Holeproof

Holeproof Hosiery was a Milwaukee, Wisconsin textile firm that was founded in 1901. The business was built primarily through earnings which were left to aggregate in the company. Its advertising expenses exceeded $500,000 after 1901, making it a brand name recognized worldwide. The business produced men’s and women’s hosiery, underwear, lingerie, and men’s pajamas.[1] From 1916 – 1925 Holeproof Hosiery sales increased from $2,037,000 to $9,220,000.[2] Net sales totaled $24,435,342 in 1954.The first president of the company was Edward Freshl.[3]

In October 1928 the corporation was sued by Gotham Hosiery, which charged Holeproof with a patent infringement. At the time Gotham Hosiery controlled the Pointex patents for manufacture of pointed heel hosiery by virtue of the company’s purchase of Onyx Hosiery, some years earlier.[4]

Holeproof Hosiery began making nylon hosiery in January 1940, starting production on 8 of its 230 machines. The hose were made of a synthetic yarn composed of derivatives of coal and iron manufactured by Du Pont.[5] As a competitive move Holeproof Hosiery reduced prices on its nylons by up to 15% in December 1956.[6]

Holeproof Hosiery was made a division of Julius Kayser & Company[6] after it was acquired for $13 million in August 1955. Kayser manufactured ladies gloves, lingerie, and hosiery. Holeproof’s fixed assets were absorbed by Kayser during a five-year period concluding on June 30, 1960