09.05.2002

japantoday > sport

World Cup bra a new kind of fan support

A model shows off a bra commemorating the World Cup in Tokyo on Wednesday. REUTERS NEWS PHOTO

TOKYO — Female soccer fans who feel they need a little extra support at the Korea-Japan World Cup could take to the spectators' stands in a specially designed "Hat Trick" bra.

Available only in soccer-pitch green, the polyester bra features football-shaped pads in black and white imitation leather, topped off with a trim designed to resemble a goal net.

Included in the 17,000 yen price tag is a pair of matching briefs, printed with an image of hands catching a ball. The three balls on the set make the hat trick, creators said.

"This year the World Cup will be held in different countries — in Japan and Korea," said Christian Thoma, an executive at Triumph International.

"We thought it's a perfect fit for our products. We've got right cup and left cup. You can consider the right cup as Japan and the left cup is Korea or the other way around."

Manufacturers Triumph International say the underwear, which will be available in a limited edition of 100 sets from Japanese department stores before the tournament kick-off on May 31, is a perfect fit for the more daring of Japan's female soccer fans.

"More than 50% of Japanese soccer fans are ladies. I talked to a few of them and they said they wouldn't even be scared to wear this product openly during a soccer game, so it is quite encouraging," Thoma said. (Reuters News)

(c) Reuters News 2002

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