All year, we've been eagerly awaiting summer's balmy, warm climate.

The irony, of course, is that as soon as temperatures rise, we'll scurry to the closest body of water to cool off. Whether you're heading to a coastal cottage or the local pool, swimsuit accessories are gateway to more than just style—they also make for a more practical beach experience.

As the sun sets on the shore, having solid swimsuit accessories on-hand means being able to seamlessly transition from beach to bar—or dock to dinner. Knowing how to style your swimsuits is also an art that can be effortlessly achieved with a few essentials.

Ideally, you'll want a collection of staples that can be easily mixed and matched, paired with different swimsuits, and thrown together without too much thought. Think: light linen fabrics, crochet cover ups, and vibrant pops of color.

Fun, relaxed fits are the essence of summer style. At the beach, or by the pool, none of the usual conventions of fashion apply. And when it comes to crafting the perfect beach day look, we're leaning into swimsuit accessories that accentuate style and comfort.

Crochet Coverups

Few beach day essentials are as versatile as a coverup. With semi-transparent fashion fully having a moment, a crochet-knit beach dress or skirt can be effortlessly styled with a vibrant swimsuit. Add in a sexy side seam and tie details, and you're ready for cocktail hour. You'll feel elegant—even if your toes are still full of sand.

Swim Rosette

Bring on the romance with the season's most coveted swimwear accessory: the rosette. We're in love with this low-effort, high-style floral accessory that easily attaches to all your one-pieces, bikinis, and coverups. Designed with swimwear fabric, this three-dimensional bloom gives your swimsuits a fun, flirty feel. 

Bold Lip Colors

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Maybe it's hot out and you're not in the mood to wear anything but your string bikini. We fully endorse this and recommend kicking things up a notch with the addition of bold lipstick. This little burst of color—like bright coral or deep red—makes for a striking accessory and a perfectly playful beach day look that will stand out.

Lightweight Pants

If you're on a pool-to-patio pipeline this summer, poolside shorts, breezy button-downs, and lightweight pants are a requisite. Look for loose drawstrings, flowy wide legs, side-slit joggers, and breathable silhouettes. These styles combine fashion with function for comfortable wear. Plus, we're suckers for anything with pockets.

Hats and Hair Accessories

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When it comes to cultivating your personal swim style, your hair may be an untapped resource. If you're looking to keep your fresh blowout dry anyway, might as well make it cute with your choice of cowboy hats, barrettes, headbands, or scrunchies. Even a handy sarong can double as a hair accessory and add a sense of flair (and sun protection) to your look.

Sarong Styling

Sarongs may be an obvious choice, but what's less obvious are the virtually endless styling possibilities it can infuse into your swim style. For a classic look, you can drape it around your waste or hips, wear it around your shoulders, or transform it into a scarf in an instant.

For a vintage-inspired look, tie a sarong around your neck like a neckerchief or style it as a hair accessory by wearing it pulled back in your hair, or tied up in a ponytail. Sarongs are a beach mainstay for a reason: they add a touch of chic to any beachwear.

Beach-Ready Jewelry

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Jewelry may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of heading seaside—but the power of well-placed necklace or dainty anklet is not to be underestimated. With bold, maximalist jewelry having a moment, our recommendation is take your beaded pieces, vivid gemstones, and chunky bracelets straight to the beach.

But it’s not just about choosing the right jewelry; it’s also about how you style them. Layering various metals, like stacking bangles or combining different chain lengths, will add instant depth to your swim style. A simple swimsuit design can be paired with unconventional shapes and statement pieces, whereas a bold swimsuit can be contrasted by dainty gems.

Functional Footwear

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Unless you're starring in a music video (or capturing the perfect bikini shot, like Andie Johnston), heels—and any kind of fancy footwear, really—is a no-go for waterside activities. But just because we don't want your leather loafers to smell like chlorine doesn't mean you shouldn't spring for footwear that complements your beach ensemble.

If you know you're going to be walking around, flat sandals and espadrilles are your friend. Otherwise, there's no going wrong with flip-flops. When it comes to beach footwear, excessive spending need not apply. In fact, the simpler the better.

Eyewear Essentials

This is an obvious one, but nearly every summer vacation look starts with a pair of sunglasses. They're the ultimate functional accessory, at once making you look instantly chic while protecting your eyes from the sun's glare.

When it comes to beach eyewear, polarized lenses are a must. But, otherwise, have fun with it. Find a shape that matches your aesthetic, from retro cat eyes to classic black shades. Alternatively, opt for a bold, color coordinated hue that ties your beach ensemble together.

Before you know it, your inner thighs are overtaken with salty sweat—salt in the newly formed broken skin taking shape in your inner thighs. A cute seasonal outfit moment is ruined; a day at the beach cut short so you can run home to tend to your shredded inner thighs. 

Frankly, it's unfair. Humans have evolved for hundreds of thousands of years and, yet, our apex form is one in which our thighs are absolutely ravaged by the alchemy of friction and sweat. Maybe that's how our ancestors first discovered fire? Jury's still out. 

Evolutionary flaws aside, there are ways to help prevent chafing and skin irritation. Humidity be damned, what we're after are inner thighs that glide smoothly against one another.

With that, here's a look at some of the solutions in our anti-chafing arsenal. 

Thigh Savers Are Friends to Inner Thighs Everywhere

Did you really think we were going to leave your inner thighs to fend for themselves? Clearly, thigh chafing is an issue we take very seriously here at Knix HQ, as evidenced by the fact that we have a garment specially designed to help prevent chafing called the Thigh Saver. 

It's a superhero product that lives up to its vigilante-sounding name for its ability to make you forget all about skin on skin friction. What might look, at first glance, like a cross between a bike short and shapewear is actually an ultra lightweight, silky pair of shorts designed to help prevent thigh chafing. 

To boot, Leakproof Thigh Savers are equipped to absorb up to 3 tsps worth of liquid, whether it be light blood, sweat, or urine leaks. Available in an extended assortment of fabrics and lengths, Thigh Savers can be discreetly worn under your OOTD or can be worn boldly in lace and leopard print styles. 

Stretchy and seamless, these breathable babies are a literal game-changer. Not to mention, they make sitting on a subway seat in a sundress a less icky experience. It begs the question: are these thigh-savers or life-savers? 

Shaper Shorts Can Help Prevent Thigh Chafing

If you like the sound of the Thigh Saver but are looking for something that offers more compression and contouring, the Shaper Short is your ticket to helping reduce thigh chafing.

It's designed with comfortable compression zones to smooth the upper and lower stomach, while providing your derriere with a little lift and definition. In keeping with our shapewear ethos, the Shaper Short is here to enhance your natural shape—not contort it. 

Oh, and the best part? The breathable and anti-odor gusset means you can go commando all summer long, sans skin chafing.

Sport Skorts for Thigh Rescue

The Sport Skort is truly a triple threat, combining the forces of the skirt and short to help stop thigh chafing in its tracks.

Whether you're hitting the tennis court or grabbing a latte (and wanting to give off the vibe that you're someone who could, hypothetically, be hitting the tennis court) the Sport Skort is a friend to inner thighs everywhere—thigh gap who?

Made using ultra-stretch fabric for ease of movement (for aforementioned frolicking), this little number allows you to move around unrestrained. It's also surprisingly functional thanks to its not one, not two, but THREE pockets that can easily fit tennis balls or, you know, snacks.

Anti-Chafing Stick for Skin Irritation

It's no Thigh Saver, but if you're a chronic victim of thigh chafing, the internet seems to have reached a verdict as to the best anti-chafing stick. Made using aloe, pomegranate seed extract, orange and grapeseed oils, and hydrating vitamin E, the Megababe Anti-Chafe Stick might just be your new purse (or skort pocket) staple. 

If your inner thigh rub, anti-chafing products like petroleum jelly (think: Vaseline) can also help prevent thigh chafing, are great for sensitive skin, and can also help repair chafed skin.

If you generally find ointments irritating, consider finding relief in a baby powder alternative, like Lush's Silky Underwear formula. It absorbs moisture, smells good, and is a promising anti-chafe elixir. 

In a Pinch, Deodorant Will Do the Trick

When all else fails, there's the gliding power of a stick of deodorant. The reviews on how effective this is are mixed at best, but it certainly can't hurt to give it a try. 

If deodorant can keep your armpits (another high-friction, sweaty area) from igniting a small fire, then surely it can help your thighs skate past one another free of incident. In a pinch, it can be a solid short-term fix. 

Oops...It's Already Too Late: How to Treat Thigh Chafing

It happens at the dawn of each summer season: you forget the horror-show that is thigh chafing. Blissfully, you neglect last summer's blistering encounter with chafing thighs as you slide on your skirt (sans Thigh Saver) unaware of the dangers that loom. 

Suddenly, it's warmer out than anticipated, you walk a little farther than planned, and there's a tingling sensation in your inner thighs from skin rubbing. Fret not, we've got you covered.

When chafing occurs, it may be tempting to spread out in front of your AC unit, refrain from doing so until you've hopped into a cool shower. Since it's the salt in your sweat that's primarily causing skin irritation, this should feel like instant relief for your tender skin.

Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers, pat your skin dry with a towel, and apply a cooling or moisturizing lotion to soothe your irritated skin (petroleum jelly and coconut oil are great options) and help repair your skin barrier.

Although thigh chafe is often lovingly referred to as chub rub, that really has nothing to do with it. Everyone sweats! Everyone's body torches together in the summer! It just happens. 

The more we chat about how our thighs rub, the more we can dispel notions that it only happens to certain kinds of bodies. And the more we talk about it, the more we can create solutions, tips, and tricks that help us live unapologetically free. 

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We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. 

We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.

It's a fair question! Menstrual cycles vary in length and flow from person to person, but they can even look different for each of us every time we get them.

Planning ahead can feel paramount—especially when you factor school, work, commuting, sports, and going out into the mix. At any given time, you probably have extra tampons, pads or panty-liners in your bag on the off-chance you might need them. 

It's for this reason people are always shocked when we tell them that period underwear is designed for everyday wear and meant to be worn all-day long! 

*Pause for gasps*

Yes, you heard me right! This may require you to better understand your cycle, and read up on absorbencies, and learn to listen to your body. Fear not! We have a helpful list of how you can do these things just below.

Know Your Flow

One of the most important things to remind yourself of, when searching for period underwear, is that every body bleeds differently. Spotting, clotting, and bleeding frontwards or backwards really depends on the individual and the time of the month. 

Take notes on your own periods and how they've (historically) been for you. How long do your heavy days last? Do you typically look for protection in the front, back or both? What absorbency level do you prefer?

It's important to answer these questions so that you can find the perfect pair of period underwear to suit your unique flow. In this scenario, you should be Goldilocks: not too light, not too heavy, but just right. 

Find the Right Period Underwear

I speak from experience, of course! When my IUD reduced my periods to (mostly) spotting, I found that Leakproof UltraThin No-Show Underwear (which absorbs around 2 super tampons worth of liquid) was the perfect period underwear option for me. 

Period underwear have multiple layers of absorbency without having too thick a gusset—I still wear one pair for a full day (and as overnight protection) whether I'm on my period or not. If you're looking for an entry point into period underwear, this is the perfect candidate. And the best part is, it feels just like wearing regular underwear.

For heavy days when you need super absorbent period protection, however, you'll absolutely love Super Leakproof Underwear, which absorbs about 3-6 super tampons worth of menstrual fluid for when you need full coverage. This style perfect for heavier flow days and overnight protection. 

For super absorbent front-to-back leak protection (from both period and bladder leaks), Zones+ Ultra Leakproof Underwear has got you covered. For your heaviest days, these period underwear absorb the same amount of menstrual fluid as about 9 super tampons worth of blood—so you can spend your day watching trashy TV, eating mint chocolate chip ice cream or just, ya know, living your normal, everyday life without worry. 

If you're looking for all-day protection for lighter days when you're spotting (or are unsure if you're period is actually over), Light Leakproof No-Show Underwear is an ideal go-to. On medium flow days, they can also be worn in combination with menstrual cups for backup leak protection. 

Remember, if you're wearing light absorbency period underwear and expecting it to do the work of a heavy, it simply won't. Get to know your period flow and go with a style and absorbency level you think will work best for your needs.  

Washing Your Period Underwear

You've worn your period underwear for a full day—and maybe even forgotten you're on your period altogether. Now comes one of the best parts of purchasing a reusable pair of period underwear: the easy-breezy machine wash process.

While some people like to rinse the gusset of their underwear before a machine wash, others (like myself) toss them into the machine on cold during laundry days. Either are fine. Once clean, you can lay flat or hang dry and VOILA! They're ready to use again and again.   

If there's anything to avoid, it's fabric softener and high-heat dryers. But for a more detailed breakdown of how to wash period underwear, check out our definitive guide to washing your period panties.

Listen to Your Body

When it comes to figuring out your period routine and go-to period care, listen to your body. Perhaps you'll want to pair Light Leakproof Underwear with your usual menstrual cups to prevent leaks, or maybe you'll find you want to swap out your period underwear mid-day.  

Regardless of how long our period underwear are designed to be worn for, do whatever feels right. And remember: sometimes finding the right combination of period care comes down to a little experimenting.

For some, slipping on a pair of period underwear and going about their day is a blessing—especially if you grew up tossing disposable pads and worrying about using tampons as overnight protection. But you're the only one who knows what works best for you.

Sun is shining, flowers are blooming, trees are budding: it's finally spring. In fact, some belief systems, like ancient astrology, consider spring the beginning of the new year. 

Aries is the first zodiac sign and represents excitement, newness, and vitality. Filled with excitement and curiosity, Aries is ready to take on everything the world throws at them—they're the ultimate fire sign.

So why wouldn't we be setting goals, ramping up, clearing out, welcoming in alignment with earth and the zodiacs. It just makes sense.

Personally, I'm starting with my wardrobe and ditching cold weather staples like turtle necks, pleated pants, gloves, and toques (finally!!!) and saying hello to tees, jean jackets, baseball caps, dresses, and shapewear.

The key to building the perfect spring wardrobe? Say it with me: LAYERS. 

Layers are the ultimate fashion life-hack because they add depth, flair, and style to your outfits while allowing you to layer up (or down) as the temperatures alternate between cool and warm.

Read on for the wardrobe layering essentials we can't get enough of. 

Maxi Dresses and Midi Skirts FTW

Shapewear Is Everything

Here's the thing about shapewear: when it comes to layering essentials, it's the ultimate base layer. It makes getting dressed easier, while also making just about every outfit look smooth and seamless. It may not be the shiniest part of your OOTD, but good shapewear is the silent star behind the most put-together looks. 

For comfortable, everyday compression that enhances your natural shape (and doesn't contort it) there's the Shaper Bodysuit. This structured bodysuit provides gentle shaping where you want it—and doubles as a cute shirt under a midi skirt or denim jacket. For a more relaxed fit, opt for the LuxeLift Bodysuit. 

And while we're all for layering, we're firm believers you shouldn't have to layer under your shapewear. Thanks to the built-in absorbent liner of the Leakproof High Rise Shaper Short, you can go commando (and tampon-free) under your favorite fits. 

Everyday T-Shirts and Tanks 

If you're just not a dress person, we get it. There's nothing we love more than layering classic tanks and tees. 

The thing about tanks and tees is that you can curate a whole collection in your favorite colors, designs, and materials. From band t-shirts scooped from your favorite vintage shop to ultra soft modal tees or a classic white tank top, these inner layers can be easily paired with an oversized cardigan or a fitted jacket (or even under a dress if you change your mind). 

For a tank you can go braless in (and layer under spring essentials) there's the LuxeLift Tank. This wardrobe must-have features wire-free, built-in support for a seamless figure-flattering fit from (cups) A to G. 

The Perfect Jacket *DOES* in Fact Exist 

Ah, the elusive spring jacket.

