The Big Boob Struggle is Real (but help is at hand)

Fairlie Curved’s Jayne Lasley takes us on the frontlines of the fight against ill-fitting clothing for those with a larger bust.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought a garment bigger than you need just to accommodate your bust? Then, you’re left wondering where your waist has suddenly disappeared to? Well, you deserve better.

I’m Jayne (the brains and boobs of Fairlie Curved) and I’ve always struggled with that same problem. I have loved fashion for as long as I can remember and I studied Textile, Fashion Design and Management at university over 20 years ago. After years of frustration from my boulder holder bra straps killing all of my fashionista outfits, I designed and produced a range of clothing for the fuller bust figure during my final year at uni.  My maiden name was Fairlie, so the natural name for my range was Fairlie Curved.

The reaction was fantastic, but I was offered a job in fashion buying the week after I graduated and so I never took the range or the concept further. As much as I loved my time as a buyer, Fairlie Curved was always lingering at the back of my mind.

20 years later, the first Covid-19 lockdown emerged and just after losing my job as an account manager – I had a career change from buying as there were so few jobs in Scotland – this 41 year old, mum of two, was inspired after clearing out my garage (what else do you do during a lockdown?) and coming across my old university work.

Soon after, something reignited that regret of leaving my project behind and the very next day, I started an Instagram page for styling hints for the busty girl dubbed @fairliecurved. The feedback was incredible, I had thousands of followers within weeks and soon, ladies were messaging me to ask if I was selling the clothes I styled. Suddenly, I thought, ‘why am I not? I could fill the gap and offer ladies like myself wardrobe solutions that fit and flatter our shape’ and with that, Fairlie Curved Ltd was born.

Only 6 months later, the Fairlie Curved website launched. 

I’m getting orders from all over the world and the feedback from my customers has been fantastic. Overall they love the fit, quality and styling and their messages make my day. Some of my followers have been right alongside me from the start and I believe they feel they’ve been involved in something very exciting since it launched. Their words of encouragement really inspire me and keep me going, so It feels like a community now and the support they have given me has been incredible. Heaven knows that with my double G’s – I need all the support I can get!

My aim is to make busty-blessed girls feel and look amazing. We should feel proud! Curvy girls ROCK! With that in mind, I want to fill that gap for quality, stylish and affordable clothing that not only fits well, but seriously flatters the fuller busted figure. We’ve got it, we should 100% be flaunting it… but with class of course. It’s just like my best selling t-shirt says, Curved and Classy.

I believe in buying well and filling your wardrobe with good quality basics, mixed with some fab-on trend items. So, the concept for Fairlie Curved is a must have capsule wardrobe. Delivered with a sprinkle of fashion, but focusing on items you will always want to wear as they make you look and feel great.

I’m proud to live in Scotland and I aim to work with other amazing local businesses. My t-shirts are designed then printed and hand embroidered in Glasgow. My website was developed by a company in Dumbarton and my photography is taken by a fantastic photographer in Bridge of Weir. I love to work with strong women and I love that we all inspire and empower each other.

Fairlie Curved is my biggest love after my family (gin closely follows). I live and breathe the brand and everything is done by me. At the moment, I’m amending the basic t-shirts to give that gorgeous hourglass look, as well as processing and packing the orders. On top of that, I’m developing all the new garments that will make Fairlie Curved girls look and feel fabulous. I have never been busier and building and starting my own business along with home schooling during a global pandemic has been a challenge, but I’ve also never been happier. Losing my job was honestly the best thing that has ever happened to me and having the time that lockdown provided has given me the opportunity to follow my life long dreams and completely change my life.

There’s one thing I love more than a well fitted bra and it’s customer feedback. The messages I receive and the garment requests I get put the biggest smile on my face. Together, I honestly believe that we can beat the big boob taboo and with the help of Fairlie Curved, the girls with the forgotten female figure, from all over the world, can finally wear what we’ve always wanted to.

Love and big boob-positive vibes

Jayne  x