Articles

Seeking Comfort & Affordability: UNIQLO's AIRism Absorbent Sanitary Panties

2023.06.28

In addition to sanitary napkins, tampons, and birth control pills, there are now a range of options including absorbent panties, menstrual cups, and menstrual discs. Many people may be keen to incorporate as many comfortable items as possible for daily use that remains consistent during menstruation.

Amid these developments, UNIQLO's AIRism Absorbent Sanitary Panties (hereafter, absorbent panties) have been garnering attention. Released in the fall of 2020 as UNIQLO's first absorbent panties, they provide comfortable wear at an affordable cost of less than 2,000 yen.

More and more people are considering these absorbent panties as a new option. In this feature, we delve into the background of the development of the absorbent panties through an interview with Kanoko Takenokuchi, Head of the Women's Merchandising Department at UNIQLO Global Merchandise Division, who was instrumental in their creation.

PROFILE

Kanoko Takenokuchi

Head of Women's Merchandising Department, UNIQLO Co., Ltd.
Joined UNIQLO in 1996 and worked on the opening of stores in London before temporarily leaving the company. Returned to UNIQLO in 2006 and has served as Merchandising Official (MD) for categories like T-shirts and shirts. Currently responsible for the development of women's innerwear products, 'AIRism Face Masks', and the globally trending 'Small Round Shoulder Bag'.

The First Step Toward Absorbent Panties

Firstly, could you tell us about the background of UNIQLO's focus on absorbent panties?

Well, absorbent panties themselves came to the market over 10 years ago. At that time, they were still a new concept in Japan, but their presence was growing overseas.

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