main_teaser_desktop_our_history — Wolford's Manifesto and Journey

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Born to empower. We have always been on the side of women. Relentlessly, we have never followed rules. Never will.

For us, the status quo is always to be challenged. Our journey is about giving women a voice through timeless fashion. A voice that sometimes whispers, a voice that sometimes shouts out loud. A unique voice. A personal voice. For us, creativity, quality, and style are mediums of expression. An extraordinary journey dedicated to women.

We will never settle. The stakes are high. We feel guardians of something unique. Your skin. Your sensations. Your feelings. Being fearless implies responsibility. Living passionately requires discipline. Freedom is priceless. Our odyssey has been epic.

Since 1950. Always.

For you. For all.

1950

Wolford was founded.

1954

Introduced the first circular-knitted stockings, laying the groundwork for future innovations in seamless garments.

1958

Debuted seamless and stretch stockings.

1964

Opened the first shop-in-shop at John Lewis, London.

1968

Launched the first suspender-less stockings with adjustable support tops to fit any thigh size.

1969

Released the first support tights, including a version without Lycra.

1977

Introduced Miss Wolford: lightweight support tights with both cosmetic and therapeutic effects.

1980

Unveiled fine net tights and ultra-sheer 10 denier styles.

1983

Launched the aerobics collection, featuring leotards, fitness tights, leggings, legwarmers, and headbands. Stay-ups also made their debut and collaborations with fashion houses, like Chantal Thomass and Lanvin, began.

1988

Released Satin Touch tights: transparent, shimmering, and soon a timeless bestseller.

1991

Developed Opaque Naturel, one of Wolford’s signature fabrics.

1992

Started the “bodywear revolution” with seamless bodysuits made from innovative yarns like Synergy, Opaque Naturel, and Cotton Velvet. Opened the first standalone boutique at 619 Madison Avenue, New York City.

1994

Launched Fatal 15: the first completely seamless tights, offering a flawless fit.

1995

Wolford AG was listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange.

1997

Began a long-term creative partnership with photographer Helmut Newton.

1998

Introduced STAR[C]K NAKED: a collaboration with Philippe Starck, featuring integrated tights and an opaque tube dress — a forerunner of the iconic Fatal dress.

1999

Entered the lingerie market with the first dedicated collection.

2005

Expanded into ready-to-wear, launching a full apparel collection.

2011

Introduced the Shape & Control range, offering elegant, supportive designs.

2014

Debuted Pure 50 and Pure 10 tights: ultra-soft with invisible, glued seams, which earned Wolford the Best Technology Innovation of the Year award. That same year, the company became the first tights manufacturer to partner with bluesign®.

2017

Released the 3W, the first bra made entirely of two laser-cut cotton pieces, seamless and silicone-flocked.

2018

Launched the Aurora collection with biodegradable leggings. Earned the Cradle to Cradle™ Gold Certification. The brand became part of the global luxury fashion group Lanvin Group.

2020

Introduced an athleisure line blending contemporary style with comfort and freedom of movement.

2023

Appointed Nao Takekoshi as Wolford’s first Creative Director.

2025

Celebrated 75 years of innovation and elegance.

1983 – First partnerships with luxury fashion houses, starting with Chantal Thomass and Lanvin.

1986 – Created tights with front and back seams for Thierry Mugler.

1999 – Co-created tights, a bodysuit, and knee-highs with Jean-Paul Gaultier.

2004 – Collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld, Vivienne Westwood, and Emilio Pucci.

2006 – Combined knitting expertise with iconic design in a collaboration with Missoni.

2006 – Created floral-inspired patterns on tights and bodysuits for Kenzo.

2007 – Valentino’s signature refined red detailing defined a luxury line of bodysuits and tights. In the same year, Wolford also partnered with Zac Posen.

2010 – The Armani Group granted Wolford the official license for legwear and bodywear.

2017 – Collaborated with Marina Hoermanseder on a collection of black and nude pieces.

2019 – Vetements × Wolford debuted at Paris Men’s Fashion Week.

2021 – Launched two major collaborations: one with adidas and one with Amina Muaddi.

2022 – Released four limited-edition capsules in collaboration with Alberta Ferretti, GCDS, Mugler, and Sergio Rossi.

2023 – Unveiled new collections created with N°21 and Jonathan Simkhai.

2024 – Teamed up with Etro for a capsule collection.