Einwilligung zur Nutzung.

The hosiery trade was introduced to Germany by French Reformed religious refugees. Becoming established as early as 1686, it was the first industry to get going in Erlangen's New Town. After expanding gradually – mainly due to an influx of German immigrants – it represented the population's main source of income during the 18th century.

In order to limit the strain of competition among hosiers, a first guild charter was issued in 1698. Production took place in numerous small workshops, mainly operated by the master working alone or with one journeyman. Because the mass manufacture of hosiery was export-dependent, the majority of the goods was distributed by capital-strong merchant agents right from the industry's beginnings.

In the 19th century, hosiery manufacture lost touch with technological innovation and deteriorated.