Spring 2006 Rolls OUt Evarly Offering Lots of Textures and Softer Colors

By Charlene Nelson
Fashion Editor

With Spring 2005 barely behind us, hosiery designers are already previewing their spring 2006 fashions and will be parading their products down the runways next month.

Competition from foreign manufacturers has forced domestic designers to move up their introduction dates.

As spring sheer designs are rolled out, designers say a key fashion element will be texture.

“It is not all about color this season, but about creative texture and print…on sheer, lace and light opaques,” explains Kim Smith of Acme-McCrary Corporation.

"Styling details include sheer with pattern.  This is a great way to give her pattern that is tonal in its color application while it provides a texture/pattern for fashion effect.” Florals, paisleys, lace and patterns that speak to feminine warm-weather apparel will again be important for spring. New for the season will be geometrics, grid works, patchworks and stripes. Also seen on the runways are patterns inspired by the Bohemian and vintage trends in apparel.

“Embroideries and embellishments on apparel and accessories is a continuing fashion trend,” says Linda Measmer of Wells Hosiery. “And, our florals and paisleys blend very well with these items.

Our tribal influence, which includes different patterns and large tropical florals, and feminine inspirations lend themselves well with the Bohemian and vintage trends we are seeing in the market.”

The trend is toward fibers that are light-weight, fluid and shiny.  Color is always very important in fashion hosiery, and this season will be no different. Pink’s popularity will begin to wane as 2005 comes to an end, being edged out by more blues, coral-influenced reds and various hues of green. 

Color palettes range from the muted pastels such as lavender, dusty rose, pale ochre, soft blue, creamy mocha and shades of vanilla to the deep pallets such as denims, grays and deep reds.

“Brights do continue in various palettes,” says Smith. “But, they are in a new sun-bleached effect that is rich yet softer than in recent spring color palettes.”

In socks, mid-tone shades of corrals and limes will be hot for spring 2006. says Hue Legwear Designer Jody Eskenazi.

Comfort will again be key in the sock category. Short and sleek constructions are the trend as is a soft hand and breathable construction. For spring and summer, designers are catering to the consumer’s desire for comfortable options that cover the foot in fashion. Liners, foot covers and toe covers are continuing to attract spring foot fashionados, and peds continue to be a hot item.

Wells Hosiery has introduced peds with the heel cut out in sheer fashion colors and patterns. 

When HUE introduces its spring ’06 collections next month, the brand’s new Spring/Summer Fabulous Feet collection will be all about style meeting comfort.

Construction is breathable with a soft hand with fibers such as microrayons, and designs are “foot options” such as liners. “It’s about pampering your feet whatever shoes you’re wearing,” says Eskenazi.

“It’s about banishing blisters and being comfortable all day long, everyday.”  

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