Wacoal
Wacoal Holdings Corp. · Japan
Wacoal is a Japanese lingerie company founded on 1 November 1949 in Kyoto by Koichi Tsukamoto. It is operated by the Tokyo-listed Wacoal Holdings and owns brands such as Fantasie, Freya and Elomi.
| Founded | 1949 (1 November) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Koichi Tsukamoto |
| Headquarters | Kyoto, Japan |
| Owner | Wacoal Holdings (TYO: 3591) |
| Segment | Lingerie, swimwear and hosiery |
What is Wacoal?
Wacoal is a Japanese maker of women's lingerie and underwear, founded in 1949 by Koichi Tsukamoto and based in Kyoto. According to Wikipedia, Wacoal Holdings trades on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the code 3591.
Products and brands
The group markets lingerie and underwear under the brands Wacoal, b.tempt'd, Elomi, Eveden, Fantasie, Freya, Lively and Goddess.
Business model and distribution
- Divisions in North America and Europe.
- US entry in 1985, selling through department stores.
- Thai subsidiary Thai Wacoal, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
- A production plant in Vietnam, established in 1997.
Research and technology
The company set up its Human Science Research Center in 1964 to carry out scientific research on women's beauty, health and bodies for product development. The sources reviewed do not describe specific digital or 3D technologies, so none are claimed here.
Why it matters
Wacoal is one of the longest-established lingerie groups in Asia, with a global portfolio that includes several specialist Western brands. It is a useful reference for how a research-led Japanese company expanded into department store channels in the United States and Europe. Current leadership and revenue are not covered in the sources reviewed and are not stated here.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Wacoal?
Wacoal is operated by Wacoal Holdings, a public company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under the code 3591.
Where is Wacoal from?
Wacoal is a Japanese brand founded in 1949 and based in Kyoto.