYLMY. These pieces are becoming harder to find and are commanding high prices, so if you have an opportunity to own a Sheerio piece do not pass it up.

"Sheerio" trademark registered in 1934, but was in use as early as 1931. The trademark was renewed by Van Raalte in 1974. It is now dead.


Here is a great Sheerio Ad from 1949


A superb PHYLMY full slip with embroidered chiffon Empress Jade Vintage


A delicious crystal pleat Sheerio nightgown and a rare Sheerio teddy both courtesy of Heavenly Vintage Lingerie

A pale blue flounced Sheerio nightgown with embroidered chiffon - courtesy of Heartsvintage

Van Raalte TIMELINE

This is a work in progress, so if you have any additional information, or if you see any errors please let us know.

• 1902 or 1907 (conflicting dates at to start of company on VR family website) - Emanuel and Zealie Van Raalte start E. & Z. VAN RAALTE COMPANY in New York City 
• 1910 - First American made veiling produced in a new factory built by Van Raaltes' in Lakeview, NJ
• 1913   - accrording to the US trademark database this logo was first in use 1913

• 1918
  Van Raalte Silk Mills takes over Niagara Silk Mills who are known for their "Niagara Maid" line of gloves, stockings and underwear.
• 1927 "Because you love nice things" advertizing campaign starts
• 1937 - The Van Raalte Mill in Boonton NJ manufactures the first fully fashioned nylon stockings as part of the testing process for Duponts new nylon fiber.
• 1938 - E. I. du Pont de Nemours (Dupont) announces the invention of nylon to the public.
• 1939 - Dupont promotes nylon at the NY World's Fair.
• 1940, 15 May - "N" DAY declared by Dupont. Nylon stockings first go on sale and 5 million pairs are sold in a single day!
• 1941, 26 July - US Government bans use of silk except for military use.
• 1945 - Van Raalte counterfeit "nylon" stockings are sold by profiteers and company gets complaints.
• 1977 - Kellwood Company acquires the US rights to the Van Raalte brand of women's hosiery and bodywear
• 1994 - Warnarco acquired Van Raalte trademark for apparel sold to Sears Roebuck
• 1995 - Sears announces their exclusive Van Raalte Lingerie to be sold in their stores