BASF Collaborates with Wacoal for a Slimmer, Durable, and Pleasant Bra Cup Solution using Elastollan® TPU

BASF has collaborated with Wacoal, a major lingerie brand located in Japan, to co-develop specific bra cup applications for sports and activewear utilising Elastollan® TPU-based non-woven fibre.

This material breakthrough is consistent with Wacoal's overall commitment to upgrading bra cup technology, as evidenced by its independently created "Melooop" technology, which creates three-dimensional designs utilising the melt-blown method with mono-material fibre, boosting recyclability and minimising waste.

"At Wacoal, we create sports bras that provide comfort in action and confidence throughout the day. We can improve how the bra cup responds to movement by adding Elastollan TPU while keeping it lightweight and malleable', said Keisuke Kawanishi, Wacoal's Representative Director, President, and CEO.

Wacoal improves important performance features in bra cup design by using Elastollan TPU, which addresses common issues associated with traditional materials such as deformation after repeated washing, limited ventilation, and decreased durability over time. The material's lightweight flexibility, form retention, and mechanical strength all contribute to increased movement comfort and product longevity.

Elastollan TPU also provides increased design flexibility, allowing for thinner, lower-profile designs while maintaining structural integrity. This enables more differentiated product designs that fit with changing consumer expectations.

"As sports activities increasingly influence everyday fashion, advanced material solutions such as Elastollan TPU - which is engineered to deliver consistent mechanical performance under dynamic conditions - can elevate apparel design, comfort, and performance of activewear," said Rohit Roop Ghosh, Vice President, Business Management TPU, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.

Source: BASF