You know, the one that's not too heavy so you don't sweat it out on your way to the train—but also warm enough to keep you from shivering while you read in the park. This essential outer layer may take some time to find, but once you do, it's the layering item you gravitate towards to tie all your outfits together. 

If you're still on the lookout for the perfect spring jacket, keep an eye out for materials that are lightweight, breathable, and can act as a shell layer. Consider an oversized and more relaxed fit so you can wear a sweatshirt, fleece, or other mid layer underneath without feeling too bulky.

Dreamy Denim

We're not talking about just any denim, but light washed denim. A light wash is the absolute perfect tone of denim for spring—and, plus, the right pair of denim jeans will never fail you. 

A comfortable and well-fitted pair of jeans will take you from patio drinks at your fave bar to the laundromat on laundry day, and everything in between. They can be easily dressed up with a blazer for casual office days and effortlessly dressed down with a hoodie (or other mid layer) for Sunday morning errands. 

It's a ride-or-die outfit essential for spring—and if you're worried about wearing a light denim wash on heavy flow days, Leakproof Underwear has you covered. Sure, layers are about versatility, but absorbent period underwear may be the most important base layer of all. 

A Is for Accessories 

When in doubt, accessorize it out. 

Spring marks the early beginnings of warm weather, but it can also be so unpredictable. Spring showers to spring rainbows in the span of 15 minutes is beautiful, but not exactly ideal. 

When it comes to peak layering, the answer you're looking for is practical accessories.

Curating a collection of accessories that can be easily added or taken off from any outfit is layering mastery—and, yes, umbrellas count as accessories in our books. Think: silky scarves, floppy hats, chic sunglasses, fun socks, and colorful claw clips. 

Even a rain jacket can double as a protective shell layer and accessory to be draped around your shoulders. When used right, accessories can be the ultimate outer layer—shielding you from cold conditions and light rain while allowing you to get creative with your style. 

With the launch of Leakproof UltraThin No-Show underwear, we’re changing the period game (again) with new products and absorbencies that feel more lightweight than ever. This is all, of course, with the aim of helping you feel uninhibited on your period, so you can live unapologetically free (from bulky underwear). 

Whether you’re a period underwear enthusiast or novice, we’re here to help you find the best period underwear for your lifestyle and flow. Ahead is everything you need to know about our new absorbency classifications and which styles best suit whatever phase of life you're in. 

Oh, and psst, if the packaging on your glossy new undies doesn’t totally match up to this guide—don’t worry, we’re working on that. 

Lightest Absorbency 🩸

For your lightest period days—you know, when you’re spotting and kind of just want to forget you’re on your period altogether—there’s Light Leakproof No-Show Underwear. This range is designed to be your best friend on light flow days and can be worn with tampons and menstrual cups as backup leak protection. To that we say: go ahead and wear the white pants. 

Absorbency: Absorbs 1 to 1.5 tsps of menstrual fluid, discharge, and sweat—which is about the equivalent of 0.5-1 regular tampon. 

Styles: Light Leakproof No-Show Bikini, Boyshort, High Rise, Thong, High Rise Thong, Cheeky, and Mesh Thong.

Best for: Wearing solo when you’re spotting, backup protection on regular flow days, and mildly sweaty workouts. 

Light Absorbency 🩸🩸

Among our Light Leakproof assortment are slightly more absorbent underwear styles that can be worn in combination with tampons and menstrual cups as backup protection on regular flow days—or on their own on days when you’re wondering hmm…is my period actually over or am I still spotting? 

Absorbency: Absorbs 1.5-3 tsps of menstrual fluid, discharge, and sweat—which is about the equivalent of 1-3 regular tampons.

Styles:

• Light Leakproof No-Show Mesh High Rise and Bikini.
• Light Leakproof Luxe Modal Bikini and Boyshort. 
• Light Leakproof UltraThin No-Show Thong.
• Light Leakproof No-Show French Cut.

Best for: Your first time trying period underwear, wearing as backup protection (with a tampon or menstrual cup), days when you’re spotting, working up a sweat. 

Medium Absorbency 🩸🩸🩸

Looking for more than just backup protection? For regular flow days, there’s period underwear that can be worn solo all-day long (or as a backup when your flow is heavier). If you want all the absorbency but none of the bulk, opt for the newest Leakproof UltraThin No-Show styles. 

Absorbency: Absorbs 3-6 tsps worth of menstrual fluid, sweat, and urine—which is about the equivalent of 2-3 super tampons.

Styles:

• Leakproof UltraThin No-Show Bikini, French Cut, and High Rise.
• Leakproof Front-to-Back Liner Bikini and High Rise.
• Leakproof Cotton Modal Bikini and High Rise. 
• Leakproof Cotton Bikini and High Rise.
• Leakproof CoreLove High Rise. 
• Leakproof No-Show Thong.

Best for: Wearing solo on medium flow days, backup protection on heavy flow days, and light bladder leaks. 

Heavy Absorbency 🩸🩸🩸🩸

If we had a dime for every time we soaked through bedsheets or our favorite pair of pants, our bank accounts would all have an extra comma. Super Leakproof period underwear styles were designed with heavier flow days in mind—because who wants to wake up early to change their tampon? 

Absorbency: Absorbs 6-11 tsps of menstrual fluid, sweat, and urine—which is about the equivalent of 3-6 super tampons.

Styles:

• Super Leakproof No-Show Bikini, Boyshort, High Rise, and French Cut.
• Super Leakproof Cotton Boxer Brief.
• Super Leakproof Dream Short. 

Best for: Your period’s heavier days, overnight protection for sweet dreams, and sneaky bladder leaks when you cough or sneeze.

Ultra Absorbency 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

Our Zones+ Ultra absorbent period underwear are not messing around when it comes to leak protection. These heavy-duty styles leave period and bladder leaks shaking in their boots. And for good reason—this is our most absorbent assortment of period underwear to date, featuring extended coverage zones for targeted protection where you need it most. 

Absorbency: Absorbs 13 to 17 tsps of menstrual fluid, sweat, and urine—which is about the equivalent of 7-9 super tampons.

Styles: Ultra Leakproof Zones+ Bikini and High Rise.

Best for: Wearing solo on your heaviest period days (and nights), as well as light bladder leaks during postpartum, menopause, and life’s other phases. 

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For the full scoop on updated absorbency levels and product names, check out this comprehensive guide. 

Amongst all of these bras, however, the most coveted remains t-shirt bras. And while humble in name, they're the star of the show. Or at least, your bra drawer.

What’s a T-Shirt Bra?

T-shirt bras are everyday bras. It's the bra you wear to run errands, attend class, and head to work in. It's like your favorite comfy tee, but in bra form. It's the bra you grab when you don't wanna even think about wearing a bra.

The key to a good t-shirt bra is its seamlessness. They're lightweight and designed with soft materials, featuring cups that keep things supported and smooth at the same time. The beauty of these bras is that they look effortless and invisible underneath even a fitted basic t-shirt—and have the power to elevate just about any look. 

Because comfort is KEY, wireless t-shirt bras really seal the deal when it comes to finding an everyday-wear bra (that's actually comfy enough for everyday-wear).

Feeling an underwire poke and prod is maybe one of the top 10 most annoying feelings in the world (according to me of course). And because t-shirt bras are supposed to be comfy enough to take you through long hours of the day, having something that's wireless but STILL supportive is a game changer.

So without further ado, here are some of the best wireless t-shirt bras. 

Say Goodbye to Side-Spillage

We have 99 problems, but t-shirt bras ain't one. Now available in 99 sizes, there's a WingWoman Contour Bra for every shape—sizes 28A to 48H. 

The WingWoman Bra is all about keeping things casual, comfortable, and cute. She may not look that different from other bras in your drawer, but shhh—she has a secret. The wings on the side provide coverage that makes sideboob and overspill disappear.

The molded foam and lightly lined cups provide a little bit of padding and help lift and separate—giving you the most definition out of the other t-shirt bras on this list.  Plus, there's adjustable straps and hooks so it's completely customizable too. It's a best seller for a reason.

Perfect for: In-office days, dinner with the girls, tight tees, sleek dresses. 

Revolutionary Everyday Support

No underwire, no problem—the Revolution V-Neck Bra features 3D printed stabilizers that provide support for A-G cups. Between the brand new fabric tech and the buttery-soft feel, this barely-there bra is one you'll want to wear all day, every day.

With removable lightly lined cups and adjustable straps, it's totally versatile too. Hmm, maybe there is a one-bra-fits-all!

Perfect for: Chasing kids, grabbing brunch, low cut tees, cute tops. 

Seamless and Sexy Lift

What you need to know about One&Only Scoop Bra is that it serves comfort, support, and sexiness in equal measure. A friend to cleavage-bearing necklines everywhere, this wireless bra was designed to be worn every day. 

The cups are lightly molded for some structure and shape, and the customizable straps can be worn straight OR racerback too—making it truly invisible under any shirt.

Perfect for: Sunny days at the park, being “out and about,” dresses with a low-cut back, tank tops.

Effortless Everyday Wear

If there was an award for most-effortless-bra, it would go to the Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra—with a standing ovation. For a t-shirt bra that goes on and comes off easily (without compromising support), this little wireless number is a necessary addition to your bra drawer. 

It also features removable cups, light padding, and adjustable straps, which means this t-shirt bra is customizable and versatile too. Bonus points for the smooth fabric which makes it invisible under shirts, and keeps you comfortable no matter what you get up to. Is there anything she can't do?

Perfect For: Throwing on after you sleep through your alarm, running errands, athleisure looks, loose tops. 

Not Your Mom’s T-Shirt Bra

We're ending on a spicy option thanks to the subtly sexy and lightweight mesh of the Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra. With a touch of sheerness and a plunging neckline, this t-shirt bra is perfect for giving you a kick of confidence even on the most mundane of days.

Features 3D fabric tech for support, built in foam cups, adjustable straps and 360° wireless support—which is kinda like dirty talk to us. Hot! 

Perfect For: Wine nights with your girls, date nights with your lover, going out tops, sheer blouses. 

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Still not quite sure which of our t-shirt bras is right for you? Take the Bra Quiz and find your perfect bra or browse our full collection of wireless bras.

“This is just the way it is,” we're told by our teachers, coaches, co-workers, friends, mothers and even our doctors. “Now, stop whining and get back to your day!”

And for the most part, that's what we do. From the moment we start menstrual periods, we grin and bear the pain through clenched teeth. We take deep breaths through paralyzing cramps and do our best not to show it. We often don't even talk about it in the fear that it could make other people uncomfortable.

And that's the problem. 

A lack of research on menstruating bodies paired with the “periods are taboo” mindset create a space in which pain is belittled to normalcy. So when that pain actually is abnormal, how are we to know the difference? 

The first time I'd ever heard the term ‘Endometriosis' was when my friend described the long and horrific journey she took to getting an endometriosis diagnosis. She discussed how the chronic pelvic pain that started developing in adolescence worsened to a point where she couldn't leave the bathroom floor for days during her periods. She would be sick to her stomach throughout her cycle, and was dismissed by handfuls of doctors until she found one who actually listened. 

Endometriosis (or “endo”) is a disease in which endometriosis tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus to form lesions, cysts, nodules, scar tissue, and other growths. Because the location of these growths vary, symptoms of endometriosis can look different for every single person who develops it. 

It is estimated that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and unmeasured numbers of trans and gender diverse people. As we head into Endometriosis Awareness Month (March), let's stop normalizing painful periods and educate ourselves on symptoms of endometriosis, paths to getting endometriosis diagnosed, and where to find support.

Identifying Symptoms of Endometriosis

While the symptoms of endometriosis vary from person to person, the most common can include: 

• Painful menstrual cramps/pelvic pain
• Lower back, pelvic or abdominal pain
• Painful intercourse
• Painful bowel movements or urination
• Bloating, nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Extreme fatigue  
• Ovarian cysts
• Internal scar tissue 

For a more detailed list of endometriosis symptoms, visit The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. 

How to Treat Endometriosis

While there's currently no cure for endometriosis, there are many ways to help treat endometriosis pain and relieve symptoms. If you're experiencing severe symptoms, a great place to start to seek a medical professional or endometriosis specialist.

A qualified medical professional can perform a pelvic exam, detect endometrial cells or abnormal tissue, and potentially diagnose endometriosis. Early treatment can help slow or even cease the progression endometriosis tissue and lesions, while reducing the long-term symptoms.  

It's extremely beneficial to research health care providers who have direct experience working with patients with endometriosis. This may take some time, so try to be patient with yourself by asking for support from friends and family and continual self-advocacy. On average, it takes 5 years for people in Canada to get a diagnosis.

Online resources like The Endometriosis Network has compiled a list of health providers with direct endo experience. They also include helpful questions to ask during your appointments! 

Medications (like anti inflammatory drugs nsaids) and birth control options (like oral contraceptives) are also options that many folks find helpful, though it depends entirely on your own health needs.

Excision (where the entire endometriosis lesions are removed) or ablation (which treats the surface of the endometriosis lesions) surgeries are considered to be highly-effective and minimally invasive surgery option to treat and remove endometriosis tissue—especially for those with severe endometriosis.

Other forms of hormone therapy, too, are possible treatment options that can help manage pain and new scar tissue from forming.

Exploring Alternative Remedies

But what can you do to help treat endometriosis symptoms and lessen severe pain? 

Keeping track of your diet and taking note of any changes to your symptoms based on the foods you eat can be helpful, especially during your menstrual cycle.

If you know which foods cause you to flare up, you can search for anti-inflammatory alternatives. Drinking lots of fluids and picking fiber-rich foods can also help keep you regular to avoid constipation and uncomfortable bowel movements.

Light exercise like yoga and stretching can help with pelvic pain relief during menstrual periods, and it's encouraged to research relaxation and meditation techniques that reduce stress. Heating pads, warm baths, pain medications, and cramp ointments can help soothe muscles and ease cramping.

Finding Relief in Community Support 

Because an endometriosis diagnosis can be very isolating—as can painful menstrual periods—consider reaching out to people who offer safe spaces for you. Though friends, family, and spouses may not know exactly what you're going through, sharing your experiences and feelings with them can be therapeutic and calming.

Alternatively, research different support groups so that you can speak with people who are going through a similar journey. The more people talk about painful periods, the more research and education will come from shedding light on this chronic disease that impacts the lives of so many.

If you know someone suffering with endometriosis, the best thing you can do is listen. Let them share their story with you. Explore their support options with them. Offer to help with chores or tasks if they're struggling. Let them know that you're there for them 100% of the way. 

Unfortunately, we live in a society where menstruation has been downplayed, dismissed, and (in many cases) completely ignored in the world of medical testing and treatment. Because of this, asking questions and addressing concerns can feel awkward. It can even feel downright uncomfortable! But, painful endurance and silent resignation are not the way ahead. 

Endometriosis advocates and allies have been proving that through their strength and persistence. It's only by sharing in the stories of our pain and pushing back against dismissal that we can move forward by saying, “Actually, no! That's not just the way it is anymore!” 

Sources:

https://msmagazine.com/2023/01/23/menstruation-clinical-trials-research-women-periods-covid/

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/endometriosis

https://www.yourperiod.ca/endometriosis/what-are-the-symptoms-of-endometriosis/

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis

https://endoact.ca/

https://endometriosisnetwork.com/

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri/conditioninfo/treatment

https://www.endofound.org/advocacy

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We hope you found this post informative—but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition.

We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.

When it comes to the Leakproof Thigh Saver, we're talking wear-it-everyday, buy-it-in-three-different-colors level revolutionary. Call it love at first chafe, but chafed thighs have met their match with the advent of this all-in-one short.

In combining the absorbent liner of our period underwear with our beloved Thigh Saver, we created a product that both helps prevent thigh chafing and period leaks.

Whether you're navigating a brand of postpartum incontinence that makes you pee a little when you sneeze or just want to wear a dress without your inner thighs rubbing, our lineup of Thigh Savers is ever-expanding to include new fabrics, lengths, and styles.

