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Men's Tights in the Former German Democratic Republic |
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Interestingly enough, the introduction of men's tights in East Germany, which was the classic hosiery manufacturing area of Germany, did not occur until 20 years after the introduction in West Germany. The first evidence of "GDR-Men's Tights" only appeared in 1978. |
Men's tights made by East Germany's largest stocking co-op ESDA, app. 1980. |
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This "new" article was launched at the Spring Fair in Leipzig in 1978. The following was reported about the textile and clothing industry at the Spring Trade Fair VVB "Stockinet and Stockings": The range of hosiery for ladies, men and children is attractive and market-driven. It is totally in line with the fashion tendencies of outerwear. (...) Men's tights, with their heat retention qualities, are intended particularly for the colder months. Blends with native fibers are distinguished by good wear qualities and a very representative look." (1978) The following is said about the product palette of VVB at the Fall Trade Fair in the same year: "New articles in the range of men's hosiery are men's and boy's tights made from WOLPRYLA and DEDERON-texture. These articles are distinguished by their excellent heat retention qualities. (1978) The introduction of men's tights seemed to be successful, as the following was reported about the product development of the "1979 Hosiery Fashion Lines" "The product development of the hosiery industry should meet the consumer demand for wear and care qualities as well as a fashionable appearance. The finished goods must be aligned to the changing living conditions and the newly emerging consumer habits. The following main points should be achieved within this development: (...) development of men's tights as well as R/L-men's socks made from BW/Pa-S-t, plated." (1978) The late introduction of men's tights in the GDR probably resulted from the general hesitation regarding the acceptance of novelties. Maybe wearing tights was initially considered a "western" decadence and thus rejected. It is also still unclear whether a large portion of the men's tights which were sold in mail order catalogs in West Germany in the late 60's under generic names were in fact produced by East German co-ops (as was the case for many hosiery types). As it seems, though, long underwear were more widely accepted in East Germany - we were told, for example, that wearing long underwear was compulsory for members of the NVA (East German National Army) even in the summer !!! |
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Long underwear, as worn by the NVA, 1980's. |
Close-up. |
Close-up. |
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One of the rarities the German Hosiery Museum was able to acquire is two pair of long underwear belonging to Erich Honecker, the third-to-last chairman of the GDR State Council. These were purchased at an auction of his private bequest. |
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Excerpt from the auction catalog, 1996. |
Long underwear belonging to Erich Honecker, white cotton, red embroidered monogram "EH", 1980's. |
Close-up of the red knit monogram. |
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Long, plush underwear belonging to Erich Honecker, rot embroidered monogram "EH", manufactured by "VEB Stockinet Factory Karl Marx Stadt", 1980's. |
Close-up of the red knit monogram. |