United Legwear Milestones
Founded in New York City in 1998 by Isaac E. Ash, United Legwear & Apparel Co. (ULAC) is a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of apparel, legwear, accessories and bodywear. One of the leading resources in the industry, ULAC offers a full range of fashion products for the whole family.
1985
BEGINNING IN BROOKLYN
Isaac Ash begins selling unbranded socks for his family’s NYC business – Ash E. Socks & Hosiery out of the trunk of his mother’s Mercedes.
1999
UNITED LEGWEAR IS FOUNDED
PUMA NORTH AMERICA grants Isaac the license to PUMA’s sock business.
2008
LEADERSHIP IS REINFORCED
Christopher Volpe joins United Legwear as Chief Operating and Financial Officer.
2008
-2011
GOING GLOBAL
United Legwear makes it's mark across the map with infrastructure established in North America and Asia.
2015
CATEGORY EXPANSION INTO APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES
United Legwear enters into a Joint Venture with PUMA and expands its design, manufacturing and distribution to include PUMA clothes, kids’ apparel, bags, backpacks, hats and sports equipment, having successfully expanded the partnership from socks to include lounge wear, and underwear.
SAME INTEGRITY, NEW COMPANY NAME
With more than 9 brands in the legwear and apparel categories, United Legwear officially becomes United Legwear & Apparel Co.
PUMA KIDS LAUNCH
ULAC marks the PUMA Kids Apparel NA, LLC Joint Venture in North America with a fashion show celebrating the launch of its Spring/Summer 2015 line, where ULAC will handle production, sales, marketing and distribution of PUMA children’s apparel from infant through boys’ size 20 and girls’ size 16.
2016
CHARITY IS A CORE TENANT
ULAC is aligned with it's joint venture and brand partners in giving back to the community. For example, each year we contribute to the Skechers Pier-to-Pier Friendship Walk, which raises funds to support children with special needs and their families, supports public education foundations, and funds a national college scholarship program.
2019
ISAAC E. ASH HONORED AS PERSON OF THE YEAR
The American Apparel & Footwear Association recognizes Isaac Ash as Person of the Year as one of the American Image Awards Honorees, for his leadership as CEO of United Legwear & Apparel Co.
2020
ULAC GOES TO CALI
ULAC becomes a licensed partner of the iconic men’s surf brand Hurley, which brings further product category expansion into men’s apparel, underwear, legwear and flip-flops, and expands its product, sales, marketing, production and planning teams to the west coast on Hurley’s Costa Mesa campus.
PURCHASED THE PRO PLAYER BRAND
ULAC acquires the legacy sport brand PRO PLAYER.
2021
FURTHER EXPANSION INTO MEN’S APPAREL
With the acquisition of the Van Heusen license in North America for men’s casual apparel (polos, tees, pants) and Arrow’s men’s shirts license, ULAC firmly establishes itself within the men’s apparel space.
2022
NEW NORTH AMERICAN LANDMARK BREAKS GROUND
Construction of the largest Distribution Center presently in development in the United States, which will become United Legwear & Apparel Co.'s Beaumont, California facility, is initiated.
PUMA LAUNCHES PUMA SWIM
PUMA celebrates its 75th anniversary by taking a deep dive with longstanding JV partner ULAC in introducing swimwear for the first time in the U.S. market.
2023
EXPANDS GLOBAL REACH
ULAC extends its global reach through Scotch & Soda and Ted Baker license acquisitions, while United Legwear Europe BV is established in the Netherlands.
2024
SKECHERS EXPANDS TO EU AND UK
Expansion of 20-year licensing partnership with global lifestyle and performance footwear and apparel brand Skechers to include distribution in the European Union and the United Kingdom.
25 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP
PUMA honored United Legwear & Apparel Co. for 25 years of partnership and the trajectory that led from a North American legwear license to a J.V. partnership that includes multiple product categories.
“ULAC has been around for the past quarter of a century. We are excited to keep growing throughout the next 25 years.”
Isaac E. Ash
CEO & Founder
