Wacoal traces its origins to 1946, when Koichi Tsukamoto established Wako Shoji in Kyoto, Japan. Initially, the company focused on supplying clothing materials during Japan’s post-war reconstruction. As Western-style fashion became increasingly popular among Japanese women, the company shifted toward manufacturing bras and intimate apparel.

The business officially became Wako Co., Ltd. in 1949 and began producing women’s undergarments. During the 1950s, the company introduced several innovations in bra design and manufacturing, helping modernize Japan’s lingerie industry. In 1957, the company adopted the name Wacoal, which has remained its global brand identity ever since. [2]

Origin of the Name

The name Wacoal evolved from the original company name Wako Shoji. According to the company, “Wa” represents harmony, while “Ko” references the founder’s hometown region in Shiga Prefecture. The name was modified for international expansion, resulting in the distinctive brand name “Wacoal.” [3]

Wacoal operates under Wacoal Holdings Corporation, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. The group manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including:

• Bras

• Panties

• Shapewear

• Lingerie

• Sleepwear

• Sports bras

• Hosiery

• Swimwear

• Maternity and nursing lingerie

• Selected outerwear and apparel

Over the decades, the company has expanded through subsidiaries and acquisitions, building a portfolio of well-known lingerie brands while maintaining a strong presence in both luxury and everyday intimate apparel markets. [4]

Wacoal’s corporate mission is centered on helping women express confidence and beauty through high-quality, well-fitting intimate apparel. Rather than focusing solely on fashion, the brand emphasizes:

• Scientific product development

• Individual body diversity

• Comfort and long-term wearability

• Premium craftsmanship

• Customer education on bra fitting

The company’s philosophy combines functional engineering with elegant design, aiming to improve both comfort and confidence. [5]

One of Wacoal’s defining strengths is its investment in body research. In 1964, the company established the Human Science Research Center, which studies women’s body shapes, movement, and changes throughout different life stages.

Using decades of anthropometric data collected from women worldwide, Wacoal designs products that better match real body shapes rather than relying on standardized sizing alone. This research has contributed to the company’s reputation for superior fit and support. [6]

Wacoal offers an extensive collection of intimate apparel designed for different body types and lifestyles, including:

• Everyday bras

• Full-support bras

• Wireless bras

• T-shirt bras

• Lace lingerie

• Push-up bras

• Minimizer bras

• Sports bras

• Shapewear

• Seamless underwear

• Maternity and nursing bras

• Sleepwear and loungewear

• Swimwear (in selected markets)

Its products are generally positioned in the premium to upper-mid price segment. [7]

Since the 1960s and 1970s, Wacoal has expanded beyond Japan into major international markets. Today, the company operates across:

• Japan

• China

• Hong Kong

• Taiwan

• South Korea

• Thailand

• Vietnam

• Singapore

• Malaysia

• Philippines

• Indonesia

• United States

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• Europe

• Australia

Its products are available through department stores, specialty lingerie boutiques, online platforms, and company-owned retail stores. [8]

Wacoal is widely recognized for:

• Exceptional bra fitting

• Durable construction

• Premium materials

• Comfort for everyday wear

• Wide size ranges

• Elegant yet functional designs

The brand is particularly respected among consumers seeking high-quality lingerie with strong support and long-lasting performance rather than fast-fashion styling.

In recent years, Wacoal has increased its focus on sustainability through initiatives that include:

• More environmentally conscious manufacturing

• Responsible sourcing of materials

• Reduction of environmental impact

• Corporate social responsibility programs

• Workplace diversity and employee development

These efforts form part of the broader sustainability strategy of Wacoal Holdings. [9]

Philippine Wacoal Corporation was established in 1989 to distribute Wacoal products locally. The company imports products from various Wacoal manufacturing facilities across Asia and supplies department stores, specialty retailers, and official online channels throughout the Philippines. [10]

The Wacoal logo is based on the letter “W” and is designed to resemble a blooming flower formed by flowing ribbons. According to the company, it symbolizes femininity, elegance, softness, and the company’s aspiration for continuous growth and innovation. [11]

1. Group History | About Wacoal Group | WACOAL HOLDINGS CORP.

2. FAQs | IR | WACOAL HOLDINGS CORP.

3. About Us

4. About Us | Philippine Wacoal

5. Wacoal

6. Wacoal Philippines’ 35th Anniversary of Celebrating Every Woman – Philippine Wacoal

7. Wacoal’s Heritage

8. About Us

9. About Us – Wacoal

10. Turning Point | About Wacoal Group | WACOAL HOLDINGS CORP.

11. Philippine Wacoal | Authentic & Trusted High Quality Lingerie Brand