FOGAL, A CENTURY OF INNOVATION

Léon Fogal, the son of a sock maker, established the brand over a century ago to enhance the beauty of Swiss women by offering the first stockings made of natural fibers.
Innovation is at the heart of FOGAL, which brought “nylons” to Switzerland in the 1940s, led the worldwide craze for colorful tights in the 60s, and, in the 70s, a first for a fashion brand, established collaborations.

British artist Allen Jones

1921

leon fogal

It began in 1921, when Leon Fogal, the son of a Swiss sock maker, opened the first-ever boutique dedicated to hosiery in Zurich. This revolutionary concept offered convenience for ladies seeking readily-available stockings without having to visit a craftsman and place a custom order. It was such an instant and extraordinary success that more Fogal boutiques soon followed in cities across Switzerland.

Fogal's pioneering spirit continued with his next innovation - the in-store repair service for stockings. Ladies simply brought their stockings to a Fogal shop and within minutes, an in-person repair was made. This service offered a convenient and economical solution to women whose stockings needed mending and created an even greater legion of dedicated fans of the Fogal boutiques.

These innovations formed the foundation of the Fogal brand and established its place in the continuing development of fine legwear.

1923-1939

1923 | zurich, first retail boutique

FOGAL launches its first retail boutique in Zurich,
laying the cornerstone for a grand legacy.

1925 | first instore repair service

FOGAL becomes the first brand to introduce an in-store repair service using a special machine for darning silk and nylon stockings. Women are now able to extent the life of their legwear with this first-of-its-kind innovative solution.

1939 | first nylon stockings

Léon Fogal imports the first nylon stockings to Europe, triggering a surge in sales and popularity for the brand.

1950-1970

1950

FOGAL innovates seamless stockings, renowned for their smooth and impeccable look. The knitting process creates a single piece of fabric, rather than multiple pieces sewn together, resulting in an all-over sheer and elegant look.

1960

FOGAL’s anticipation of women’s desires continues with the innovation of tights. Bold, opaque colors and patterns became a hallmark of FOGAL that continue to this day.

1968

After the death of Léon Fogal, ownership transfers to the Zurich banking family of Walter Meier. Starting with six Swiss shops, FOGAL expands internationally with shops in premiere shopping destinations around the world including New York and San Francisco.

1970

FOGAL innovates the first knee-highs and gains widespread media attention for its signature bold looks. In 1971, ahead of other brands, FOGAL focuses on natural, sustainable materials and innovates the first cashmere and silk tights.

FOGAL x ALLEN JONES

1974

FOGAL collaborates with artist Allen Jones to paint facades  on the Basel and Zurich train stations, forging a unique creative synergy between a brand and artist. This led to long-standing collaborations with international artists 

1982

THE RETAIL EXPANSION

FOGAL'S STORE ON MADISON AVE.
FOGAL'S STORE IN ZURICH

Starting with six Swiss shops, FOGAL expands internationally with shops in premiere shopping destinations around the world including New York, Paris, London, Munich, Hong-Kong and Tokyo.

FOGAL'S FLAGHIP CONCEPT
FOGAL FAMOUS TIGHTS DISPLAY

1985 - 2000

1985

The emerging designer, Lilo Nido, unveils an  innovative line of seamless tights featuring no central seam and a lace-lined thong panty - a complex and challenging achievement in innovation for FOGAL.

1992

Shopping bags as status symbols. Famous artists remain eager to work with FOGAL and the shopping bags became popular collector's items. Shopper designed by the artist Jean Robert.

2000

Bodywear is introduced with an innovative  ‘’second skin’’ concept. This revolutionary design and fabric technology mimics the feel and fit of a "second skin" and opens the brand to new clients.
Button label

the great gatsby

2013

FOGAL creates an  exclusive hosiery collection for "The Great Gatsby" motion picture. Featuring ballroom socks and Charleston tights, these  customized pieces embody the glamour of the  roaring twenties. Blending  legendary expertise with contemporary fashion, these creations also sparking a buying frenzy and attracted new fans to the brand.

2018
SUSTAINABILITY & NATURAL FIBERS
Nepal Knee-Highs - Fogal

FOGAL is conscientious and responsive to  the evolving values of society. The new FOGAL tights are crafted from sustainable fibers including ramie, kapok, hemp, banana, citrus bark, and bamboo.

04-2023
NEW OWNERSHIP

The ChimHaeres Group acquires a majority ownership of FOGAL signaling a renewed commitment to build upon the legacy of the legendary brand.