Story perspectives

Zhang Rongming Revolutionizes China's Lingerie Industry with Innovation

3/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Zhang Rongming, 64, from Suzhou, Jiangsu, is the founder and chairman of Aimer.
He started as a metallurgy and chemistry lecturer and developed coated blades in the late 1980s.
In 1991, he discovered a shape-memory alloy and used it to make steel rings for bras.
The innovation addressed gaps in Chinese lingerie and appeared less comfortable than Japanese products.
Zhang's entrepreneurial spirit and market insight influenced China's intimate apparel sector.

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Story summary

Zhang Rongming, 64, from Suzhou, Jiangsu, is the founder and chairman of Aimer.
He started as a metallurgy and chemistry lecturer and developed coated blades in the late 1980s.
In 1991, he discovered a shape-memory alloy and used it to make steel rings for bras.
The innovation addressed gaps in Chinese lingerie and appeared less comfortable than Japanese products.
Zhang's entrepreneurial spirit and market insight influenced China's intimate apparel sector.