Wacoal Corporation (株式会社ワコール Kabushiki-gaisha Wakōru?) is a worldwide lingerie manufacturer and marketer headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.
It is a subsidiary wholly owned by Wacoal Holdings Corporation (株式会社ワコールホールディングス Kabushiki-gaisha Wakōru Hōrudingusu?) (TYO: 3591, JASDAQ: 3591, OTCQX: WACLY).
Wako Shoji (precursor to Wako Corp.) was founded by Koichi Tsukamoto in 1946. The brand’s promotions often features female celebrities, such as ‘Empress of pop’ Ayumi Hamasaki in 2008 and 2009.
Products
Wacoal produces brassieres, panties, shapewear, camisoles and accessories. Wacoal spends nearly six months designing every bra and panty. Wacoal makes bras in sizes from 30A to 44G, although there is currently a AA-cup available in a 32 band and an H-cup available in a 42 band. Wacoal uses American cup sizing (as opposed to what the industry refers to as “British” or “European”); D is followed by DD and DDD, then G and H. There are no products designated as E or F-cup.
In 1999, Wacoal launched an Awareness Bra campaign in conjunction with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In 2002, Pink Ribbon activities started.
b.tempt’d
In 2009, Wacoal successfully launched b.tempt’d by Wacoal. This lingerie brand was designed to entice the “young-minded woman” with “sexy, sophisticated, and flirty” lingerie. b.tempt’d also retains Wacoal’s signature trademarks of exceptional quality, fit, and service.
