Polish Pattern Parade

All hosiery companies offer patterned styles, ranging from subtle to loud, conservative to outlandish, and everything in between.  With the advancement of modern machinery and super synthetics, the possibilities are nearly endless.  And some hosiery companies are embracing this opportunity to take it to the next level.

Poland has really become a hotbed for hosiery manufacturing.  From what I’ve learned, there are a number of brands that are not only supplying hosiery within Poland but all across Europe and Asia.  The Internet makes it possible to view their websites, browse their products, and visit European on-line retailers to see what they’re offering.  The more prominent ones that I’m aware of are Fiore, Gabriella, Gatta, Tespol (Mona), and Bas Bleu.  There may be others, but these are the ones I’ve found with a strong web presence and availability worldwide through some retailers.

The Polish hosiery makers seem to be rather bold and artistic in their use of patterns.  Having viewed the styles offered by other brands, I have to say that these are quite unique in appearance.  To give you an idea, I’ve made a few photo collages of them.  Mind you, this is just a subset, because I started running out of time!  Click on each image for a larger view.

Then there’s Gabriella, whose styles are a great blend of unusual and conservative.

Again, I haven’t captured every pattern available with each brand, as there are too many to try incorporating here without more than doubling the effort.  Fiore has about a dozen different muted raised applique patterns either on the calf sides or running all the way up the leg, which are difficult to capture without close-ups.  Both Gatta and Gabriella have a similar set of patterns, but unique to each other.  Fiore appears to be the most dynamic and daring, with Gabriella and Gatta featuring a larger number of more conservative patterns.  Each company has plenty of offerings for a wide range of tastes, though.  If you’re one to have a solid collection of patterned hosiery in your wardrobe, definitely give these makers a long hard look.  Most are available through European on-line retailers like  ItSocks, SiSi Lingerie, The Leg Store UK, and Dress My Legs.  And in North America at retailers like Hosieree and Shapings.