Frock Up Canberra organiser Keith Baverstock comparing a modern ladies and a regular 18th century mens stocking to that of a pair that belonged to Daniel Lambert (1770 to 1809) who was the world's fattest man. Photo: Jeffrey Chan
When Santa comes down your chimney this Christmas you'd want to hope he's bringing a stocking this big.
Measuring 42 centimetres around each leg, the pair of stockings once belonging to 'The World's Fattest Man", at least according to the event organisers for Frock Up Canberra.
But for fear of offending the poor fat chap, they've waited a good 200 years to tell his story.
Belonging to Daniel Lambert, who lived from 1770 to 1809, the large stockings made up just part of his enormous wardrobe. Frock Up Canberra says his waistcoat was able to fit 11 young men comfortably inside after his passing.
Lambert's vintage garb has been brought to Canberra to be showcased as part of Frock up Canberra - an exhibition bringing together clothing collectors from all over Australia: Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne and country Victoria to name a few.
"People just love vintage and they rarely go away without buying something, even if it's just a scarf or a stocking or a pair of glitzy costume earrings," collector Fiona Baverstock said.
When asked how Lambert's stockings made their way into her collection, Ms Baverstock said it was an impulse - she couldn't resist the giant pair of leggings at an auction over five years ago.
"It was a had-to-have-it moment, because I'm a costume expert in original authentic costume so things like that I can't resist," she said.
When quized on the stockings, Fil Barilaro from Stephanie's Lingerie wasn't all that impressed.
"I'd love to see it but we've seen bigger legs than that," Ms Barilaro said sarcastically of the garment.
In Canberra for the Frock Up event this weekend, passionate collector Ms Baverstock said she hoped the event would gather a crowd upwards of 1500 people.
"It's an opportunity for people to see the best in vintage that the country has to offer, and it's fun, there's lots to see even if people don't buy. It's a fun day to be had."
The event runs until Sunday at Albert Hall, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla. For information go to frockupcanberra.com.au
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