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Embracing 30 Years of Evolution: The Story of SABRINA Stockings

In July 2026, GUNZE Co., Ltd. will celebrate its 130th anniversary, reflecting on the journey of its iconic stockings brand, SABRINA. Launched in 1995, SABRINA has continually adapted and survived within the changing stockings market, maintaining its status as a “basic” brand for almost three decades.

SABRINA stands out not only as a product but as a brand that has evolved through seven significant updates, consistently addressing the changing needs and values of its customers. This commitment assures that SABRINA remains relevant to modern consumers with every new generation.

Evolution of Stockings: From Practicality to Fashion

Stockings began as functional garments for warmth and presentation. The mini-skirt boom in the 1960s popularized pantyhose, leading to a new fusion of comfort and fashion that changed perceptions around legwear. As Western fashion spread across Japan, stockings transitioned from mere leg coverings to essential fashion items.

The significant transformation of the stockings market began in the early 1990s with the introduction of a new knitting technique, known as “zokki knitting.” This method minimized the visibility of horizontal lines that previous products showcased and enhanced the natural transparency and fit of the stockings, leading to the birth of SABRINA in 1995.

The Journey of Innovation: Overcoming Challenges

SABRINA achieved remarkable success by marrying durability and fit with aesthetic appeal. The brand's continuous evolution stems from its understanding of female consumers and their desires, coupled with a response to the unique challenges faced by each generation regarding legwear. Unlike many other leg accessory brands, SABRINA has undergone seven product renewals over its 30-year history, a rare feat in the market.

Throughout its journey, SABRINA addressed women's evolving preferences:

• - Looking beautiful without discomfort.
• - A desire for comfort even in summer's heat.
• - A push for durability without compromising style.

From 1995 to 2013, SABRINA launched several innovative products, including the 2000 “SABRINA Proportion,” which featured a graduated compression design for a beautiful leg silhouette, and “SABRINA Summer” in 2002 for UV protection. The brand emphasized not just wearing but enhancing beauty and comfort through its legwear.

A Commitment to Quality: The Core Values of SABRINA

In 2014, marking 20 years since its inception, SABRINA underwent a complete renewal. It introduced the revolutionary patent-pending “Fusion on Knitting” technology to achieve unmatched transparency and durability simultaneously, which is a challenge many other brands could not meet. The brand firmly established its identity with the motto “Strong, Gentle, and Beautiful.” As comfort evolved, so did its product names, evolving into “Natural” (for a smooth finish) and “Shape” (for compression).

In recent years, SABRINA has continued to adapt to consumer desires, producing a