Underwire: December 2021 ‘Friction vs Non-Friction’

Burbank Jenette Bras Blue Hour Hour

I’m in a business coaching program, have been for years. My daughter calls it “the cult”, but it’s not. I mean, cult-lite at the most. There’s a little jargon involved, but we don’t get branded. I was talking with another member last month. She’s a beautiful “woman of a certain age” like myself, charismatic and accomplished, world traveller, owns two companies, holds a double M.A. from Stanford, has homes in Hawaii and Silicon Valley, and possesses a smashingly ...continued

Underwire: November 2021 ‘Finance and Finery’

saleswomen 1969

Blake Snyder, in his wonderful book on screenwriting Save the Cat!, describes a subtle beat that happens in every successful script: the Theme Stated. It’s a seemingly offhand remark, often delivered by a minor character, that neatly sums up the driving idea of the film. In Netflix’ gruesomely watchable Squid Game, the moment comes near the end of Episode 3:

**SPOILER**

The game in this episode involves carving shapes out of ...continued

Meet our Managers!

As many of you know, we are a family-run company: my husband designs the stores and oversees all building and branding, edits the final draft of all copy and placement of each chair (oh, you think I’m kidding?) and I’m CEO and Head of Marketing.

We have grown organically, without investors, by investing the profits back into the business and into our people. We cross-train everyone across all departments, giving each employee the opportunity to master new tasks ...continued

Underwire: October 2021

In each Jenette Bras store, one wall in the front room is painted with a simple grid. The direct inspiration for that was the gridded notebook paper I used for my earliest inventory system, but the real message of it is order, logic, engineering, planning. It’s a subtle counterbalance to the riot of emotions and sensuality that I intend should hold sway in the fitting room.

It’s a reminder of the other side of the culture I’m working to build here: we talk straight. Jokes, ...continued

Underwire September ’21: China, China, China

lingerie seamstresses

We had a disgruntled client the other day–yes, even Jenette Bras does not please everybody–who saw the “Made in China” label on a PrimaDonna bra she was trying on and stormed out of the shop, fuming about “Chinese crap at French prices!” I begrudgingly have to admire the snap of that phrasing. I wouldn’t blame her if she tweeted it out. On an iphone 12. Assembled in Shenzhen.

Snark aside, Chinese manufacturing is pretty competitive these days, obviously in ...continued

What Lies Beneath

Product

Bordelle this season dives deep into the subconscious, drawing inspiration from the glowing creatures of the sea with its AUREA collection in deep Eden green flecked with purple tendrils.

24K gold plated hardware, customized satin elastic bands, and a bespoke design of embroidery on soft tulle evoke the multi-colored bioluminescence of deep sea creatures. Handmade in the UK.

Hold your breath.

AUREA COLLECTION
Lace Soft Bra
Lace ...continued

Underwire: August 2021

This Underwire is late. I am late. I can’t find my phone charger, my keys or even a can opener. This is because I’ve just returned to Los Angeles after an unexpected stay in Atlanta of over a year and half, and now I find myself in a house with five working adults, one shower, one pick-up truck and six cats. We are gingerly staking out our territories – the cats and I – so unpacking my life contained in two suitcases was about all I could manage last week. So this is going ...continued

What’s a ‘Molded’ Bra?

Knowledge Product
bra cup grading diagram

The term ‘molded’ actually refers to the technology that is used to make the cups. In the molding process, a pliable material is given a specific shape by forcing it into a mold and holding it within a rigid cavity at high temperature.
All knit fabrics made from synthetic fibers, such as poly-satin are suitable for molding, including non-woven and Spacer fabrics, as well as polyurethane foam sheets from which the stiffer ‘contour’ bra is made.

What’s ‘Spacer Fabric?’

Unlike regular, 2D fabrics, Spacer uses ...continued

How to Put on a Bra

Knowledge

There’s a way to put on a bra that reduces some of the pooch and pucker that all living and breathing humans have. I teach the method known as the Swoop and Scoop:

Lean forward in your bra and let gravity pull your breasts down into the cups.
In this position reach into your armpit and over to your back, using the flat of your hand to smooth ALL of your breast tissue into the cup.
Straighten back up, making sure the underwire is up against the root of your breasts
Now with ...continued