Since thigh chafing and irritated skin is the enemy of summer fun—and since our mission to help prevent chafing know now bounds—our latest innovation combines the power of our classic Thigh Saver with the leak protection of period underwear.

Call us geniuses because, as far as we know, the Leakproof Thigh Saver is the first of its kind. So, toss the petroleum jelly and thigh chafing cream aside, it's time to give your inner thighs the gift of respite.

Why Your Inner Thighs Will Love Thigh Savers

Hot, humid summer days are insufferable enough without having to unstick your thighs from a bench or have your inner thighs rub during a simple walk in the park.

Combine the aforementioned with the familiar pangs of discomfort that come with being on your period, and it's a miracle anyone ever leaves home during the summer months. 

You asked, we listened: you want it all in one short—and who are we to stand in the way of your chafe-free, leak-protected summer dreams? The Leakproof Thigh Saver is a lightweight, all-in-one short that helps prevent thigh chafing while keeping period leaks and sweat stains at bay.

Since thigh chafing occurs as a result of sweat and friction combining forces to cause major skin irritation, thigh chafing shorts help put an end to skin on skin friction.

After all, it's hot girl summer, not hot-crotch summer. 

How to Wear Thigh Savers to Help Reduce Thigh Chafing

However we want, basically. Isn't that the whole point of living unapologetically free? Though, it's worth noting, when it comes to this all-in-one short, underwear is totally optional. 

The smooth, barely-there fabric of the Leakproof Thigh Saver is meant to feel like a second skin, hence the encouragement to go commando (like we even needed the incentive). It can be used as backup or full on protection—depending on your own unique flow—and absorbs about tsps worth of blood, sweat, or pee.

Whether your summer is packed with travel adventures or brimming with wedding invitations, consider our latest innovation your new bestie. It's perfect for wearing under skirts and dresses, so you can take on the most sweltering days without

We're willing to bet your top drawer has never seen a pair of shorts like this. Keep it demure with neutrals or go for a bold peekaboo with a flash of leopard print.

Either way, we're wishing you a summer filled with inner thighs that glide peacefully, hot girl walks sans chafed skin, days when you forget you're on your period, and the kind of magnetic confidence that makes people do a double take.

Whether you’re jet-setting somewhere warm for spring break or hanging out at home, waiting for things to thaw, it’s never too early to start eyeing which swimwear trends you want to rock this summer. It’s called daydreaming, look it up. 

From sleek, minimalist swimwear styles to maximalist bikini prints (and a lot in between), there’s truly something for everyone. And, in our humble opinion, the best swimwear is swimwear that works for a diversity of shapes, bust sizes, and styles. 

Ahead, you’ll find some of our favorite swimwear trends that combine comfort, style, and support. 

Making a Vintage Splash: High Waisted Bikinis

Low-rise jeans might be making a comeback, but swimwear trends remain firmly rooted in high waisted bikinis. Blending vintage feel with modern designs, high waisted bikinis are sticking around the pool this season. 

On this stylish journey back in time, we gave our best-selling swimwear style—the High Rise High Cut Swim Bottoms—a 90s inspired update with a higher cut leg, cheekier butt coverage, and sculpting elements that are sure to make a splash. 

For more 70s inspired bikini trends that add a touch of nostalgia to your beach look, opt for the Ultra High Rise Bikini Swim Bottom. The ruched side seams are flattering and feminine, it’s the perfect combo of comfort and coverage for summer at the beach. These bottoms are also a match made in heaven for our Sculpt Bandeau Bikini Top and its retro silhouette.

Swimming on Your Period

In our books, doing what feels best for your body on your period is always a swim trend. If that means making your period an afterthought when you’re hanging out by the beach or pool, then you’ll never look back after trying Period Swimwear. 

A timeless swimsuit style with a fit we’ve spent years perfecting, the Leakproof Classic One Piece Swimsuit absorbs up to 3 tampons worth of blood for backup protection from leaks. It’s a swim staple (also available in bikini form) with a built-in absorbent liner you can’t even tell is there (which means you can wear this swimsuit even when you aren’t on your period). 

Bikini Tops Take the Plunge

We love a little cleavage when it comes to bikinis, but only if it doesn’t come at the expense of bust support — which is why we created the Deep V Bikini Top. Our deepest plunge neckline with comfort and customization to boot, this bikini top is truly to dive for. Plus, this trend can work for a wide range of looks, from sporty to sultry. 

Looking for a bikini top with less cleavage, but that packs just as much style? You’ll love the Scoop Bikini Top with its trendy rounded neckline and adjustable fit. 

Athletic Aesthetics and Sporty Swimwear Trends

Whether you’re planning on hitting the surf in a sporty one-piece swimsuit or looking for athletic bikinis with protection from UPF rays, we're loving sporty swimwear trends. In combining supportive design features with dynamic visual elements, sporty swimwear is the epitome of style and functionality—all that's missing is a sleek ponytail.

With its versatile high neck style, sporty racerback, mesh cutouts, and built-in shelf bra for support, the High Energy Bikini Top gets our vote for “Most Likely to Be Worn by Sporty Spice.” Fit tip: Keep the zipper up for a sporty, more covered look or pull it down for a sexy lower neckline.

Bold Patterns and Prints That Pop

How boring would the beach be if it was just a smattering of neutral and beige swimwear? That’s why we’re glad to see 2024 swimwear trends are all about bold prints, embracing patterns and bright colors for a standout beach look. 

If making a swimsuit statement is your thing, then get ready to embrace everything from animal prints to geometric patterns and floral motifs. Over the past few years, these prints have offered a range of artistic expressions and are making a splash in the swimwear scene as wearable art.

Matchy Matchy: Coordinated Sets Take Over

A predictably major swimwear trend for 2024 are matching sets and classic solids, serving easy and effortless monochromatic beach looks. Sure, a matching bikini set will make you look like a vision in lush green, but have you considered elevating your look with matching accessories, like a cover up or sarong?

For a complete ensemble, the latest bikini trends are saying all you have to do is turn your two-piece into a three-piece with an additional accessory or cover up. These perfect pairings and cover ups also dazzle with color coordinated jewelry and complementing skirts. Somehow, swimsuits have never looked so good.

Asymmetrical Swimwear and Sexy Cut Outs

If beach trends in 2024 are telling us anything, it’s that asymmetry is in when it comes to swimsuits and bikinis. We’re talking cut-out swimwear, daring designs, and one shoulder swimsuits. One of our favorite swimsuits of the moment is the Leakproof Wrap One Piece—which can only be described as part bikini top, part one piece with its sexy cut-out and bikini-style wrap. 

Another swimsuit gem is the High Energy Bikini Top, which features mesh cut-outs and sporty design details that will turn heads this season. 

Sleek One Piece Swimsuits

Another chic swimsuit option to keep an eye out for is minimal swimwear with clean lines and neutral tones, though we’ve never known Classic One-Piece Swimsuits to go out of style. A timeless trend with a fit that’s been perfected over many years, sleek one pieces are a trend you’ll be donning for many years to come. 

The high quality, UPF 50+ swimwear fabric, adjustable straps, built-in shelf bras, and removable cups means this comfortable one piece swimsuit has a customizable fit that will feel fashionable every time you whip it out for the season. 

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As we wrap up this deep dive into 2024 swimwear trends, it’s clear that this year’s styles cater to everybody. From retro revivals to sporty suits, bold prints, coordinated bikinis, asymmetrical styles, and stylish silhouettes there truly is something for everyone.

Ready to hit the beach this summer? Trends or no-trends, find a swimsuit that fits, and makes you feel confident and fashionable. So, get out there, make a splash, and rock these swim trends like the style icon you are!

Wherever the wind blows you, breeze right into your warm weather getaway with a suitcase brimming with beachy wardrobe essentials. From period swimwear to effortless lounge, so long as you have your passport, we have the rest covered. Consider this your beach vacation packing list. 

Period Proof Swimwear 

How thoughtful of your period to show up on day two of your vacation. Packing period swimwear means not having to worry about steering clear of the pool. We’ve spent years perfecting the timeless style and fit of the Leakproof Classic One Piece Swimsuit, which looks and feels like a regular swimsuit (but with major benefits—like a built-in absorbent liner that absorbs 1-3 tsps of blood). 

Something to Save Your Thighs

Thick thighs save lives, but they’re also known to rub together when the temperature rises and the short-shorts come out. The only sting one should feel on vacation is that of rum-punch, which is why you’ll find multiple pairs of Thigh Savers in our suitcase. High ranking on our list of beach travel essentials, these seamless bottoms (which can be worn under anything) reduce chafing and sweat—or having to sit on anything gross. There’s also, of course, a period proof version—the Leakproof Thigh Saver—that will also take care of sweat and period leaks. 

Lightweight Sleepwear

The best kind of sleepwear, in our opinion, is the kind that doubles as loungewear or beach clothing (especially when there’s suitcase space to be accounted for). Made from luxuriously soft fabric, dreamy nights and days are made of the Modal Sleep Top and Bottom. Whether you’re in between high-thread-count hotel sheets or asleep in a lounger by the pool, you’ll be the comfiest. 

Sun Protection

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For obvious reasons (protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays), sunscreen is not to be overlooked as you make your break from the cold. Nothing faster ruins a beach vacation than a bad sunburn—including looking like a lobster in all your vacation pics. For streak-free protection for all skin types, our go-to is Black Girl Sunscreen. Hats and sunglasses are, of course, also high priority beach travel essentials.

Easy-to-Wear Swimsuits

We know a thing or two about what makes an effortless one piece swimsuit so essential. It’s easy to slip on, doubles as a top (that happens to match with everything), fits in all the right places, and holds the girls. It’s just a winning formula—and the one behind our Deep V One Piece Swimsuit. 

Beachy Cover Ups

Riddle us this: what matches your swimsuit, ties a swim look together, and doubles as a headband? It’s the ever-underrated sarong. Designed using the same material as our swimsuits, this lightweight beach cover up is as versatile as it is easy to style. 

Spa-Worthy Robe

Packing your robe might be a hard sell in terms of the square footage it will take up in your suitcase, but the experience of having access to a comfy, flowy robe while on vacation makes it worthwhile. Wrap yourself up after a salty ocean swim or use it as a cover-up on your next beach trip, either way you’ll be happy to have it on hand. 

A Solid Beach Bag

Once you arrive in paradise, you’ll still have the pack for a beach trip (we suggest making a beach trip packing list). It always feels weird to pack a bag into another bag, but versatility is the beauty of the beach tote—a beach bag that can also double as a carry-on. When in doubt, reach for a couple solid reusable bags that can be used to haul your beach gear—flip flops, beach towel, and sun hat—to the beach and back. Then all that left to do is find some beach chairs to lounge in and sink your toes into the hot sand.

Water Bottle

If you don’t go anywhere without your Stanley cup, then we don’t have to tell you twice to drink plenty of water. Beach resorts and pool bars are nice, but they can also be a detriment to staying hydrated. Having a reusable bottle on hand is a game-changer when it comes to keeping quenched on a beach getaway. It’s equally handy to have close by during travel—a beach vacation is for splurging on cabana cocktails, not airport water bottles. 

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Planning your next beach vacation? Shop more beach travel essentials, like our full Swim Collection and assortment of Everyday Wardrobe Heroes. 

However you choose to celebrate (or not celebrate), there’s hardly a better time of year to foster deep bonding and connection in your romantic relationships. And if your partner is seeing red for non-love related reasons (they’re on their period!), then what better way to show you care than nurturing them through their menstrual cycle? 

If your partner’s period is fraught by cramping, discomfort, mood swings, or the slew of other not-so-fun symptoms associated with menstruation, chances are your gestures of love will go a long way. 

Aside from the onslaught on dismal side effects often brought on by this hormonal phase, people who menstruate also face inequality at almost every level of society. In the workplace or at school, your partner may not be able to take time off or reduce their workloads when experiencing period-related symptoms. 

Even within the medical system, chronic pain and other health conditions related to menstrual health (like endometriosis, PMDD, and PCOS) often remain under-researched, misunderstood, and mistreated. 

Social stigma, too, contributes to expectations of secrecy and discretion surrounding periods. Which is to say, not only might your partner be experiencing period-related discomfort, but it’s also likely they feel external pressure to hide it. 

The past few years have been marked by progress in the period arena as women-led brands, online activists, body-positive influencers, authors, and academics push to lessen stigma and raise awareness. 

Still, sometimes the most meaningful progress can be affected in the comfort of home, through our intimate relationships. Ahead, you’ll find helpful tips on how to support your partner during their menstrual cycle.  

Educate Yourself

Think back to your high school biology or sexual health classes. What (if anything) do you remember learning about periods? If the answer is not much, you’re among the majority. 

Even when sex ed delves comprehensively into female reproductive health and hormonal cycles (there are actually four distinct phases) curriculums don’t encompass how to care for someone with a menstrual cycle. 

So, if you’re in a relationship with someone who menstruates, one of the best things you can do is educate yourself. But where to start?

Consider starting with the biology of menstruation—that’s to say, how does it actually work? From there, you can work your way up to understanding the fundamentals of hormonal phases, cycle syncing, the signs and symptoms of certain period-related conditions, and the best products and treatments that can help provide relief. 

Once you’ve soaked up all that knowledge, apply it to your relationship. How does your behavior or shared environment impact your partner’s period? From cooking up iron-rich foods during their menstrual cycle to getting familiar with everyday endocrine disruptors that may be lingering around your home, the opportunities to support your partner are virtually boundless. 

Ask Them What They Need 

Once you have a baseline understanding of the menstrual cycle and how your partner’s body changes throughout the month, the best way to offer support is to ask them what they need. 

This may seem simple, but it’s also incredibly powerful. Asking about their particular needs will give your partner the opportunity to connect more deeply with themselves in identifying their needs, allowing them to share an important—but often overlooked—area of their life. 

Those needs will look different in every relationship. For instance, your partner might appreciate you taking on the bulk of the cooking and cleaning so they can focus on rest. For others, support might look like being extra patient and loving because their emotions are more charged. 

Create a Period Care Package

Whether or not gifting is one of your partner’s love languages, if you want to go the extra mile, consider creating a period care package for your sweetheart. First, you’re going to want to find out their favorite comfort snacks and meals—dark chocolate? Salty munchies? Carbs on carbs?

You can also inquire about their go-to pain relief remedies and self care rituals. From cramp cream to epsom salts for a hot bath, there are near endless possibilities to provide much-needed comfort. 

Of course, comfortable and reusable period products, like Period Underwear, are also a game-changer—and we’re sure your partner’s top drawer could always use an extra pair. 

For nights of deep rest and sweet dreams, the Super Leakproof Dream Short is a period must-have. Designed with extra absorbency for overnight flows, these dreamy sleep shorts know there’s no better sleep than a leak-free sleep. 

Accept That You Might Not Understand 

If you don’t menstruate but your partner does, it might feel challenging to not entirely understand what they’re going through. This natural cycle is experienced by half the population, yet, it’s also incredibly intimate and varies from person to person. 

Some experience minimal symptoms during this phase, while others experience intense discomfort that can disrupt their day-to-day activities. While the male hormonal cycle operates on a roughly 24-hour loop, the female hormonal cycle is complex and ever-fluctuating—just as your partner’s needs likely are. 

If you can’t entirely relate, that’s OK. The best thing you can do is be open to learning and providing support in whatever way you’re able to by meeting them where they are in any given phase. 

With bra science at its peak, bygone eras of protruding underwires and bra bands riding up are in the past (where they belong). In contrast, the bras of today are increasingly designed by women, for women. 

We’re talking low-key everyday bras that mold to your shape and feel more like a second skin. As for underwires, in the wise words of Mariah Carey: “I don’t know her.” 

With that, we’re reviewing our (growing) roster of impeccable everyday bras so you can find the perfect bra fit.

