Knicker Blogger - Knicker Locker

Being pregnant through COVID-19

help@knickerlocker.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:00:00 +0100

Back in December 2019, my husband, Nick, and I found out the most exciting news, that we were expecting our first baby! This was (and still is) a dream come true for us as we have always wanted to become parents. 2020 was going to be a good year for us, I was turning 30, we were moving into a new house and we had to get ready for the new arrival! That is, until we heard the news about COVID-19 back in March.

It's not easy enjoying a first time pregnancy when there is a global pandemic going on. As well as my body changing dramatically, I haven't been able to experience the fun side of pregnancy, with shopping trips for baby clothes and showing off my baby bump to friends and family. Midwife appointments and scans are limited to only myself and antenatal classes are either cancelled or scheduled to take place online. That social interaction, I think, is extremely important with a first child, because you're unsure about everything, from pregnancy tips and birth plans to breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

I may be going on a bit, but being first time parents is a huge milestone for any couple and it's the little things like this that makes pregnancy enjoyable.

My bra experience through pregnancy

I want to share my experience with bras throughout pregnancy. I'm currently 24 weeks and I've already been through the wars when it comes to getting the right size that is comfortable and doesn't look like I have a mono-boob! We all have unique experiences when it comes to our breasts and pregnancy. It's usual for our breasts to get bigger and our nipples to get darker, but you never know how big or how dark until you experience it for yourself.

From 16 weeks, my breasts starting changing shape and size and my bras started getting rather uncomfortable throughout the day. I knew it was start to re-evaluate my bras and see which ones felt comfortable and which ones didn't. I made a pile of ones I could still wear and ones I would store away till after the pregnancy (hopefully they will still fit!). This didn't leave me with many bras at all, 2 bras to be exact. This was a travesty for me, because as you can imagine, my lingerie drawer is filled with lovely colours and shapes that I just couldn't wear anymore! At this time, I was still able to wear underwired bras, but needed to remeasure myself to check what bra size I was. I changed bra size from a 30F to a 32F, so my back size and cup size had both increased since the start of the pregnancy. No wonder why I was feeling uncomfortable!

I ended up getting two new bras, one light bra and one dark bra, to wear until the baby bump started getting bigger. This is when I would need to start wearing soft cup bras as my ribcage would start to expand a lot. I have learnt that wearing and fitting for bras whilst pregnant is not easy and it's all down to how comfortable you feel at the time. Many women prefer to wear soft cup bras straight away and some women want to wear underwired bras right up until near the birth. One thing I always recommend when wearing underwired bras when pregnant, is always check that the underwires are not digging into your breasts under your armpit or at the centre front. This can have serious effects on your milk ducts when you breastfeed and can cause extreme discomfort. You can read more Maternity Bras FAQs here >

Now I'm 24 weeks pregnant, and have completely turned to soft cup bras and bralettes because they are just far more comfortable for me and I don't get any horrible rubbing on my rib cage especially in the heat! My go-to bra right now is the Cosabella Never Say Never Sweetie Bralette because it's supportive and extremely pretty. It's designed for fuller cups and smaller rib cages and for my bra size, 32F, it's perfect in a size Small.

At around 33 - 34 weeks, I will start to look at getting a few nursing bras for breastfeeding. This is when my breasts will be at their fullest and I can adjust the nursing bras to the right size after the baby's birth. I have my eye on one particular nursing bra, the Royce Blossom Nursing Bra, that adjusts between three cup sizes, so it's perfect for when the breasts fluctuate with breastfeeding. You can read more about nursing bras here >

If you're finding any of your bras uncomfortable and not supportive, it's definitely worth checking your bra size using either online bra fitting guides or a bra size calculator. A lot of lingerie websites also have an online chat function where fitting experts are there to talk to you and offer advice on bras and bra fitting. This is a great way to discuss your concerns and any questions you may have about maternity and nursing bras. This is available over at Knicker Locker as well, so please ask them anything!

