Collection: Bear Brand

Founded in 1893 as the Paramount Knitting Company, Bear Brand Hosiery Company became a leading name in American hosiery, officially adopting the "Bear Brand" name in 1922. Based in Chicago with a key factory in Kankakee, Illinois, the company was renowned for its durable, stylish stockings, often featuring a grizzly bear mascot. Known for innovations like run-resistant knitting and the distinctive Rapier heel, Bear Brand produced high-quality hosiery that combined fashion and functionality. By the 1960s, rising costs and overseas competition led to the closure of its Kankakee plant in 1968, ending its U.S. operations.

The Bear Brand name was later acquired by Howard Ford in the United Kingdom, who had initially imported the company’s stockings before purchasing the trademark. Ford established a factory in Woolton, Liverpool, which became a significant local employer, producing ladies’ tights and stockings through the 1990s. These vintage Bear Brand stockings, including sheer mesh and fully fashioned designs, showcase the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship. Coveted by collectors and vintage fashion enthusiasts, they remain a timeless piece of 20th-century textile history, perfect for adding retro elegance to any wardrobe.