Foundation (1886)

Triumph originated as a small corset workshop founded by Johann Gottfried Spiesshofer, a corset maker, and Michael Braun, a merchant. Operations began in a barn in Heubach, Germany, with just six employees and six sewing machines. The founders’ initial objective was to manufacture high-quality corsets that balanced aesthetic appeal with comfort.1

Birth of the Triumph Brand (1902)

As the business grew internationally, the founders renamed the company Triumph in 1902. This name was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, symbolising excellence, strength, and achievement.1

Expansion into Bras

The decline in popularity of traditional corsets during the early 20th century generated demand for more comfortable undergarments. In response, Triumph launched its first bra in 1922, marking a pivotal transition into modern lingerie manufacturing.1

Throughout the twentieth century, Triumph established a reputation for numerous industry innovations:

• Among the first companies to produce bras without front fastenings.
• Pioneered interchangeable bra straps.
• Early developer of seamless moulded cups.
• Introduced lightweight Lycra-based bras.
• Expanded rapidly across Europe and Asia.
• Became one of Europe’s largest lingerie manufacturers by the mid-1930s.12

Following World War II, Triumph pursued aggressive expansion by establishing sales offices, design studios, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centres. By the 1960s, the brand had entered the Asian market via Hong Kong and was selling products in 92 countries. Over subsequent decades, it grew to become one of the largest lingerie companies globally.1

Triumph designs products focused on everyday comfort, support, and style. Major product lines include:

• Everyday bras
• T-shirt bras
• Full-coverage bras
• Minimizer bras
• Wireless bras
• Push-up bras
• Sports bras
• Nursing bras
• Shapewear
• Panties
• Briefs
• Sleepwear
• Loungewear
• Lingerie accessories

The brand caters to women across a diverse range of body shapes, cup sizes, and age groups.

Triumph emphasises exceptional fit, comfort without compromising style, technical innovation, long-lasting quality, inclusive sizing, and products designed for everyday wear. Recent brand messaging highlights individuality, focusing on creating intimate wear that suits different lifestyles and personal preferences.123

Some of Triumph’s best-known collections include:

• Doreen – Launched in 1966; recognised as one of the world’s best-selling bras, noted for support and comfort.1
• Amourette
• Body Make-Up
• True Shape Sensation
• Flex Smart
• Ladyform Soft
• Essential Minimizer
• Triaction (sports lingerie)

The Triumph Group owns several brands, including:

• Triumph – Premium lingerie
• sloggi – Comfort-focused underwear and bodywear (introduced in 1979)
• Triaction – Sports bra collection under the Triumph brand12

Triumph invests significantly in bra fitting technology, ergonomic design, lightweight fabrics, breathable materials, seamless construction, stretch fabrics, sustainable textiles, and wire-free support systems. The company is particularly recognised for engineering bras that provide support while maximising comfort.

Triumph has increasingly focused on reducing environmental impact, improving supply-chain transparency, using more sustainable materials, responsible manufacturing, ethical sourcing, and lowering carbon emissions. The company publishes sustainability reports detailing its environmental, social, and governance initiatives.12

Today, Triumph products are sold through brand-owned boutiques, department stores, franchise partners, online stores, and authorised retailers. The brand maintains a particularly strong presence in Europe, Southeast Asia, India, China, Japan, Australia, and Latin America.

Over the years, Triumph has collaborated with internationally recognised models and celebrities. During the 1990s, supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Helena Christensen represented the brand in advertising campaigns.1

Triumph positions itself around four core values: comfort, quality, innovation, and individuality. Its modern slogan and campaigns emphasise helping women feel confident and comfortable, recognising that fit is both physical and personal.13

With nearly 140 years of history, Triumph has evolved from a small German corset workshop into one of the world’s leading lingerie companies. It has influenced the development of modern intimate apparel through innovations in bra construction, materials, and fit, while maintaining a reputation for durable, comfortable, and technically advanced products.12

1. Our Story – Triumph Group – Maker of Lingerie
2. About the Company | Triumph Lingerie
3. Celebrating The Individual