The Ultimate Scoop Neck Bra

While we might not be fans of the ultra padded, underwire bras of the past, that’s not to say we don’t love a good gravity-defying bra. Consider the One&Only Scoop Bra—the latest to join the ranks of Knix’s everyday bra collection—an adapted version of the early-aughts push up bra. Designed with lightly lined cups for lift, structure, and shape, who says wire free bras can't be supportive. Aptly named the one-and-only, you’re in good hands even if this is the only bra in your top drawer. 

The T-Shirt Bra That Smooths and Contours

There’s a reason this famous t-shirt bra has 12K reviews and counting. With her low-cut fit and separation, the WingWoman Contour Bra is just that: the ultimate wing-woman. Sure, the plunging neckline and molded foam cups are alluring, but where this smoothing bra really shines is in eliminating sideboob and overspill. If full coverage bras are your thing, this bra's got your back (and sides). 

The Everyday Bra with 3D Technology 

The future is here, and it looks like the wire free support of the Revolution V-Neck Bra. Using 3D fabric technology, this bra has totally redefined wireless bras. It also has removable cups, if you prefer the look and feel of unlined bras. If that weren’t impressive enough, this everyday bra can also add “buttery-soft fabric” and “molds to your shape” to its resume. Affectionately referred to as the Rev Bra around Knix HQ, it’s easily one of the most innovative bras out there. 

Everyone’s Favorite Pullover Bra

If you’re not one for fiddling with bra straps and hooks, allow us to introduce you to the Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra. Its pullover style with adjustable straps and removable cups is unfussy and laidback, so you can get-up-and-go—whether that involves getting to work or heading to pilates. The beauty of the everyday bra is adaptability, which this super comfortable bra has in spades. 

The Sexy Wireless Bra with a Touch of Mesh

While comfy might seem antithetical to sexy, the Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra is evidence that that two can coexist. When a plunging neckline (with a peek of mesh fabric) meets ultra soft and wire free support, something magical happens—especially to your confidence. Though it's among our most comfortable bras, it's designed to feel snug at first before molding to your shape with wear for a perfect fit.

The Everyday Sports Bra 

You don’t have to be a gym rat to make the Catalyst Front Zip your everyday bra. Besides, in our books, errands and coffee runs count as workouts. But, in the event you are looking to get your heart pounding, save your breath for cardio. What we’re trying to say is: putting on your sports bra shouldn’t be the workout. That’s why this super supportive style is made with an ergonomic front closure for easy on-and-off—for the freedom to go from low-impact comfort to high-impact sweat session. 

The Bralette for Breasts of All Size

The epitome of low-effort support, bralette styles have gained popularity but often remained a no-fly zone for those with bigger cup sizes. Well, the Micro Modal Rib Bralette is changing that. With inclusive sizing (XS-XXXXL), plunge necklines, and light-support, fashion-forward bralettes are finally in season for all bra sizes. 

The Seamless Everyday Bra 

For a comfortable bra that seamlessly transitions throughout your day, the Good to Go Seamless Everyday Bra lives up to its name. Between its unbeatable shaping, medium-impact support, and perfect amount of stretch it, at once, fits like a dream and feels like wearing nothing at all. Wear it on its own (maybe with a cute pair of leggings) or under just about any top. 

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Still on the lookout for the right bra? Consider finding a bra that suits your unique breast shape. 

Have you found your perfect style, but still unsure about your perfect fit? Check-out these easy-breezy steps for measuring your bra size from home. 

A music blog recently described the band as putting on a "rambunctious show that is bursting with rebellious energy and features physical stunts," but you really have to come see us play to get the vibe. 

I'm buzzing. 

The first few shows of the tour are magical. The music sounds great. I’m having so much fun and learning non-stop. Every show is a different lesson in self-discovery, and I’m loving it. 

A few weeks in, my period starts. "Alright, let's go. I'm a big girl. I can do this."

I put in a tampon and don my Leakproof Thong, my last clean pair of undies. (I brought period underwear to sleep in, which I often do when I want to feel extra secure, ESPECIALLY when living on a tour bus with a bunch of other people.) 

As the only woman in the band, I take the responsibility for putting on a good show seriously. Representing, bringing my whole self, and expressing myself as I am is what I'm about. 

Diversity on stage is not just about representation; it's about bringing a multitude of perspectives and voices to the art. It's a powerful statement about the world we envision: expressive, inclusive, and vital. 

Before shows, I always do a little twerkout to get my body ready. I spend a good amount of time picking my afro; and of course, play through some songs and scales on bass to warm up.

It's 8 PM. Stage call. Here comes the adrenaline rush!

I hike up my period underwear and grab my bass. The walk-on music rumbles the stage, and we start playing. 

Maybe it's homesickness, missing New York City and all, but since the start of the tour, I've taken up pulling up my thong à la Ice Spice. "She a baddie, she showin her panty." You know? And tonight's show is no exception. I feel like a superhero. 

And then, about a minute into the first song, I feel the tampon coming loose. 

The situation becomes increasingly precarious with every jump, headbang, and bass riff. (Did I mention our stage clothes are all white?) 

I don't want to be thinking about my period right now. I just want to perform. 

One of my favorite things about music and being on stage, especially with this band, is there is so much improvisation. We keep the momentum, no matter what distractions or unexpected things happen. 

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So, I'm giving my all to connect with the crowd and the music—and in the back of my mind wondering, "What do I do?"

I am on the verge of a messy mishap. 

But then, I remember my Knix, and shout toward the crew off to the side of the stage, "Grab the trash can!"

The song ends and I run off stage and yank out the tampon (which, by this point, is hardly hanging on by a prayer). And then run back on stage and keep playing.

The crew has no clue what almost happened. 

Walking off stage, my body and soul feel incredible. 

What could have been a messy, frustrating moment is a quirky and empowering story I can now share with you. It feels good to laugh at myself. Being humbled helps me grow. 

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Suffice it to say, for the next five days of my cycle, the rest of the tour, and every other time I've been on my period during a performance since, I exclusively wear period underwear. (Which have the added benefit of looking great under clothes and super cute with my outfits.) 

I love how I can be confident as a performer in a way that feels authentic to me. 

This performance showed me a piece of what makes me special as a musician and person: my ability to adapt and thrive in the face of unexpected challenges. 

The things unique to me, like what I wear and my experience in my body, add to my story as a musician and creative. It makes me interesting. 

Because, to me, being true to yourself is the highest art form. 

Studies suggest this statement rings true for about 80% of women. Lack of standardized industry sizing and a lifetime of confusing sizing charts have left women hanging (pun intended?), with bands riding up and strap marks on shoulders. 

But we’re not just here to point out problems. We have solutions—the first being a quiz that will tell you your definitive Knix size and provide recommended bra styles for everyday wear. The second, is thinking of your perfect bra (she’s out there, we know it) as more than just a combination of the right cup letter and band number, but an alchemy of those variables and your breast shape. 

The interplay of breast tissue volume, positioning, and shape determines breast shape. And, below, you’ll find a glossary of common breast shapes—including how to ID your own breasts and find your ideal everyday bra styles. 

Before diving in, remember: there's no ideal breast shape. Breasts also aren't static. They change with age and child-rearing—not to mention throughout the course of your monthly hormonal cycle. Basically, breasts are transformers, which is both cool and very annoying. 

Have you ever heard the saying each breast is as unique as a fingerprint? That’s because we just made it up. Still, we’re sure tons of different breast shapes exist outside of the spectrum of generic “breast types.” So, don’t sweat it if you don’t neatly fall into any one description—you may be a combination of a few. 

Breast Shape: Teardrop

Let’s shed a tear for gorgeous teardrop shaped breasts, which tend to have a round breast shape that's full at the bottom with slightly less volume towards the top. You’ll know you have this shape if most of your breast tissue falls below nipple height. For everyday wear, that means you might prefer a semi-cup or a fit that really molds to the chest, helping evenly distribute breast volume while providing a subtle lift. 

Everyday Bra Recommendations: One&Only Scoop Neck Bra, Revolution V-Neck Bra, Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, Micro Modal Rib Bralette

Breast Shape: Asymmetrical 

OK, here’s a saying we didn’t make up: breasts are sisters, not twins. If you have one breast that’s noticeably larger or a different shape than the other, you likely have asymmetric shaped breasts. In nature, symmetry isn’t the norm, which is why most people have some degree of breast asymmetry. A common bra fit related issue experienced by those with asymmetric breasts is cup gaping. That means you may want to opt for a bra fit that forms to your natural shape. Padded bras (with removable pads) and adjustable straps are also a great option. 

Everyday Bra Recommendations:  One&Only Scoop Bra, Padded V-Neck Bra, Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra, Lace Racerback Bralette

Breast Shape: Bell-Shaped

To all those with bell shaped breasts, you’ll know this is your breast type if your boobs are slimmer at the top and fuller (with more breast tissue) at the bottom. You may also find your nipples point downward. If your (bra) cup overfloweth, know this is a common grievance among those with bell shaped breasts. The fix is finding a bra fit with extra support, full coverage, and adjustable straps that will lift and provide more volume on top. 

Everyday Bra Recommendations: WingWoman Contour Bra, Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra, Padded V-Neck Bra, Good to Go Seamless Bra

Breast Shape: Side Set 

Even breasts need some space—and some more than others. If your breasts are spaced farther apart on your chest or if there’s a wide separation, you likely have side set breasts. This is a common shape among those with smaller breasts. To achieve a comfortable bra fit that feels more centered, you may want to opt for a bra style that lifts up and inwards, like a plunging neckline. 

Everyday Bra Recommendations: Revolution V-Neck Bra, Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, WingWoman Contour Bra, Micro Modal Rib Bralette

Breast Shape: Close-set

If your breasts are besties that like to stick together through thick (bad bras) and thin (more bad bras), then your breast shape is probably close-set. You can tell if there’s very little space between them on your chest—and, honestly, we love that your breasts are such great friends. For a comfortable bra fit, however, your breasts should also consider making friends with a wire free balconette or plunge bra. 

Recommended Everyday Bra: One&Only Scoop Bra, Revolution V-Neck Bra, Micro Modal Rib Bralette, Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, Knixy Lace Bralette

Breast Shape: Round 

Breasts, by definition, are usually round—but you’ll recognize round shaped breasts as being equally full at the top and bottom. You’re a proportionate queen, we get it. As a result, you may not find you need full coverage or support (lucky!), though those with lots of top-volume and larger breasts may experience issues with cup overflow. If you’re on the lookout for more coverage, a t-shirt bra is the way to go for everyday wear, otherwise wire free plunge and balconette bra styles are also ultra flattering for this shape. 

Everyday Bra Recommendations: One&Only Scoop Bra, Good to Go Seamless Bra, Revolution V-Neck Bra, Longline Lace Bra

Breast Shape: Athletic

You don’t have to be an athlete to identify with this breast shape, especially since—fun fact—breast shape is largely genetic. Characterized by less breast tissue, you may find your breasts are smaller, or more narrow and firm. And, you guessed it, cup size and gaping tends to plague those with athletic breasts or smaller breast size who may not have as much volume. If that’s the case, you may want to opt for a padded bra, or one that fits close and molds to your shape for everyday wear.

Everyday Bra Recommendations: Knixy Lace Deep-V Bralette, Micro Modal Rib Bralette, Longevity Bra, Good to Go Seamless Bra, Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra

Breast Shape: East West 

As the name suggests, you can spot this breast shape by its outward-facing nipple placement. If your breasts tend to gravitate towards your armpits or torso and are more wide-set, you likely have east west breasts. If you’re looking to stray from bras that cause side-spillage and want a bra fit that provides comfort and lift, make friends with contoured and angled cups. 

Everyday Bra Recommendations: WingWoman Contour Bra, Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, Padded V-Neck Bra, Good to Go Seamless Bra

Breast Shape: Nursing

Your breasts are leaky and change shape by the hour: you’re a new parent in need of a functional, but comfy, bra that can adapt to the demands of breastfeeding. We’ve got just the thing for everyday wear—and it means never having to worry about leaking through your favorite shirt. 

Everyday Bra Recommendation: BlissFit Leakproof Nursing Bra

Breast Shape: Mastectomy & Prosthetics

Calling all post-surgery baddies. If you’re recovering from a recent procedure, including a mastectomy or top surgery, only the most gentle of bras will do. You’ll also want something that’s easy to take on and off, and may prefer an option that’s prosthetic-friendly. Creating a bra for the healing body is no easy feat, but we see you. 

Everyday Bra Recommendation: Ultra-soft Front Closure Bra

—

We went to a party that boasted a live band and lots of dancing, but arrived to sparsely populated tables of people quietly sipping cocktails. Naturally, this hardly deterred us from tearing up the dance floor on our own. 

We ended the night at home, forgetting a plate of broiling nachos in the oven, and picking at anything that wasn’t soot. I look back now, thinking if this had been any regular night, it would have been fantastic. 

At the time, however, I felt that the “perfect” New Years Eve celebration was a wash. And why? Because New Year's Eve never goes as planned. How can it? North Americans have always looked at the holiday with rose-tinted glasses. 

Ever since that fateful NYE, I’ve changed my view on the celebration and pivoted to honoring it in a way that works for me. It involves getting rid of the stress, anxiety, and pressure surrounding the last (and first) day of the year—and learning to find joy in keeping things low-key. This is what I've learned. 

Ditch the Kiss

In a post-pandemic world, it’s bizarre that this tradition (most likely originating from Germany) still exists. Imbuing an intimate act with your hopes and dreams for the coming year seems a bit naive. How many NYE kisses have you shared with partners who are no longer around? 

Look, I get it. I grew up watching When Harry Met Sally and thinking how romantic it would be to kiss the love of my life in the first moments of a new year. As an independent 30-something, there’s nothing more isolating or stressful than sitting in a room full of couples making out to Auld Lang Syne like it's the be all and end all of romance. Let’s bring NYE back to personal accomplishments and future desires; not who we already smooch 364 days of the year. 

Stay In

The idea of wearing heels during the coldest time of the year and partying until after midnight with a room full of strangers makes me want to scream. Also, have you seen Uber costs on NYE? No thank you! 

Instead, why not invite your favorite people over for a night in? Potlucks, board games, movie marathons, OH MY! Having a budget-friendly slumber party with the friends who have been with you through the highs and lows of the year can be so cathartic and comforting. 

The best part? You can tailor the night for yourselves. Want to bake 400 cookies and eat them all in one sitting? FIRE UP THE OVEN! Want to sing karaoke until your voice gives out? Whitney is on standby! Want to watch every Lord of the Rings movie back to back? “This day we fight!” You do you this NYE.

Resist the Resolution

The dreaded resolution: an antiquated concept and (yet) another reason to add stress to our plate for a new year. While ancient Babylonians made resolutions to their kings and gods, we North Americans have used them to swear to be better versions of ourselves going forward. Unfortunately, these changes usually relate to our weight, diet, and love lives. 

I propose we all take a moment at the stroke of midnight to look back at the accomplishments we’ve made over the last year. I don’t want to tell myself to “do better” anymore. I want to start telling myself, “you did the best you could.” Life is hard. You made another rotation around the sun. Let’s all give ourselves a pat on the back. 

Reflect and Look Forward

A friend of mine suggested journaling on NYE to see what came out. I took my time, reading through previous passages and taking stock of everything I did that year. “Holy Cow!” I thought to myself, “I’m kind of amazing!”  

Where I reflect through writing, you may do so in music or photos or conversations. What art did you create? What relationships did you cultivate? What work achievements are you proud of? How did your kid do on that test you helped them study for? What Netflix shows did you watch?

Those little things are never on your resolution list, but they certainly add up. Instead of big resolutions, let’s get excited about the little things we can achieve in the new year. 

Get that book that’s been on your list. Set a date to visit your grandparents. Buy that crochet kit you’ve had your eyes on. Our lives are the sum of small moments. Why not enjoy them?

