When Jayne Lasley, 42, based in Glasgow, had a garage clear out during the first lockdown of 2020, little did she know it would lead to her setting up Fairlie Curved, a clothing range for women with larger busts. Here, she explains the inspiration behind her business…
I had always dreamed of having my own fashion business. During my days at Heriot-Watt University in the Scottish Borders, where I was studying for a degree in Textile Fashion Design & Management, I designed and made my own fuller-bust collection, largely because of my own struggles to find suitable clothing for my curvy shape (I’m a 30HH bra).
Before I’d even graduated, I’d landed a job as a fashion buyer for Scottish company Internacionale. A successful career followed, including three years at high street fashion chain New Look in Weymouth, England, before moving back to Scotland to marry my boyfriend Keith (Lasley, former Motherwell football player and now coach), whom I’d met at school when we were both 12 years old, although we hadn’t started dating each other until our late teens.
In 2008 we had our first child, Carrie, followed by our second, Alfie, in 2011. It was difficult juggling working full time with being a mum. But still, at the back of my mind was always the niggling feeling I ought to be running my own fashion business – I just wasn’t sure how it would work, as like so many working women, I was incredibly busy.
The clothing market for women in larger busts
When the Covid-19 pandemic first hit and the UK went into lockdown, I was put on furlough from my job. I was aged 40 years and thought it was too late for me to start my own business, but then fate stepped in. During that first lockdown I was clearing out my garage and found my old university course work, including styling, designs and a branding pack for a fashion business I’d named Fairlie Curved (Fairlie is my maiden name). I still loved the name even after so many years. I also realised there weren’t many clothing options for women with fuller or larger busts; while there is a lot of lingerie, there are few actual clothes.
‘There weren’t many clothing options for women with fuller or larger busts; while there is a lot of lingerie, there are few actual clothes.’
With this in mind, I started my Fairlie Curved styling page on Instagram, which really took off. Within a few weeks it had gained more than 1,000 followers. In fact, I was inundated with people asking me where they could buy my clothes. This made me realise there was definitely a market for what I wanted to do. I also conducted an Instagram poll to find out what people were struggling to buy. The response was loud and clear: good fitting T-shirts were a real problem for fuller-busted ladies. I dug out my sewing machines from the loft and sourced the organic cotton stretch material. Then, I drew up a pattern to create the perfect hourglass clothing fit for women with larger busts.
The design went down a storm, which gave me the final impetus to setup my own business. Then, in the July of 2020, I decided to go for it and make Fairlie Curved a reality, all with the intention of offering fashionable yet classic options that stand the test of time. I want to empower women with larger busts who find sourcing clothing difficult. After all, everyone should be able to feel great about themselves!
Creating sustainable clothing options for women with larger busts
I’m also conscious about being environmentally friendly. This means I use local suppliers where possible, with all my shirts printed in Glasgow as well as the hand embroidery done here too. Wherever possible, I ensure items are made in the UK and that all the packaging is 100 per cent recyclable. The business has really taken off with rapid expansion. From the initial core products such as T-shirts and sweatshirts, I now do other wardrobe staples such as jackets, activewear, knitwear, accessories and statement jewellery. I hope I’m now providing stylish and ageless solutions for women of all ages.
My customers request new products and due to their feedback, there’s a beautiful dress range launching this summer that will cater for sizes 8-20. I really thrive on including my customers in the selection process and I love their feedback via my social media. We have an amazing community of women that loves the brand. This clothing range is for them and I’m delighted I can now finally cater for women with larger busts who have always felt forgotten about on the high street – after 20 years of dreaming about it!
