Historical information

Holeproof Hosiery was a Milwaukee, Wisconsin textile firm that was founded in 1901.With extensive advertising the brand name became recognized worldwide. The business produced men's and women's hosiery, underwear, lingerie, and men's pyjamas. 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. In the late 1920s, a successful hosiery manufacturer, Staley & Staley Ltd, started making ladies hosiery under licence from the Holeproof Hosiery Company in Milwaukee, USA. The company went public in 1929 and opened the first Holeproof mill at Brunswick, Victoria in 1930, becoming the first manufacturer to produce and market Australian-made self-supporting socks. During the 1930s, Holeproof revolutionised the Australian market by promoting their products as a sought-after fashion accessory. The Australian company is still in business today, owned by Pacific Brands.

Physical description

A unused pair of lady's silk stockings in original box. 'Holeproof' 'Truly Yours' Candlelight, size 10

Inscriptions & markings

Box Cover: Truly Yours / by / Holeproof Side Holeproof 'Candlelight' Size 10