—

Ultimately, you know yourself best—and that applies to New Year’s Eve plans and aspirations for the year ahead. But, if we can offer one piece of advice: take the pressure off, and get in touch with what will best serve you this NYE (and beyond). 

Personally, I want that childhood joy of staying up late with the family, eating snacks, and blowing horns to return to NYE celebrations. Going into 2024, I'd also like to be kinder to myself. And that starts with cutting down on the made-up pressures of this holiday and cuttin’ loose! 

Against the backdrop of the so-called ‘male norm', our hormonal cycles and complex bodily processes have been regarded as a nuisance, an obstruction to clean, simple scientific conclusions—the kind that earns white men in lab coats prestigious awards and accolades. 

The upshot is that we live in a world where shockingly little is known about the physiology of roughly half the human population, as everything from seatbelts to everyday medications often remain exclusively tested on male bodies. 

When researcher and author Cat Bohannon began writing her debut book Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution, her aim was to place women at the center of evolution. In tracing the narratives ingrained in our very bodies, the exercise, in effect, involved rewriting the history of humanity—this time, through the female gaze.

In speculating the mysteries of menopause or contemplating breasts as sophisticated channels of communication, she fills significant gaps and asks the long overlooked question: what’s different about the female body—and why should we care? 

In its pages, Cat takes readers through deep time, weaving together various disciplines—from archeology to paleontology and evolutionary biology—so that we might place ourselves in the dim caves and lush forests of distant ancestors as new evolutionary features come into expression. 

Here, Cat introduces us to our predecessors—a cast of ancestral ‘Eves’—who defied the odds of survival, and whose evolutionary fingerprints linger in the contemporary marvels of the female body. 

Hot off the heels of the book’s release (it’s already a New York Times bestseller), we had the joy of rehashing a few of the incredible things we learned while reading Eve with the author herself. 

Women Are More Than Baby-Making Machines, Obviously

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In the decade of research that went into writing her book, it’s no surprise Cat came up against some big evolutionary myths. Even less surprising is that, chief among them, is the “the idea that everything in a female body is geared towards reproduction,” says Cat. 

Science, unfortunately, isn’t immune to the gendered social scripts that insinuate women as biologically destined to be mothers. Though evolution is, quite literally, about reproduction, Cat pushes back against notions of biological determinism. “There are many diverse roles in various species’ social environments that have to do [with] more than just baby-making,” she says.

In fact, Cat posits that, overall, humans are actually pretty terrible at making babies. “There’s [the] important concept of maternal fetal conflict: that the fetus long evolves to get as many resources as it can, and the mother’s body long evolves to not simply reproduce itself, but to survive,” explains Cat. 

It’s a once controversial concept that defies cultural ideals. “It just goes against that story we tell about what females are for and, frankly, what women are for, and that we’re supposed to just really love this whole baby-making thing,” says Cat. 

Far from warm and hospitable, Cat encourages us to think of the uterus as a battle ground—“an environment in which a conflict is taking place between the mother’s body and the offspring.” While female bodies might not be built to engender pregnancy, they are, amazingly, built to endure it. 

Really, it just confirms what we already know: pregnant folks are basically endurance athletes. 

Your Junk in the Trunk Is Serving an Evolutionary Function

While we’re on the subject of surviving child-bearing, let’s all take a moment to bid thanks to the extra pounds that tend to cluster on our hips, thighs, and derrières. Incredibly, these pockets of fat are actually an interactive organ made of connective tissue. 

“There’s a kind of three-way hotline between most women’s reproductive organs, her body fat, and the pituitary gland at the base of her brain, constantly regulating the shifting balance of her sex hormones,” reads a passage in Eve. 

Even more fascinating: these plumper areas play a vital role in providing nutrients to the fetus during pregnancy—like a stockpile of nutrients that can be tapped into in the name of survival. 

Thinking of your fat as an organ system strips away at “sexist stories we tell ourselves about our bodies” in a way that’s kind of liberating, says Cat. That said, she’s still quick to stipulate that though “the fat part of our butts may well have evolved to help make babies, that does not mean it’s our destiny.” 

Next time you’re struggling to button your jeans, just remember: this important fatty tissue also plays a role in regulating your metabolism and central nervous system. 

Boobs Are Even More Incredible Than We Thought

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Boobs are wonderful. They grow, shrink, and change shape—often just in the span of a single hormonal cycle. They lactate during child-rearing and keep babies alive and thriving. They also happen to look great in a plunging neckline—what more can we say?

If that weren’t enough, feel free to confidently add “communication pathway” to your breasts’ already lofty resume. “We think communication is all about our faces and vocalizations,” says Cat, “but there are biochemical pathways that are communicative between this baby latching to your chest and your own immune system.” 

What Cat’s referring to is the transmission of information that occurs when a baby’s saliva—packed with data on nutrient levels and antibodies—is absorbed by the mother’s body during breastfeeding. In a process that Cat describes as both “creepy and awesome,” the baby’s spit is up-sucked into the breast, changing the content of the milk. 

In other words, breast milk isn’t just made by mothers for babies, rather it’s a co-produced biological product. But, again, that doesn’t mean breastfeeding is for everyone. “I had a very intimate relationship with my breast pump,” says Cat. “It took a while for the spit to be making its way.”

Aging Is a Human Success Story—but Our Ovaries Might Still Be Catching Up

Remember that hotline between your reproductive organs, body fat, and pituitary gland that regulates sex hormones? It seemingly knows no bounds—“there’s no part of the human body that sex hormones don’t touch,” writes Cat in Eve. “That’s why a woman can experience all of these seemingly disconnected symptoms during menopause.”

The list of perimenopause symptoms is at 34—and ever-growing, but “it’s not an endless penance for having once been fertile, but a transition,” stresses Cat. As your body unlearns a pattern it’s been trained to respond to since puberty, perimenopause and menopause is a process of relearning. 

The fact that we continue to live, on average, a third of our lives after our ovaries have turned out the lights is, however, nothing short of an evolutionary feat. “So, in other words, menopause is a longevity story more than it is about that you’ve stopped making babies,” according to Cat. 

“It may be the case that in deep time, our ancestors—our Eves—mutated towards having a longer lifespan in both males and females,” she says. “In other words, we mutated to have elderly, but the ovaries may not have gotten the message.” 

Turns out, there are also evolutionary benefits to having communities made up of middle-aged and elderly folks—which is precisely why our ancestors may have selected for longevity. “Their contribution to the community is probably very much a part of our success story as humanity, and part of how our bodies evolved,” says Cat. 

—

For Eve’s author, the biology of sex difference is, ultimately, an exercise in better understanding the human body as a whole—including those who exist outside of the binary. Diversity is an evolutionary gift, not a bug. And better understanding the female body means better understanding all bodies. 

“We are all individually the best authority on what it’s like to live in our bodies,” says Cat. “I hope that Eve helps give us new ways of describing our authentic experiences in our bodies—and understanding how wide the diversity of humanity is and always has been.”

To make gifting a lot easier this holiday season, we looked to the stars to discover the best Knix gift for every zodiac sign on your list. Yes, even your lovable perfectionist Virgo friend. For cosmic gift ideas, read on. 

Aries ♈ — March 21-April 19

Kicking things off with Aries, this intense and (lovingly) chaotic fiery sign always runs a little hot—in more ways than one. This makes the aptly named Fireside T-shirt and Flannel Short Pajama Set a surefire win for the beloved Ram on your list. Plus, red is totally their color.

Taurus ♉ — April 20-May 20 

No one loves to be pampered more than a Taurus. This sensual sign adores the finer things in life, so they’ll definitely love unwrapping the super soft Lace Longline Bra (especially if it’s the Gilded Gold edition). A gift that’s both regal and extremely comfy? It’s a Taurean dream. 

Gemini ♊ — May 21-June 20

Geminis are social butterflies that can adapt to fit in anywhere with anyone. They know how to work any room they waltz into—so get them a gift that’ll keep up with them. The Revolution V-Neck Bra is THE bra for any occasion, which makes it the perfect match for the adaptable Gemini. 

Cancer ♋ — June 21-July 22

The nurturers of the zodiac, it’s time to turn the tables and take care of the Cancer in your life. The ever giftable Knix Starter Kit is a great way to say, “I’m here for you too, my little crab.” These packs come complete with three glorious pairs of undies: classic Leakproof, Super Leakproof, and a Dream Short for night time—and are available in a Boyshort and Bikini set. 

Leo ♌ — July 23-August 22

Ah Leos—the bright stars at the center of our universe! For the confident and bold lions in your circle, give the Hold Me Nightie and Lace Trim Robe Set. This ultra soft (and ultra sexy) pair will have them living their old-school Hollywood starlet fantasy—a role they’ve always been destined to play. 

Virgo ♍ — August 23-September 22

Trust us, your always-put-together Virgo pal will be delighted to do their flawlessly curated 19 step night-time routine in their new Modal Sleep Set in Jade. This matching PJ set was practically made for the elegant and aesthetic Virgo on your shopping list. 

Libra ♎ — September 23-October 22

Ruled by Venus, it’s no surprise that Libras LOVE love. Connection is key! So no matter if they’re a friend, family member or lover, Libras will appreciate a present that’s for them and for you—like the Matchy Matchy Couples Set. Talk about a well balanced gift.

Scorpio ♏ — October 23-November 21

The Golden Glow Lace Leakproof Kit is the ideal naughty gift for the nice Scorpio on your holiday shopping list this year. A deeply mysterious sign, they’ll love that this set of three sexy, lacy, french cut undies hold the ultimate secret—they’re Leakproof too. 

Sagittarius ♐ — November 22-December 21

Nothing can stop the adventure-seeking Sag! Prep them for a new year of exploring with the Revolution Adjustable Pullover Bra. This easy-wearing bra has a customizable fit, making it beyond comfy for extra-long plane rides, unexpected treks, and wanderlust-filled journeys.

Capricorn ♑ — December 22-January 19

Caps work hard, so their gift should too. This 3-Pack Gift Box of Leakproof High Rise Underwear is not only cute, but super practical—which will win you points in your Cap’s book. These period- and leak-protecting undies are a well deserved present for our favorite tenacious sea-goats. 

Aquarius ♒ — Jan 20-Feb 18

Aquarians march to the beat of their own drum, which can sometimes make this a difficult sign to shop for. But it’s really quite simple! They love anything that lets them do things on their own terms. Like a Knix Gift Card! It’s a gift that says “Here, do whatever you want!”, which—at the end of the day—is always at the top of every Aqua’s wish list. 

Pisces ♓ — Feb 19-March 20

They’re the dreamiest sign in the galaxy, so tuck your Pisces in with the Fireside Flannel Nightshirt. It’s so comfy we bet they’ll make this super soft nightshirt into a dayshirt too. 24/7 coziness... the perfect gift for a Pisces! 

For more gift ideas, check out the rest of our Holiday Gift Shop. 

Though it’s been shrouded by ageist remarks, sexist headlines, and quiet whispers, perimenopause is as routine as puberty or your monthly period. But what happens when that familiar period stops? Or becomes irregular?

Starting as early as your 30s, those in perimenopause can experience up to a whopping 34 different physical and mental health-related symptoms—including hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, and muscle aches. 

Lack of knowledge and awareness are barriers to women speaking openly about their experiences. Left to internalize pain and discomfort, we often suffer in silence. 

In reality, there are tons of effective tools, coping mechanisms, and treatments available. If only we could recognize the signs and say them out loud. 

Well, we’re talking about perimenopause out loud. Shouting it out loud, actually.

The Invisible Period is a campaign film created by Knix to shine light on a period of people’s lives that receives so little attention that 90% feel unprepared for the perimenopause journey. 

Directed by longtime Knix collaborator, Soleil Denault, the film is a portrait of life's natural patterns. It explores the routine periods that make up the rhythms of our lives, and the big, life-altering periods (or missed periods) that make up many of life's losses and milestones. 

We live with these periods for decades until, one day, The Invisible Period catches us off guard. 

Featuring Knix founder, Joanna Griffiths, content creator and activist, Sarain Fox, as well as members of the Knix community, the project aims to change the narrative around perimenopause. 

In school, we learn about puberty, periods, and pregnancy but perimenopause remains obscured. This even though, according to the National Institute on Aging, more than one million US-women experience menopause each year. 

Far from uniform, perimenopause affects everyone differently, and at different stages of life.

Notorious for its pesky symptoms—everything from anxiety to brain fog—many women enter this often decade-spanning phase without even knowing. 

When those symptoms don't receive the support they deserve, people are often left feeling alone; women leave the workforce in droves, thinking something is wrong with them, or muscle-through discomfort when they don't have to. 

This simply reinforces false notions that menopausal women are in decline, that their social value has somehow depreciated. 

This couldn't be further from the truth: perimenopause is a new chapter, a transition full of changes that can be empowering with access to the right support and resources. 

It's not just a talking point for women, either. Everyone—including men—are invited to help change the narrative, participate in discourse, and offer support to the perimenopausal folks in their life. 

We’re shedding the shame, cultural taboos, and misconceptions surrounding menopause and helping give it the rebrand it so desperately needs. Because from your first period to your last, we've got you covered. 

Our relationship with sex is in constant flux, evolving as we gain sexual experience and discover our innate sexual identities and desires. Sexuality is an eternal unfolding—one with no wrong or right answers, just ones that are unique to you. 

Perimenopause, in particular, can usher in a new phase of sexual exploration or, alternatively, a wave of symptoms that make sex the last thing on your mind. 

“If you’re dealing with exhaustion, mood swings, hot flashes, sleeplessness, pain in the uterine and pelvic area, that’s going to affect your desire for sex,” says Dr. Jess. 

But that’s not to say perimenopause is a sexual dead end. Rather, according to Dr. Jess, it can be an opportunity to reflect on your sexual values and cultivate your ideal sex life. 

While perimenopause symptoms—including a sudden lack of sexual desire—can be challenging, they’re road bumps in a more expansive journey towards mid-life and a renewed sense of sexual freedom, whether that looks like discovering new erogenous zones or deciding sex is indefinitely off the menu. 

With expert insights from Dr. Jess, we’re exploring the possibilities for pleasure in perimenopause. 

What’s Going on With My Sex Drive?

So, you’re hot, moody, and exhausted. It’s not exactly a mystery that sex isn’t at the top of your to-do list. At the same time, it may be alarming to feel less in touch with your sexual side than usual—and you’re certainly not alone on that front. 

“What we see is that oftentimes desire decreases or disappears altogether,” says Dr. Jess. “I hear from people that they’ve always enjoyed sex, had desire, and for it to just disappear into thin air feels so overwhelming.”

Other symptoms, like flash periods or vaginal dryness, can also curb your desire to do anything penetrative. Your mood and sense of self, too, can feel precarious during this transition. 

But the important thing to remember is just that: it’s a transition. Once you’ve identified your symptoms, according to Dr. Jess, you can seek a number of different treatments and solutions—from pelvic physiotherapy to lubrication. 

Once pain or discomfort is mediated, you may find there’s more space to reimagine sexual desire.

Wait, There Are Different Kinds of Sexual Desire?

Desire can take many forms. It can feel like a red-hot flicker, a carnal urge. Or, it can feel like a gentle flame, one that needs to be fanned and tended with care. It can also be up-down, and everything in between. 

“At various points [in] our lives, we experience desire differently,” says Dr. Jess. “It’s not as though everybody who hits perimenopause experiences a loss of spontaneous desire, but it’s not uncommon.” 

What she’s referring to is the distinction between spontaneous desire and reactive desire. Though for most, the decrease in spontaneous desire usually occurs before perimenopause, especially for those in long term relationships. 

Though desire is more of a spectrum than a dichotomy, the distinction between spontaneous and reactive desire can be helpful in cultivating an active sex life. 

“When we talk about spontaneous desire, we’re referring to desire that just happens,” according to Dr. Jess. “When we talk about responsive desire, we’re talking about desire that doesn’t just pop up on its own—you do something to get aroused first, then desire follows.”

