Quick! Think of the phrase “sports bra.” What words come to mind?
We’re guessing one of the following: Uniboob, chafing, unsupportive, ugly.
Chances are, the larger your breasts, the more choice words you have about sports bras. But one Jewish mom, Elyse Kaye, is trying to change that. Kaye — a runner, dancer, and yoga teacher — wears a size 31G, so she knows a thing or two about sports bras for bustier women.
The San Francisco mom founded Bloom Bras, which specializes in sports bras that “lift not squish” larger breasts. Key to the design: an adjustable “lifting strap,” as well as cups that can be cinched for a more custom fit.
The company, says Kaye, is a tribute to her bubbe who died of breast cancer. “I got a lot from her, including my love of food, passion for traveling — and my big boobs.”
The range of Bloom Bras are designed to fit women with cup sizes DD to K and band sizes from 31 to 44, and can be purchased online.
The average bra size is a 34DD so why don't most brands address all sizes https://t.co/7rSX4M0Vqu
— Bloombras (@bloom_bras) March 15, 2018
What’s Kaye’s next step? Creating bras for pre- and post-maternity women, as well as for breast-cancer survivors, which are set to launch at the end of the year. We spoke with Kaye about her process, her next steps and a few of her favorite things.
Most of us wear the wrong size bras for a lot of our lives. Was this true for you? If so, when did you finally start wearing the right size?
This is one of the subjects I am most passionate about. Your body changes about 10% throughout the month naturally due to hormones, what you ate last night, cycles, temperature when exercising. If you are a DDD, that is a full cup size. And we all hold differently.
I get measured all of the time since I still step in as our fit model. Wearing the right bra is a life changer. When I was designing the Bloom Bra, I kept saying I wanted hands holding me up. The first thing I used to do when I would walk in the door is rip off my bra…and not because I was excited to see someone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BG6xeNeKJMZ/
What was the most challenging part about making Bloom Bras a reality?
Taking that first leap. My background is in product development so I know the time, effort, and money it takes to launch a product along with the small chance of success. We launched on Kickstarter and it was the most insane thing. We hit our goal in less than 82 hours and doubled it.
You cited your grandmother as your inspiration. Can you tell us about one of your favorite memories with her?
My grandmother [took] me on a plane when I was 6 months old. She instilled in me the love for adventure. For my bat mitzvah, she and my grandfather took me on a cruise through Europe exposing me to arts, culture, and theater. I have so many funny memories as she was quite the character.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BacAYQhFjEH/
What TV show have you binge watched?
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – I watched it in a weekend and am chomping at the bit for the next season.
Who are you, in one sentence?
I am a caring intelligent, passionate adventurer with a quest for knowledge and a love for family.
Biggest pet peeve:
If someone says they will do something and does not — and people who are late. If you are rude to wait staff, I have zero tolerance.
What’s your weirdest family tradition?
Yellow jello. This is a lemon jello and whipped cream concoction that is served at dinner instead of dessert. My great uncle who kept kosher his whole life would fill his plate with it — and no one had the will to tell him it probably did not meet the criteria. I hope this does not make me a bad Jew…
