Koret of California was founded in 1939 by Stephanie and Joe Koret. Joe was a traveling salesman when he married Stephanie and she often traveled with him, modeling the sweaters he was selling. When customers began asking for skirts to match the sweaters, Koret began making a style they called the Trikskirt. The Trikskirt used a drawstring and a series of stitched pleats to create a well-fitting skirt that was adjustable. In only two years Koret made over a million dollars.
Koret went on to develop other products including pants that had a better fit (Slim Hip Slax) and permanently pleated skirts (Pleetskirt). They developed a full range of sportswear and even more formal attire such as suits. They were a leader in the separates market, producing lines with many different coordinating pieces. They also became known for a special no-iron fabric they developed called Koratron.
In 1979, a year after Stephanie’s death, Koret was bought by Levi Strauss and in the early 1980s Joe passed away. Koret continued as part of the Kellwood Corporation until 2012. The line went on to be sold at mid-priced stores like Macy’s.
Written by fuzzylizzie