Hanes Class Action Challenges L’eggs Hosiery ‘Run Resistant’ Label

Hanes, maker of L’eggs brand hosiery and socks, faces a class action lawsuit alleging the company deceptively markets its products as containing “innovative run resistant technology.”

Lead plaintiffs Judith Rodriguez and MaryAnn Riedel allege in their class action complaint that they paid a premium for L’eggs brand pantyhose, including the Silken Mist Ultra Sheer Leg with Control Top in Black Mist.

The plaintiffs says they paid more for L’eggs because they thought the “innovative run resistant technology” would allow them to last longer.

However, the lawsuit states that they were disappointed when the products developed tears and holes at the same rate as any other less expensive brand.

The L’eggs class action lawsuit alleges that Hanes “develops and manufactures sock, tights and hosiery products for consumers and professional markets.”

According to the Hanes class action, the plaintiffs paid approximately $6.99 for each pair of L’eggs they bought. However, the plaintiffs point out that multiple other types of pantyhose cost at least $1 cheaper.

Several types of L’eggs are sold with purportedly “run resistant technology,” alleges the plaintiff, including various colors of Silken Mist Ultra Sheer and Silken Mist Silky Sheer, along with two packs of the brands.

“Through an extensive, widespread, comprehensive and uniform marketing campaign, Defendant has engaged in, and continues to engage in, unconscionable business practices and deceptive acts in connection with the marketing and sale of the Products, which has injured Plaintiffs and the putative class,” the Hanes class action states.

According to the lawsuit, Hanes’ marketing of L’eggs “led Plaintiffs and reasonable customers to believe that the Products’ ‘innovative run resistant technology’ will prevent more runs compared to non-L’eggs socks, tights or hosiery.” The complaint contains pictures of boxes that allegedly contain L’eggs brand product have a yellow circle that says “Run Resistant.”

“Plaintiffs purchased the Products assuming that the Defendant’s claims about the quality and technology of the Products are truthful and accurate,” argue the plaintiffs. “In reality, the Products feel no different than regular hosiery products and do not merit any pricing premium.”

According to the Hanes class action lawsuit, “Defendant has reaped enormous profits from their false, misleading and deceptive marketing and sale of the Products.”

The plaintiffs seek to represent a nationwide Class of consumers who made retail purchases of L’eggs brand products, as well as a New York subclass.

According to the complaint, Hanes allegedly deceptive marketing of L’eggs needs to be stopped by an injunction and constitutes a violation of New York business law, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and unjust enrichment.

In addition to the injunction, the plaintiffs are seeking damages and attorneys’ fees, as well as asking Hanes to disgorge any unjustly obtained profits from the allegedly deceptive marketing campaign.

The plaintiffs are represented by C.K. Lee and Anne Seelig of Lee Litigation Group PLLC.

The L’eggs “Run Resistant” Class Action Lawsuit is Judith Rodriguez, et. al. v. Hanesbrands Inc., Case No. 1:17-cv-01612, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.