Gossard
United States
Gossard is a historic lingerie brand founded in Chicago in 1901 by Henry Williamson Gossard and later based in Nottingham. According to Wikipedia, which quotes the company website, it ceased trading and entered liquidation on 14 May 2026.
| Founded | 1901, Chicago |
|---|---|
| Founder | Henry Williamson Gossard |
| Base | Nottingham, United Kingdom |
| Status | Reported in liquidation from 14 May 2026 |
| Segment | Lingerie, swimwear and hosiery |
What is Gossard?
Gossard began as H. W. Gossard Co. in Chicago in 1901. Wikipedia says Henry Williamson Gossard was inspired by a corset worn by actress Sarah Bernhardt in a Paris performance. The business grew quickly and flourished in the 1920s.
History
In 1928 it was reorganised as a division of Associated Apparel Industries, Inc., and in 1933 stockholders of a previously acquired firm filed a bankruptcy petition against the company. It then reformed as a British company, and during the Second World War it made parachutes, sails and bras. Courtaulds Textile Group acquired it in 1959. In 2007 it was briefly owned by the French firm DBApparel before returning to Courtaulds.
Products and positioning
Gossard made women's undergarments, hosiery, lingerie, bras and corsets. Wikipedia names its Glossies line and the Wonderbra campaign among its best known associations. It was positioned in the UK mid-market.
Current status
Wikipedia states that Gossard has no current owner and quotes the company website as saying it has officially ceased trading and entered liquidation effective 14 May 2026. This is a single-source statement, and it should be confirmed against the liquidator's notice before being relied upon.
- Founded: 1901, Chicago
- Later base: Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Status: reported in liquidation from 14 May 2026
Why it matters
Gossard is one of the oldest British lingerie names, and its history from corsetry to branded bras and a reported liquidation illustrates the long-term consolidation of the UK lingerie industry.
Frequently asked questions
Who owned Gossard?
Gossard was owned by Courtaulds Textile Group from 1959, with a brief period under French firm DBApparel in 2007. Wikipedia says it has no current owner after entering liquidation in 2026.
Where is Gossard from?
Gossard was founded in Chicago in 1901 and later became a British company based in Nottingham.