Reactive desire can mean asking your partner to do that thing you like, or reaching for a toy to see if that inner flame ignites. 

Why Is it Important to Cultivate Sexual Values?

When Dr. Jess uses the term sexual values, she’s referring to what sex means to you. Sex is multi-dimensional and encompasses the physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, and beyond. 

Whether in perimenopause or not, for Dr. Jess this is a standard starting point with clients.

“When we talk through your sexual values, [you might be] fine with the fact that you don’t have sexual interest right now,” she says. “Or, you might be like, sex is a huge part of my life and I want to find a new way to experience pleasure—and there are many new ways to experience pleasure.”

Dr. Jess also points to misconceptions surrounding the necessity for sexual desire. “If you have no desire for sex and you feel fine about having no desire for sex, that’s also cool,” she says. 

She also recommends tuning into what comes to mind when you think of pleasure more generally. Orgasms are great, but what else brings you pleasure? It could be food, dance, wine, or your favorite indulgences. 

Your relationship to sex is for you to define. “When it comes to sex itself,” says Dr. Jess, “I think [perimenopause] is an opportunity to really tune into what sex means to you. 

How Can I Access Support? 

As with any life-impacting transition, support is key. “Look specifically at what symptoms you’re experiencing and consider what your options are,” says Dr. Jess. 

If you’re experiencing night sweats and insomnia, that’s an opportunity to check in with your healthcare provider. If you’re dealing with pelvic pain, dryness, or painful penetration (even with lots of lube) you may want to check-in with a pelvic floor physiotherapist. 

“If your healthcare provider is dismissive and isn’t treating you as a patient who’s dealing with perimenopause, then you might want to look for another option,” she says. Advocate for yourself and never shy away from getting a second opinion. 

She also calls attention to the importance of emotional support from partners. “I think it’s really important that our partners, regardless of gender, but specifically men, step up,” she says. “If you’re going to be in a relationship with someone whose identity is different [from] yours—so, in this case, perhaps gender identity— you have to do some work to understand how they move through the world.”

Everyone seems to have a baseline understanding of the significance of puberty, per se, yet the magnitude of menopause often remains obscured from the mainstream. “I think we need to see all the transitions in life,” says Dr. Jess. Which means: “we just need to talk about it.” 

The more we talk openly about perimenopause, get curious about its challenges and rewards, and shed the shame, the less people will suffer in silence. 

“There’s a shedding of shame, a shedding of responsibility,” says Dr. Jess. “I just think it’s so cathartic.”

—

We hope you found this post informative—but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. 

We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.

“There’s a huge deficit in this area,” says Dr. Judith Joseph. “As a result, many people just walk around thinking there’s something wrong with them, that it’s their fault when it’s not.”

As a long-time mental health practitioner with a background in biology and chemistry—she’s been referred to as “social media’s favorite psychiatrist”—Dr. Judith’s uniquely versed in the role hormones play in our mood, cognition, sense of self, and ability to function.  

Much of her work, and that of her research lab, is centered on filling important gaps in women’s health. She emphasizes the intertwinement of our minds and bodies, validating the very real mental health challenges that often come with physical change. 

Perimenopause, of course, is no exception—but that doesn’t mean you're fated for a lifetime of mood swings and hormonal rage. Solutions and coping mechanisms are ample, but first it’s essential we do the work of identifying, naming, and talking about our experiences. 

Ahead, you’ll find helpful insights into distinguishing symptoms of depression from symptoms of perimenopause, how they might affect you in the workplace (and beyond), and what you can do about it. 

Thought Is Powerful

“What I noticed with my patients, [is that] hormonal change really can impact the way they behave, feel, interact with others, and think—and they don’t even realize it,” says Dr. Judith. 

To better explain the perimenopause’s mental health ties, she came up with the acronym TIES, the first letter of which represents “thinking.”  

“This is really the cognitive changes we see in about two-thirds of people going through the perimenopausal transition,” she tells me. This can affect everything from difficulty finding the right word to losing things, changes in organization, planning, and time management. 

These cognitive and executive functioning-related symptoms, she emphasizes, aren’t permanent—the exception being those with a history or high risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Permanent or not, however, she appreciates just how alarming it can be. 

“It can feel daunting for the person who’s experiencing it because it’s scary when you feel or believe that you’re losing function,” says Dr. Judith. “What I explain to my clients is that it will pass. It’s not permanent, and there are tools we can use to support you.” 

Tools around time management and organization can provide support for those experiencing this temporary change in cognition. What’s unfortunate is that many women are affected by these symptoms at the peak of their careers. 

“Unfortunately, I think that leads a lot of people to leave the workplace during mid-life because they don’t understand what’s happening,” says Dr. Judith. “They’re leaving at a time when they’re probably at their best because they’ve refined their skills, but they feel that there’s something wrong with them.”

Identity Shock

“The I in TIES is identity,” according to Dr. Judith. “Because we live in a society where our identities are closely tied to our functioning, [during perimenopause] we sometimes feel as if we’re losing ourselves.” 

This sense of identity loss can stem from those aforementioned cognitive changes or the strangeness of feeling different in our bodies. Dr. Judith, however, suggests reframing this as an identity change—one that can be embraced and supported.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for instance, can be a powerful tool in breaking the negative cycles of thought that often shape our self-perception. “When we have negative thoughts, especially negative thoughts around aging, our symptoms are likely to be worse,” she says. 

Mood is also closely tied with our sense of self. Feelings of irritability can manifest in what Dr. Judith refers to as rejection sensitivity. 

This can make managing conflict at work, for instance, particularly tense as perimenopausal folks may have to navigate feeling more sensitive than usual. Being reactionary can lead to behaving out-of-character and, as a result, not feeling like yourself. 

This is where coping mechanisms like CBT can come into play, challenging emotionally impulsive or negative responses for better communication outcomes and a renewed sense of self.

Emotional Confusion

If your emotions (the "E" in TIES) are feeling more intense and difficult to regulate than usual, you're far from alone. This common perimenopause mental health affect can also be sharpened by life's pressures: a demanding job, caring for aging parents, raising teenagers. 

“We know that many of those going through this change in mid-life will experience depression and anxiety,” says Dr. Judith. “I like to educate my patients about the differences between a major depressive disorder and perimenopausal mood changes.”

To distinguish between depression and perimenopause symptoms, Dr. Judith relies on the three P’s: physical changes, period changes, and path (meaning your medical and family histories).

If you're experiencing hot flashes, irregular periods, dry skin, and heart palpitations in tandem with depressive symptoms, that’s likely not a major depressive disorder, according to Dr. Judith. Those with medical and family histories of depression or trauma, however, may be more vulnerable. 

She also points out that it’s human to fear the unknown—which is why naming our feelings is so powerful. “If you can name how you feel, then you’re less confused,” she says.

It’s important to take each of these elements into consideration, she stipulates. “[It’s important] to differentiate between the two because treatments for major depressive disorder are very different [from] treatments for menopausal mood changes.”

Sleep Troubles

The “S” in TIES, as you may have guessed, is sleep. “We know, in general, as we age, sleep architecture changes,” says Dr. Judith. “Hormonal changes can impact sleep differently compared to other types of insomnia.”

The transition may also make some more prone to sleep apnea, which is why she recommends her perimenopausal patients do a sleep study to identify any sleep-related issues. 

“Sleep is so important because sleep is the time in our daily cycle where we refresh, our body gets rid of toxins, it’s restorative, [and] helpful for how we feel physically and mentally,” she says. 

Sleep affects cognition, mood, and, as a result, how you feel about yourself. And while there may not be a quick-fix to getting better sleep, solutions include CBT, sleep clinics, and maintaining good sleep hygiene. 

When sleep quality suffers, it’s likely to exacerbate underlying or existing perimenopause symptoms. It can, again, also be a detriment to women in the workplace. 

“We need to support women who are going through this so we can remain diverse in our workplaces,” says Dr. Judith. “This is not just a problem for women, this is a problem for all of us.”

—

We hope you found this post informative—but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. 

We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.

Or, there’s a good chance you’re hearing it for the first time, now. You can think of perimenopause as the prelude to menopause, which is when 12 months have passed since your last period. 

Perimenopause is a hormonal transition that can span years (up to a decade, actually) and begin as early as 35—though it usually starts in your 40s. 

Though perimenopause is as ordinary as puberty, menstruation, and other hormonal events, it gets a fraction of the attention. In fact, research shows a striking 92% of us want more education surrounding perimenopause and menopause. 

Like so many facets of women’s health, it’s often overlooked. But for those looking for answers, heading to the gynecologist is often a good start. That’s why we called on TikTok’s favorite OB-GYN—Dr. Ali Rodriguez, known online as The Latina Doc—to shed some light on this (unnecessarily) enigmatic phase. 

From talking to your mom to taking estrogen-boosting supplements, she offers insights on how to thrive during perimenopause—even if hot flashes and sleepless nights have you feeling out of sorts. 

Bridging Gaps of Knowledge

When Dr. Ali first started her rotations in medical school, she wasn’t entirely sure which field of medicine she wanted to pursue. 

When one of doctor’s she worked with let her attend a delivery, a “switch went off and I was like, okay, I really want to be an OB-GYN,” she tells me. “I was excited—and not just with the pregnancy part of it, but the women’s health aspect.”

Dr. Ali was doing her medical residency when she realized “there’s a huge gap of knowledge as far as what I consider important information for everyone to know.” So, she took to social media to help bridge gaps of knowledge among her few hundred social media followers. 

A few years later, the number of folks she’s making female reproductive health accessible to is in the millions—and growing. Her medical practice has also expanded; most of her patients today are in perimenopause or menopause. 

When I ask about which symptoms her patients most commonly flag, she notes period changes. “Usually my patients will come in because they realize that their periods are getting heavier, more crampy, or just the opposite,” she says. 

That includes irregular periods or light spotting where consistent five-day periods once were. Hot flashes, weight-gain, and mood-related symptoms, like irritability, anxiety, or depression, are also commonplace. 

If you're curious, the full list is 34 symptoms-long, and ever-growing to encompass people’s wide-ranging experiences. Every body is different. 

“Those are very, very common and expected changes to happen with perimenopause,” says Dr. Ali. And since our bones depend on estrogen, joint pain, muscle aches, and fatigue are also within the spectrum of common symptoms. 

“[It’s] almost like a feeling of not feeling like yourself,” Dr. Ali describes. It can be difficult to put into words or pinpoint what’s going on for those who are beginning perimenopause. 

But what exactly spurs this years-long phase? According to Dr. Ali, by definition, it’s a decrease in ovarian function. “Your ovaries are not producing as much hormone, so there’s a decrease in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone from the ovaries,” she says. 

That doesn’t mean your body isn’t producing lots of estrogen and other vital hormones, it’s simply at a different level than before. And those pesky symptoms? They’re essentially your body recalibrating to a lower dose.

Symptoms Suck, But There’s Lots You Can Do  

While there’s no sugar-coating the symptoms, which are likely to peak around menopause when the ovaries stop producing hormones altogether, there are lots of ways to adapt to bodily changes.

In Dr. Ali’s experience, some general practitioners are prone to brushing off symptoms as temporary, when that’s not necessarily the case. 

Rather, she sees it as something ongoing—meaning it requires ongoing treatment and check-ins, to be reevaluated based on what’s working (or not working) for you. 

“Now, are you going to be having these severe symptoms and feeling terrible from that point on? No,” says Dr. Ali. “Thankfully there’s treatment options and for some it does [naturally] get better over time.” 

She emphasizes getting educated about perimenopause, whether that means scheduling an appointment, calling a friend, or getting candid with your mom. Since genetics play a role in symptoms, talking to family can give you a sense of what to expect. 

Experienced in creating custom treatment plans for her patients, Dr. Ali always starts with the basics: nutrition and exercise. When it comes to nutrition, it’s about “avoiding things that are going to cause inflammation in the body, so an anti-inflammatory diet,” she says. 

Aside from incorporating nourishing foods into everyday meals, she also emphasizes a regular (and realistic) exercise routine—which can be especially helpful in alleviating mental health related symptoms. “Exercise is so good for our bodies, but it’s also really good for our mental health,” she says. 

Then, there’s the world of pharmaceutical therapies, medications, and supplements, which Dr. Ali bases on comfort levels and the unique needs of her patients. “It really is just having that open conversation with your doctor,” she says. “It could be a period of trial and error, seeing what works for your body or schedule.” 

While she’s an advocate of hormone replacement therapy and how its improved quality of life for so many of her patients, there are lots of natural and dietary supplements that can help those who are hesitant to start hormones. 

“[It’s] usually through a combination of mental and physical tools, resources, and treatments that people can find some balance and hopefully thrive,” says Dr. Ali. 

Perimenopause Affects Every Body Differently

Comparison is a thief of joy—and according to Dr. Ali, perimenopause is no exception. 

Many of her patients find treatments transformative, whereas some may not require any treatment at all. Some may deal with hot flashes here and there or feel short fused but that symptoms are, ultimately, manageable. 

This is where genetics and lifestyle factors come into play, making the perimenopause journey totally unique for all who experience it. In Dr. Ali’s words, “everyone’s symptoms are going to present differently.” 

With that, it’s important to avoid comparisons. While your symptoms might involve fatigue or joint pain, your friend may have relatively mild symptoms in comparison. 

“I think keeping in mind we’re all built differently, having that as your baseline mentality is going to help too,” says Dr. Ali. 

Research on Women’s Health Is Predictably Lacking 

Though nearly half the world’s population will experience perimenopause or menopause at some point, it’s not uncommon for symptoms to be misdiagnosed. 

In fact, a survey suggests 1 in 3 women have been diagnosed with a healthcare condition before discovering their symptoms were menopause-induced. 

When I ask Dr. Ali why so many general practitioners are likely to misdiagnose perimenopause, she points to a lack of education. OB-GYNS like herself, on the other hand, receive deeper insight and encounter it more frequently during residency. 

Even so, she doesn’t think the level of education is sufficient, especially considering the growing demographic of perimenopause-aged people worldwide. To ensure she’s able to keep up with the needs of her patients’, she buys books and attends menopause-related conferences. 

“I think it’s often overlooked because women’s health in general is not valued, and we know there’s proof of that, so it doesn’t have the best track record,” she tells me. “I think we need to continue the conversation and continue being loud about it so that it’s taught better.”

—

We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. 

We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.

Eating nutritious foods and engaging in regular movement is recommended throughout all stages of life. Though it’s far from being a revolutionary insight, it’s one that becomes increasingly important in perimenopause and mid-life. 

Fitness and women’s health expert, Amanda Thebe, was fit and healthy when she entered her forties. “When I was 42, it all changed,” she tells me. 

Having long worked in the health and wellness space, she considered her knowledge of human physiology to be pretty advanced. Still, when she left a workout feeling nauseous, dizzy, and like she’d been “hit with a sledgehammer”—a feeling that went on for months—she never imagined it was symptoms of perimenopause she was experiencing. 

“I spent the next two years in the medical wilderness looking for answers,” says Amanda. When her gynecologist identified the source of her ongoing struggles, she had never even heard the term perimenopause.

At first, she was relieved it was nothing serious. “But, then, that relief turned to anger,” she says. “I was furious that something that was considered a natural life transition was happening to me—hurting me—and I had no idea what it was.” 

She describes it as a terrible time in her life, but also as transformative and a catalyst for change. She got answers for herself, found new ways to thrive and feel like herself again, and authored a book with all of the insights she gathered, so others could thrive too. 

“I had a big knowledge gap, there was a piece of information that was completely a mystery to me and many women,” according to Amanda. “The key to thriving [is] filling that knowledge bucket.” 

With help from Amanda’s expert insights, we’re exploring fitness and nutrition as pathways to thriving during perimenopause. 

Take Baby Steps 

At her lowest, Amanda recalls finding small wins wherever she could—even if it meant going for just a 10 minute walk. “When you’re just not feeling yourself, staying on track with your fitness and nutrition can be very, very challenging,” she says. 

