Aristoc's Heritage
Aristoc’s history spans a century of innovation, elegance, and dedication to the art of hosiery. As we walk through the decades, we invite you to explore the pivotal moments that have defined our brand and our enduring commitment to quality and style.
1920s
Aristoc's Inception
Aristoc, originating in Nottinghamshire in 1924, began as a visionary company in the hosiery industry. The registration of the Aristoc name marked the beginning of a brand dedicated to excellence. By 1926, our first advertisements showcased our emerging presence in the market. Our early days were marked by a dedication to craftsmanship and a vision to create hosiery that wasn’t just a garment, but a symbol of sophistication and style.
The story of how it came into being is that Albert Ernest Allen was in London with a business acquaintance and was introduced casually to a man who had no connection with the hosiery trade. During the course of a brief conversation, and finding out that Albert was a stocking manufacturer, the man said: I’ve often thought that if I was a stocking manufacturer I’d call my products “Aristoc” And with that he said goodbye and Albert Ernest Allen never saw or heard of him again. But an application to register Aristoc was made that afternoon!
1930s
Public Expansion and Global Reach
The 1930s marked a significant expansion for us. For several years the factory worked three shifts covering twenty hours each day and many developments took place which are now taken for granted. The establishment of a research department to innovate new products, the first edition of our global magazine Cocoon, and becoming a public company in 1934, Becoming a public company was not just a change in our business status; it reflected our growth, our expanding ambitions, and our readiness to embrace a larger stage in the hosiery industry. It symbolized our commitment to reaching new heights and set the foundation for our future growth. The late 1930s was a defining era for us at Aristoc as we became known for our high-quality silk stockings. Our silk stockings became synonymous with luxury, setting us apart in the industry.
1940s
Wartime Contribution and Nylon Innovation
During World War II, as with so many other companies, we contributed to the war effort. We had to change our output and produced items such as barrage balloons, inflatable dinghies. The post-war introduction of nylon stockings in 1947 was a major innovation. This move was a blend of tradition and technology, enhancing the durability and elasticity of our products. It was our response to the evolving needs of our customers, ensuring that we remained at the forefront of the hosiery industry.
1950s
Seam-Free Manufacturing Breakthrough
Our innovation continued into the 1950s with the introduction of seam-free machines at Langley Mill in 1959 marked a revolutionary step in our manufacturing process. This innovation was not just about improving the quality of our products; it was about redefining the standards of comfort and luxury in hosiery. It was a bold move that underscored our commitment to staying ahead in the industry.
1960s
The Dawn of Tights
Our decision to start producing tights in 1967 was a strategic response to evolving needs of the modern woman. This move demonstrated our ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and expand our product range, further solidifying our reputation as a versatile and forward-thinking brand.
1970s and 1980s
Sustaining Excellence and Fashion Forward Approach
Throughout these decades, we maintained our high standards, with a focus on quality and luxury. We launched ranges in conjunction with leading fashion houses, embracing fashion as a key element of hosiery, and achieved record sales figures in 1977.
1990s
Era of Diversification and Innovation
The launch of the Vitality Sheer Sensation, Ultra 5 and Bodytoners ranges were a milestone in our history. These ranges were a testament to our commitment to innovation, combining style with practicality. It was our way of offering our customers products that were not just hosiery, but a fashion statement. We also embraced TV advertising, further enhancing our brand's visibility and reputation for innovation.
2000s
Expansion into Lingerie and New Ventures
The new millennium saw us expanding into seam-free lingerie and introducing the Ultra range. This expansion reflected our growth and ability to adapt to new market trends. It marked our foray into new product categories, embracing new challenges and expanding our product offerings.
2010s
Celebrating Special Occasions
In 2012, we introduced our bridal and jewelled collections, offering unique and elegant options for special occasions. These collections were a celebration of our craftsmanship and attention to detail, demonstrating our ability to create products that catered to specific needs and occasions.
2020s
Aristoc's Centenary Celebration
As we celebrate our centenary in 2024, we at Aristoc reflect on a century of unparalleled excellence in the hosiery industry. This milestone is not just a celebration of our past achievements but a testament to our enduring commitment to quality, luxury, and innovation. It's a celebration of how far we've come and a look forward to the exciting journey that lies ahead.