Playtex Undergarments and Personal Care

Founded in 1932 by Abraham Nathaniel Spanel as the International Latex Company (ILC), Playtex initially focused on latex-based products like swim caps and gloves. The brand name itself is a portmanteau of 'Play' and 'Latex.' Over the decades, it became a household name through revolutionary products like the 'Cross Your Heart' bra and its specialized baby feeding systems and tampons.

In 1988, Playtex split its apparel and consumer products divisions into separate entities. This led to a bifurcated ownership structure: the personal care and baby products side eventually became part of Edgewell Personal Care, while the apparel division (bras and panties) was acquired by HanesBrands Inc. Today, the brand remains a global leader in both the intimate apparel and personal hygiene markets, although production has transitioned from its original New York roots to a global supply chain including facilities in the Americas and Asia.