What she suggests is doing something over nothing, no matter how small that something may seem. It could be a gentle yoga class or taking the stairs at work, the idea being that these small behavioral changes are impactful and often snowball into continuous healthy habits. 

“Just keep taking those steps forward,” says Amanda. “Without judgment and with complete grace, if possible.” 

Increase Your Daily Movement

It sounds daunting, but when you’re starting with baby steps, it doesn’t have to be. Creating space for daily movement doesn’t have to be rigorous or time consuming, it can look like getting off the subway a stop earlier or occasionally working from a standing desk. 

Amanda refers to this as non-intentional movement—the minute opportunities to expend additional energy that present themselves to us each day. Mundane as they might seem, these moments are possibilities for subtle lifestyle changes that can ease the transition into perimenopause. 

Lift Some Weights

With age and being sedentary, muscle and bone mass can begin to reduce—two things that are accelerated through menopause, according to Amanda. “We need to do everything we can to hang onto as much muscle as we can and keep our bones strong,” she says. “And the best way to do that is through strength training.” 

If you’re new to strength training, bodyweight exercises are a great place to start. “Test your body and see what it’s capable of—because it’s more capable than you think,” she says. 

Twice a week for 30 minutes has the potential to increase lean muscle mass and bone density, as well as improve chances of longevity. “These small changes can help improve our quality of life, and that’s essential as we get older.” 

Find Freedom in Food 

When it comes to food, Amanda cautions against restrictive diets. Instead, she recommends finding freedom, joy, and celebration in food. 

“When you start having awareness [of] the foods you eat without having restrictive rules and morality around food—like this is good, this is bad—we create a response in our body that becomes repetitive,” she says. “It becomes a positive behavior.” 

Diet culture is pervasive, especially for women, and inhibiting which foods you eat can seem like a quick weight loss solution. But Amanda emphasizes the importance of sustainable behavioral changes and balanced nutrition as being key to living a full, healthy life. 

Increase Your Protein Intake 

One thing Amanda does suggest packing into your daily meals? Protein—and lots of it. 

She finds women generally don’t consume nearly enough protein, though it’s crucial to building muscle and bone mass. This means diversifying your protein sources, whether it be beans, lentils, or lean meat. Carbs, too, are friends. 

“We need to increase our protein sources, and that will keep us full for longer,” she says. “Fill up on loads of vegetables and fruits, carbs are not the enemy.” 

Stay Balanced

Like most things in life, nutrition during perimenopause is all about balance. That means loading up on whole food and complex carbohydrates that will fuel your body and brain, while being thoughtful about indulgences like alcohol and overly processed foods. 

Everyone needs a treat now and then but the key, according to Amanda, is to plan for it. “These occasional treats have become everyday food items, and that’s not good for our overall health,” she says. 

“All of these things apply across our lifespan, they just become particularly important through perimenopause,” says Amanda. “When our body has this inflammatory response to losing estrogen, we need to give [our bodies] the stuff it needs to thrive—and that’s lots of complex carbohydrates and protein, while reducing, not restricting all the fun stuff.”

Consistency Is Key 

The foundation of true, sustainable fitness and nutrition goals is affecting behavioral change. The key to this is adapting your lifestyle in a way that feels achievable. “Don’t pick a new change that’s going to be [too] challenging,” according to Amanda. 

Whether that means going on a walk everyday or snacking on fruit, form goals that are achievable—and stick with it. 

“Change can be very difficult and it can be challenging to go through perimenopause of course, but leaning into that change is the best way to go back to thriving,” she says. “Instead of resistance, actually say, okay, this is meant to happen. It’s a privilege I’m going through this transition.”

—

We hope you found this post informative—but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. 

We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.

Though, we can all admit, some people on the holiday gift list are simply more fun to find gifts for than others. 

Dads? Beyond beard kits and whiskey, buying for dads is a nearly impossible task. Best friends on the other hand? We’ve had their holiday gifts picked out since July. 

A good bestie knows your favorite places to window shop; they know you keep a secret wish list on your notes app and have taken mental snapshots of all the stuff you want but would never splurge on for yourself. 

And for all the cheer up sessions they’ve spearheaded, messy rants they’ve listened to, and pet-sitting they’ve done, we think besties deserve the best, which is why you’ll find nothing but super soft fabrics and the coziest of threads in this bestie-centric holiday gift-list. 

For the Best Friend Who Still Has Their Bras From College

Bras are generally a necessity and, yet, years (and years) can slip by before we even consider replacing our favorite ones. They become like a well-worn cardigan that brings comfort—even if the straps are a little loose now. 

If your best friend is stuck in the halcyon days of bras (AKA underwires), then the gift of wireless support is in order. Made using buttery-soft fabric and 3D fabric technology, the V-Neck Revolution Bra is one of our biggest bra innovations to date.  

For the Best Friend Who Appreciates the Small Things

Is your best friend the type to stop and smell the roses? For those who relish the small things in life, there’s no greater small pleasure than quality knickers—life’s too short for scratchy cotton. 

It’s the perfect gift for the friend you’ve been trying to convert to Leakproof Period Underwear. Have we mentioned all your favorite styles come in a 3-pair Leakproof Period Underwear gift pack? 

For the Best Friend Who’s a Low-Key Social Influencer

The holiday social media post is the new holiday mail-card—and if every year your bestie and their family gather around the tree in matching sets for a photo-op, then we’ve got just the thing. When everyone asks where they got the adorable Pajama sets from, they’ll have you to thank. 

Alternatively, this is an opportunity to snag matching pajama sets for you and your best friends (and maybe your pets, too). 

For the Best Friend Who's Cardio-Obsessed

Give your bestie the gift of the only sports bra they’ll ever need: the Catalyst Sports Bra. This high impact baddie jumps, lunges, and strides with you seamlessly—even better, it will never give you the dreaded uni-boob thanks to its encapsulated cups. 

For the Best Friend Who’d Rather Stay in Than Go Out 

You want to hit the town and dance the night away, but they’d always rather curl up on the couch and watch a movie. This is a tried and true bestie dynamic that usually results in you caving in (so long as there are snacks and you get to pick the movie). 

Might as well embrace the inevitable and dial up the cozy with the gift of a Lace Trim Robe in a seasonal color. 

For the Best Friend Who Knows Your Birth Chart by Heart 

If your best friend is a little esoteric—she knows your moon sign and keeps a tarot deck in her purse—then the Stargazer print will have them feeling extra celestial. It certainly has the WingWoman Bra looking ethereal in time for winter, with its plunging neckline, molded foam cups, and wireless support. 

The cosmic print also comes in Leakproof Period Underwear styles, because what's a bra without a matching pair of undies? 

For the Best Friend Who (Literally) Gave You Life 

OK, so your best friend is your mom—no judgment here. While chances are slim you’ll ever be able to fully reciprocate the gift of life, you can start by paying back lost sleep with the comfiest Flannel Nightshirt (add a pair of plaid Leakproof Period Underwear to the mix, and it's basically a pajama set). 

Not that everything needs to be about matching pajama sets, but there's no denying 'tis the season to indulge it. 

For the Best Friend Who Sleeps in Old Threadbare T-Shirts

We all love a ratty, oversized t-shirt as much as the next gal, but holiday mornings call for cozy pajama sets—ones you can be seen in while you sip morning coffee. If your bestie’s due for some new PJ’s, Modal Sleepwear is pretty heavenly, as are plaid holiday pajama sets. 

Plus, you can borrow them whenever you sleepover.

We know the answer. Of course we know the answer. Because anyone who has ever (willingly) worn a bra, since the dawn of time, has been hunting for the exact same thing. 

“I don’t know,” the customer says with a sigh. “Something comfortable. Supportive. Something that I can wear to work or when I’m grocery shopping. Uhmmmm….”

“A t-shirt bra?” We ask, knowingly. 

“YES!”

The heavens part. The light shines. The angels sing. 

T-shirt bras are an elusive thing. For one, they need to both lift and support comfortably. Repeat that with me. COMFORTABLY. Because this is meant to function for everyday wear, comfort and support need to walk hand in hand. 

More importantly, they need to do so (seamlessly) underneath the majority of your tops: t-shirts, sweaters, blouses, tanks, all of them. We’ve all seen clear bra lines under a shirt. The straps peeking through to absolutely ruin a look. 

The best t-shirt bra is like an imaginary friend; a good pal who only makes itself known to you. 

Join the Wireless Bra Revolution 

In case you haven’t heard, we’re starting a revolution — and underwires aren’t invited. The Revolution Bra trio features buttery soft, wireless bras in three versatile necklines. The easy-to-wear styles are basically as comfy as a wire-free bra can get — they were, after all, wear-tested for a combined 3000+ hours. 

Our thinking behind the latest breakthrough on wireless bras? If your wardrobe is meant to represent different aspects of your personality, then your everyday t-shirt bra shouldn’t be any different. 

I guess this is our way of saying we’re entering our Versatility Era, so let’s get to know this revolutionary lineup of t-shirt bras.

Big sister, the Revolution V-Neck Bra, like most eldest siblings, is a true original and not one to be outdone. A deep-V cut, thin straps, and narrow band offer a sleek and uber comfy fit. The first response we usually hear in the fitting room is, “It doesn’t even feel like I’m wearing a bra at all!” 

Bra-wearers of the world rejoice! 

By the time I point out the smooth 3D printed stabilizers in the band and straps on this t-shirt bra (yes, we’re officially living in the future), most people are prepared to set a wedding date with their new purchase. Designed using buttery-soft fabric, this wireless bra really lives up to its name. 

Get to Know Your New Favorite T-Shirt Bras

Now, ladies, look at your bra. Now back to me. Now back to your bra. Now back to me. Sadly, it isn’t the Revolution Shadow Mesh bra. 

As the middle child, this bra really works for your attention. And, with a plunging neckline and a sexy mesh peekaboo, it sure accomplishes just that. Whoever said you can’t be sexy and practical has never met this t-shirt bra. 

Lightweight with built-in cups, if you were to look up Shadow Mesh in the dictionary, the definition would read: sexiest t-shirt bra ever. She’s playful and vibrant, ready to add a little sexy to your day — sans digging or spillover. 

Unlike its older siblings, the new Revolution Adjustable Pullover bra is so effortlessly awesome that it doesn’t even have to try to compete for your affections. 

Clasp who? Never heard of her! This wireless bra is built for pulling out of your drawer and onto your body in one fell swoop. No fuss. No sweat. 

A best seller with a scoop neck, the Revolution Adjustable Pullover is fuller coverage t-shirt bra with wider, more adjustable straps for better support. It’s built to fit your body on first wear and ideal for those looking to avoid more cleavage-heavy looks. 

We can’t promise you won’t refuse to take it off after trying it. Sorry, not sorry. 

See for Yourself

In fittings, after we go through the motions of BLOWING YOUR MINDS, we typically ask people to try the wireless bra under their shirt. 

Make your t-shirt bra work for you. See how it can change your look. How it can change your confidence while wearing it. Take a little moment to daydream; imagine all the other tops and outfits it will seamlessly elevate. 

No more wardrobe changes to work around your bras. No more bandeaus or tanks to hide the lines or pull that third boob in. In fact, the test of a good wireless bra is the ability to forget you’re wearing one at all. 

But more often than not, the #RomanticizeYourLife hashtag is filled with ways to make your everyday life more special. It’s all about adding a sprinkle of main character energy into more mundane daily rituals. It helps make “regular” things feel exciting and wonderful.

There’s absolutely no better time to romanticize your life than in the cozy season of fall. So let’s go full Gilmore Girls with it and lean right in.

Lights, camera, action — here are some super simple ways to romanticize your life this fall.

Start With Your Underwear Drawer

In this Reddit Thread asking “What are some small things you do to romanticize mundane daily life?,” the most upvoted comment includes “wear sexy underwear.”

And amen to that, especially in the fall. Just because it’s getting colder and we’re layering up, doesn’t mean that we have to neglect feeling good about our base layers.

Instead of throwing on an old pair of undies in the morning, opt for a pair that feels DECADENT — even if no one will see them but you. Actually, especially if no one will see them but you! Hot! 

You don’t need super fancy lingerie for this either. You can simply refresh your underwear drawer with dreamy and rich new colors, like Red Velvet, Midnight, and Stargazer. Sexy! Mysterious!

Romanticize the Unlikely… Like Your Period 

Personally, I already feel like the main character when I get my period. Except that the character is a brooding goth in a teen movie. Which isn’t exactly the vibe we’re trying for here.

Take the changing season as an opportunity to brighten up experiences that don’t always feel so bright. Like your period! 

So while you refresh your underwear drawer with some sexy, confidence-boosting undies, throw some Leakproof into the mix too for when your period hits. They also come in sexy, confidence-boosting styles — like this cutie French Cut or these Lace ones too. 

Treat Yourself

Okay, okay! It’s cliché, I know. But it’s true! And treating yourself is basically the main tenant of romanticizing your life. So I had to write it.

These treats can be anything: fresh flowers, a new haircut, or a fancy bottle of wine.

It can even be a new bra. Treat your boobs, back, and let’s be honest — soul, by swapping out your current bra with something like the super comfy Revolution Pullover Adjustable Bra. It’s a customizable dream, feels incredibly smooth and is really easy to slip on and off. 

Or, kick the romanticizing up a notch with the Revolution Shadow Mesh Bra, whose peek of mesh will be a fun little special secret as you go about your daily routine. 

Get Glowy by Candlelight

Fall officially kicks off the season of “Wait, how is it already this dark at 4 pm?” Thankfully, romanticizing can make anything feel special — even daylight savings.

Next time you slink into the couch after work to watch The Golden Bachelor, light a whole bunch of candles too (bonus points if they’re the “good” ones, but more on that below). Making TV night feel like a treat is a simple way to elevate your 5-9 after your 9-5 this fall. 

Use the “Good Stuff”

We all have the “Good Stuff.” The good towels. The good face cream. The good plates. The good shoes — you know, all the “Good Stuff” we save for special occasions. But why wait? 

Work some of your “Good Stuff” into your regular days, too. Wearing your reaaaaally nice perfume to the grocery store can instantly transform grocery shopping into a special occasion. And that’s what romanticizing is all about. 

Running low on “good stuff?” It’s nothing adding matching undergarment sets in seasonal colors can’t solve. 

Periods tend to tread the line between uncomfortable (read: soreness, bloating, and mild cramping) and total agony (read: painful cramps, migraines, and general terror). Each period can be different, rendering it difficult to track patterns that could be cause for concern.

Not to mention just how subjective experiences of pain and discomfort can be — or the fact that women are often socialized to normalize pain as a facet of the feminine (trans-inclusive) experience. 

It’s no wonder there’s confusion surrounding just how uncomfortable an uncomfortable period should be. 

If you’re trying to figure out where your period stands in the discomfort-pain matrix and whether the slew of other symptoms you may be experiencing are routine or not, you’ve come to the right place: we’re deep diving into the nuances of period pain. 

Period 101

While the handful of days you’re menstruating each month may not be among your favorites — from mood swings to your jeans fitting a little tighter than usual — it also shouldn’t be so agonizing as to disrupt your day-to-day, according to the experts. 

Mild pain, cramping, bloating, and fatigue are among the host of normal (albeit, super annoying) symptoms you might experience during your period. Those are due to a fun little hormone called prostaglandin that rises right before your period, triggering muscle contraction in your uterus to help shed your uterine lining. 

Those pesky contractions feel like cramping (especially in the early days of your period) and can cause pain and inflammation. Heating pads, abdominal massages, warm baths, gentle movement, and anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) can help you find relief — as can extra comfy pj’s, a rotation of snacks, and a movie marathon. 

When it comes to managing long term discomfort, there’s also evidence to suggest that regular movement, vitamins and supplements (like calcium and magnesium), a balanced diet, and cycle-syncing are just a few of the ways you can support your body in the balancing act that is regulating your ever-evolving hormonal cycle. 

