While retail business has been seriously affected by the global recession, WishRoom, a Tokyo-based online lingerie shop, has been attracting more and more customers, especially male customers, who are interested in its funky Men’s Bra Collection, according to Masayuki Tsutiya, president of WishRoom.
The business kicked out last November, when the first 160 pieces were for sale online. By March, WishRoom had purchased 4,500 pieces to meet the growing demand, Tsutiya told Asahi Shimbun, the leading newspaper in Japan.
But why are guys buying bra anyway? They love the feeling of being restricted.
"The tight feeling gives me energy to deal with my work," said a 40-year old system engineer who’s been secretly wearing bra for over 10 years.
Some people may think men’s bra is exactly the same as women’s, but Tsutiya said it’s not.
"Men’s bra is only available in A cup, with sizes ranging from 80 to 95 cm. And they are all made of highly elastic material because usually men move more extensively than women," he said.
"I use to be asked if there were bras for men in our shop, later I thought that might be a business opportunity," he added.
Available in black,white and pink, the sexy accessory is much more expensive than its female version with prices being 2940 yen (US$30) each, or 3339 yen (US$35) for those covered with lace.
WishRoom’ s Men’s Room also has a selection of tiny panties and camisoles.