The Falke family business has been focusing on quality, craftsmanship and innovation since 1895. The traditional brand is known worldwide for its high-quality legwear. The hosiery specialist offers a large selection of socks and stockings as well as sportswear and underwear. Women’s and men’s outerwear have also been part of the range since 2019.
origins
The roofer Franz Falke-Rohen, who worked as a seasonal knitter in the winter months, founded his own knitting factory in 1895 and thus laid the foundation for today’s group of companies. His son Franz Junior quickly took over the business and led it through the First World War. Soon after, the Falkes bought a yarn spinning mill and built a new factory in Schmallenberg in the Sauerland, where Falke’s headquarters are still located today. By 1928, the small artisanal business had grown into a successful industrial company with around 800 employees.
evolution
After the death of Franz Falke Junior, the third generation took over the family business in 1951. Under her leadership, Falke went on an international expansion course and in the following decades founded further sales offices and production facilities in Europe and overseas. In addition to the knitted hosiery market, Falke soon entered the fine hosiery market with the purchase of its own fine hosiery factory. In the 1970s to 1990s, Falke also worked in licensing partnerships with renowned international designers such as Armani, Lagerfeld and Christian Dior.
Current
Since 1990, Falke has been run as a family business by the fourth generation and has developed into an international player in legwear with over 3,000 employees. Today, Falke products are available on five continents and in over 60 countries. According to the brand’s website, it reached a turnover of 215 million euros in 2020. The focus continues to be on constant innovation, especially in the area of functional sportswear and Falke Apparel.