Painful Periods

If your periods regularly feel nothing like the aforementioned and, instead, feel like a horror flick that involves everything from severe pain to headaches to diarrhea and nausea, you’re not alone.  

Dysmenorrhea — AKA: period cramps — are experienced by roughly 84% of people who menstruate. “We’re led to believe pain, discomfort and all unpleasant symptoms are totally normal,” nutritional therapist and The Female Health Hub founder, Jodie Brandman, said to Forbes. “Unfortunately, this way of thinking means that so many women just grit their teeth through their periods but it just shouldn’t be this way.”

If period cramps and symptoms routinely prevent you from going about your day-to-day, like, say, going to work, school, or that concert you’ve been looking forward to forever, this is a telltale sign your period pain may be telling you something broader about your health. 

Endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS, hormone imbalances, and other conditions are often harbingers of painful periods, pointing to tissue growth in areas outside of the uterus, cysts, or inflammation that can be serious barriers to living life and feeling like yourself — both during your period and throughout your monthly hormonal cycle. 

How to Cope

In her book, BLEED: Destroying Myths and Misogyny in Endometriosis, journalist Tracey Lindeman details her journey with painful periods due to endometriosis.

“When we get our periods, we’re taught that pain is intrinsic to the female experience and therefore doesn’t matter,” she says. “We know this to be true because the men and boys around us don’t seem to face the same doubt and dismissal.”

What she’s getting at is just how fraught the path to diagnosis and treatment can be with misogyny. While medical experts stipulate that period pain isn’t “normal,” and often indicative of a broader issue, solutions that treat the underlying problem are scarce. 

While an estimated 176 million people worldwide live with endometriosis — and roughly 8-13% of reproductive-aged women are affected by PCOS — most of those who make up these statistics remain undiagnosed. 

“Realizations like these make me wonder how my life could have been different if I had known as a teen what periods were supposed to feel like, and if more of the doctors and nurses I saw and understood what periods were supposed to feel like and communicated better about the boundaries of normal menstrual pain,” says Tracey in her book. 

Today, medical treatment exists mostly in the form of addressing immediate symptoms through birth control and pain-medication scripts — both of which can be a total game-changer for those experiencing chronic period pain. In some instances, surgery can also provide long term relief. 

If you’re among the unlucky and growing collective of folks with chronic period pain, be sure to communicate your experience with your doctor or OB-GYN and to advocate for diagnosis and a path to treatment that works best for you. 

When it comes to promoting period pain as an area that warrants greater research and medical attention, however, talking openly about periods and challenging period pain as “normal" is also a great starting point.

In short: period pain sucks, and you shouldn’t have to put up with it. 

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We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition.

We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.

From the painful bounce — the kind that stems from lack of support — to the dreaded uniboob, it’s enough to make you fling your bra into the trash (and your body onto the couch instead of the gym). 

What is it about sports bras, in particular, that often leave so much to be desired? If we were to guess, the perfect sports bra comes down to a harmonious alchemy: two cups of support, a dollop of comfort, and a sprinkle of gravity-defying magic. 

Though our design team might dispute the magic part, there’s something enchanting about just how effective our sports bra lineup is at keeping jiggling at bay — in a comfortable, non-boob-squash way. 

Because putting on your sports bra shouldn’t be the workout, we’re taking you on an expedition through our favorite sports bras for every kind of movement and impact level. 

High Impact

Run! Jump! Cartwheel! We’ve cracked the code and created the only high impact sports bra you’ll ever need — we’re not just biased, in testing it outperformed 800+ other sports bras in terms of bounce-factor (we won’t name names). 

In combining compression with encapsulation and a host of other support-focused features, we created the Catalyst Sports Bra. What’s it a catalyst for, you might be wondering? It’s a catalyst for better, more intense workouts in which your boobs are the last thing on your mind. 

Ventilated cups minimize boob sweat while the wide back clasp keeps everything in place. For extra ease putting on and taking off — and the option to bare cleavage around your gym crush — opt for the Catalyst Front Zip. 

This sports bra is at its best during high impact workouts (think: running, jogging, jump roping, HIIT), but there’s also nothing stopping you from wearing it as an extra supportive everyday bra — it’s that comfortable. 

Medium Impact

If brisk walks, aerobics, and bike rides are more your thing, make friends with the Good to Go High Neck Seamless Bra. Spillage is a thing of the past for wearers of this fan-favorite sports bra, owing to its high neckline and seamless design. 

The latest addition to our growing sports bra family, the Momenta Racerback Sports Bra, is like the Catalyst’s cool, younger cousin. Look cute (and maybe workout later) with a little help from this bra’s racerback style, mesh detailing, and wireless support. 

For a crop top that doubles as a medium impact support, there’s always the Good to Go Seamless Tank. Designed to just kiss the top of your leggings, it pairs gentle compression with everyday style. 

Low Impact

Calling all yogis, pilates enthusiasts, weight lifters, and runners of errands, we have the low impact sports bras you didn’t even know you were missing. Like any good bra should, the LuxeLift Pullover Bra fits like a second skin. 

The epitome is easy wearing, she slips on and off with ease. Though the LuxeLift Pullover may feel a little snug at first-wear, it’ll relax and mold to your unique shape in no time. 

From downward dog to spilling tea with your bestie over brunch, the Longevity Bra is the unfussy sports bra that’s down for whatever. Like the LuxeLift Pullover, it doesn’t involve fidgeting with clasps. Once slipped on, we dare you not to fall in love with its delicate v-neck silhouette, thick lower band support, and soft (but snug) fit. 

Except it’s not without its mental aerobics. Six hours of meetings, plus a commute — and, oh god, you just remembered you made happy hour plans. Like a scene out of Good Will Hunting, the math nets out to four tampons, a pair of period underwear, a jar of ibuprofen — oh, and a reusable pad (just in case). 

It’s the kind of minute, largely invisible math people who menstruate do on the daily. While the era of discrete and tidy periods is on its way out, peace of mind remains nice to have. 

There's something about heavy period days that can feel strangely high-alert, leading to constant inspections of your pants (and chairs) for stains and washroom sprints between meetings. 

Whether you have heavy flow days or a generally heavier period, these are the high absorption, low effort products we recommend adding to your period arsenal. 

Super Leakproof

When you need more than just backup protection, it’s time to reach for a pair of Super Leakproof Period Underwear. Whether you spring for a pair of pastel High Rise undies or bright-hued Boyshorts, what matters most is that they effectively absorb blood, sweat, or pee. 

It also helps that they’re machine washable. Dare to never look back after standing up from a chair ever again!

Zones+ Ultra Leakproof

Zones+ Ultra Leakproof is the latest period underwear to hit the scene. After a decade of spearheading the Leakproof category, the latest innovation is our most absorbent yet. 

Designed using patented Zones+ technology, the undies include coverage zones that target heavy leaks. 

Cotton Super Leakproof Boxer Brief

Made from super-soft modal cotton fabric, the Cotton Super Leakproof Boxer Brief is a friend to heavy flows everywhere. From long days spent in office chairs to dreamy nights tousled in sheets, the extended liner (which goes all the way up to the waistband).

Super Leakproof Dream Short 

Name me a better sleep than one that’s period fatigue-induced and without worry of impending leaks. It’s called the Super Leakproof Dream Short for a reason: these period boast an extended gusset, and comfortably hugs your body all night long. 

Just think, now you can snooze your alarm without rushing to take your tampon out. Zzzzz. 

Heavy Flow Period Kit

Light days? Never heard of ‘em. If that’s your period’s mantra, probably best to keep your top drawer stocked with a Heavy Flow Period Kit, which includes four pairs of Super Leakproof Underwear and a pair of Super Leakproof Dream Shorts for overnight period protection. 

Reusable Leakproof Pads

If you prefer pads to period underwear, Reusable Leakproof Pads are breathable, ultra-thin, and machine-washable (no disposable plastic waste!). From your purse, to your undies, to the washing machine, they make for easy-to-have-on-hand back up protection. 

At a young age, having an intense period meant learning more about the things I put in and on my body, which took a long time to explore. I was fascinated by womanhood, but I was still a child. I wish I could tell my younger self there’s no need to rush growth. 

Newly sprouted body hair left me feeling self conscious — I shaved it all off, not knowing any other way. The lack of representation — both around me and in the media — surrounding these normal changes we go through had a profound impact on my self-perception.  

As an adult, I shave only if I want to but still, at times, feel uncomfortable about extra hair under my arms or legs — even when it’s an active choice. Though I know others’ opinions don’t matter, the discomfort can still seep in. 

The effects of being bullied for my body hair, height, and size as a child still reverberate today. As a young person, these comments had the power to crush my world and make me feel incredibly alone. 

At nine years old, I found myself searching online forums to see if my body was normal. Inverted nipples? Boob shapes? Vaginas? I would stumble upon images of nude bodies, placing unrealistic expectations of beauty into my young brain. 

Entering high school and experiencing the maturation of my body led to its sexualization, providing a slight boost in confidence. I still carried these insecurities, however, and often wondered whether these vulnerabilities would have ever crossed my mind if we didn’t live in a world that places so much value in women’s appearances.

The pressures imposed by society burden so many women — ones that are so deeply rooted that I’m still working to detach myself from them. 

Since those childhood and teenage growing pains, it’s incredible to see how far we've come in terms of body acceptance. Social media, however, has also ushered in new challenges of comparison and novel standards of unattainable beauty.

I noticed that where my friend’s saw their flaws, all I saw was beauty. It made me want to create an online safe haven where women could share their insecurities and celebrate what they loved about themselves.

This desire culminated in an Instagram page — @thenakediaries — and space for people to bare their stretch marks, cellulite, body hair, and other insecurities in order to normalize experiences of our bodies, subvert social expectations, and celebrate imperfections. 

It’s a space nine year old me, on the precipice of womanhood at such a young age, would have loved. 

As I continue to age, I've come to realize that body-love is just one aspect of existence. I’ve let go of the desire to be in love with every part of my body. 

I’ve shifted my focus instead to appreciating it for all it does for me and allows me to do. I’m so much more than my outer appearance, which constantly shifts and changes.

I’ve gone through many cycles of letting go of expectations and personal beliefs about beauty. Motherhood has brought about significant changes, involving a continuous process of learning, unlearning, growth, and transformation. 

The birth of my son filled me with a mix of emotions. I became pregnant with him after experiencing a miscarriage, causing deep anxiety and forcing me to confront repressed emotions and traumas. As he was born, I also felt reborn. 

My new world involved navigating breastfeeding, parenting in a pandemic, and my identity as a parent. Just as I believe society places pressure and scrutiny on women’s bodies, I also believe mothers are among the most judged groups of individuals. 

From pressures to “bounce-back” physically to judgment faced by women for continuing to lead independent lives, there’s an abundance of expectations coupled with an utter lack of resources for young mothers. 

The expectation to do it all and have it all together, while feeling foreign in our bodies and caring for another, has the capacity to break you. While postpartum I felt overwhelmed, mourning all the pain women go through. 

In sharing our experiences, challenges, and triumphs, we can create a supportive community that celebrates the beauty and strength of our bodies and minds. At times, I feel like I overshare on social media, but I know my openness is in service of helping others accept the unusual, difficult, and beautiful parts of themselves.

By shifting our focus towards accepting and appreciating our bodies for their functionality and inherent worth, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with ourselves.

As a mother, I have the opportunity to impart these values onto my children, providing them with a solid foundation to navigate through life's challenges with a sense of self-love. 

Social pressures can get in the way of finding your own sense of self-love, but don’t allow it to cloud your divine right: to find tenderness and comfort in your body, to ground yourself in the embrace of your true self. 

It's so important for women to wear a supportive sports bra, especially if they have large breasts. The problem with finding a sports bra for large breasts is that it can be so difficult to find one that is supportive enough for those larger cup sizes.

That's why we designed a high impact sports bra for large breasts, with cup and band sizes up to a 32H. Read on to learn about the benefits of wearing a supportive sports bra and what makes The Catalyst Front Zip the best sports bra for large breasts.

What's the big deal about sports bras anyway?

No matter what your breast size is, you should always wear a good sports bra while working out. And if you don't? Well, we asked Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, who is the Head of the Research Group in Breast Health at University of Portsmouth. She led the testing team for our high impact sports bra, the Catalyst.

She explained that because there are no muscles within the breast (yep, “it is really a lump of fat and tissue, which can be quite heavy for some women”), the only thing supporting the breast is a bra—which is why supportive sports bras are such a must.

As a result, when you don't wear a supportive sports bra, you may experience breast pain, damage to the skin and ligaments (“which is where we see stretch marks and sagging breasts”), and changes to your muscles and breathing.

In addition, many women may feel embarrassed by breast bounce and movement, which may hold them back from participating in sports.

What makes a good sports bra?

The best sports bras will limit breast movement. Sports bras generally fall into two categories: compression sports bras and encapsulation sports bras. When it comes to sports bras, compression and encapsulation are effective at preventing bounce as you run, jump, and twist.

Encapsulation involves two distinct cups that separate the left and right breasts and rigidly encase the breast. Bras built for compression hold the breasts close to the chest, but because compressions bras typically contain a lot of elastic, they may stretch over time and result in more movement.

Most sports bras incorporate one or the other. The Catalyst offers both.

Among the most supportive sports bras out there, it's designed with six targeted support zones, molded cups, wide straps, and adjustable straps. According to Business Insider, the Catalyst sports bra is "a gamer-changer for large breasts." And it's available in a variety of expansive bra sizes, up to a 42H.

How can a high impact sports bra change the way I move?

Studies suggest 75% of women avoid exercising because they can't find a bra that fits. This ends now. Because the Catalyst is a high-impact and wire free sports bra, it allows those with breasts to feel supported in a wider range of movement—from sweaty workouts to running errands.

Underwire bra who? Some high-impact activities that the wireless Catalyst sports bra will support you in include:

• Running

• Boxing

• Dancing

• Football

• Basketball

• Soccer

• Gymnastics

• Jump rope

If you're looking for a little extra support for medium-impact activities, you can also wear the Catalyst for things like hiking, hot yoga, spinning, or chasing your kids around the park.

Is it easy to remove?

Wondering how hard it's going to be to take this thing off? We get it. 90% of women have struggled to get out of a sports bra. That's why, after learning there was no test for ease of removal, we created our own.

The Catalyst was rated as the easiest to remove and features a hook and eye closure on the back that's similar to your typical bra, adjustable straps, as well as front zipper that makes it super easy to slip on and off—because putting on your sports bra shouldn't be the workout.

Many other sports bras can be difficult for people to put on or take off, especially for those with large breasts or mobility issues. But the best sports bras for large breasts should be a breeze to remove, will offering more bra size versatility.

The Catalyst sports bra will transform the way you feel before, during, and after working out, and was designed for women, by women—just like the very first sports bra. 

Why is the Catalyst the most supportive sports bra?

For so many reasons, the Catalyst is the ultimate high impact sports bra. But what it really comes down to are its thoughtfully designed features. Performance molded cups, for instance, provide breathable support that separates and encapsulates your breasts, dramatically reducing movement by 76%.

The Catalyst sports bra is also designed with Tri-Flow Ventilation that increases airflow where your body gets its hottest: right between your breasts. Because easy adjustability is everything, the front zipper and back closure, coupled with adjustable straps, make this sports bra easy to wear.

It's for that reason that so many of our customers reach for this bra for everyday wear. So, whether you're working up a sweat, need a dose of everyday support, or just enjoy sports bra styles, the Catalyst is a game-changer for larger breasts.

How do I find my size?

Just as key to find the right sports bra style is finding your perfect fit. You'll find the Catalyst and Catalyst Front Zip in a range of expansive sizes, up to 42H depending on the style—which means there's a sports bra for everyone.

Need help finding your ideal sports bra size? Book a virtual fitting to get fitted from the comfort of home.