Your breasts will continue to change shape and size right up until you stop breastfeeding, and even then you may not fit back into your old bras, just like your clothes as well. This is just one of the major changes your body makes when having a baby, but, of course, we would never want to change it, because having a baby is such a wonderful and beautiful thing to any mum and mum-to-be.

Keeping active in home isolation

Pregnant women are now classed as more vulnerable with COVID-19, therefore where we go and what we do is limited. Trying to keep active and motivated whilst at home has been difficult for me as well. Although I'm still working in the week and posting out orders, it's sometimes hard to distinguish one day from another. You end falling into the same routine everyday because it works for you. Below is a list of activities that are keeping me busy through home isolation and might help you as well.

Don't forget, that if you are doing daily exercise, to keep your breasts comfortable and supported as best you can, with a good fitting sports bra. With your breasts getting bigger, you don't want them to move around or ache when you are exercising. It isn't nice for you or your breasts! If you're unsure where to start with a sports bra, read this sports bra guide >

Keeping yourself active and motivated:

Make sure you go for a long walk everyday to keep your legs strong and your body moving. Try a new walk every other day for a bit of fun. It's great for the mind and soul!
Schedule in some pregnancy yoga. There are plenty of YouTube videos and Apps that you can download and try out, even if it's only for 20 minutes.
Have a plan in place for the next day, so you don't get bored easily. Make sure you complete at least one new thing everyday.
Look at doing a a couple of free online training courses related to your job. I'm currently working through online courses with Google Digital Garage.
Read pregnancy books and fiction books to keep your mind occupied, instead of watching the T.V. Pop a chair out in the sun and get reading.
Remember to do your pelvic floor exercises. (I'm always forgetting!)
Start a new hobby you've been meaning to do for a while. Maybe learn a new language online, or try out some new baking skills.

In these unexpected times, it's difficult to know whether our lives will ever go back to normal, but all we can do is adapt and move forward with every challenge that comes our way. My thoughts go out to every women experiencing pregnancy through COVID-19, just like me. It won't be easy over the next couple of months, but we just need to keep our heads high and go through every day with a positive mind.

Enjoy the little things in life and remember to get ready for that perfect little miracle that will be making an appearance soon. We certainly are!

Knicker Locker shortlisted for an Award!

help@knickerlocker.com — Mon, 1 Apr 2019 17:45:00 +0100

As most of you guys may know...Knicker Locker is a small independent online business that launched in 2015. Over the last three years, we have gone from strength the strength with the help of our loyal customers and, of course, the brilliant Knicker Locker team. In December 2017, Knicker Locker launched a brand new website design along with a new logo and strap-line to ensure it appeals to both men and women. With a new revamp and some kick-ass products, we carried on our mission to help people find the perfect fit and size!

If you haven't heard of Drapers, it's a well-known fashion business website and magazine covering retail breaking news, trends, analysis and international catwalk coverage. Every year they host the Drapers Digital Awards and the Drapers Independent Awards for up and coming retail businesses.

After a great start to the year, last week we found out that we have been shortlisted for Best Website Design in the Drapers Digital Awards 2019 and we are super excited about it!

The 2019 awards have been designed to celebrate the very best in e-commerce and digital fashion across the UK and Ireland.

Shortlist 2019: https://digitalfestival.drapersonline.com/shortlist-2019

Please wish us the luck!

We will keep you updated on the results!

Meet the Knicker Locker Team

help@knickerlocker.com — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 10:28:00 +0100

Want to know a bit more about the team behind Knicker Locker?

I asked the Knicker Locker team some questions so we can all get to know them better....Find out their answers below!

Gemma | Founder

What is your favourite hobby?

I'm a total bookworm and I enjoy yoga.

What is your favourite underwear brand?

It would have to be Freya. I'm a sucker for their colourful prints.

Who inspires you?

I'm not good at these questions...but if I'm honest, it would have to be my husband. The last few years, he's inspired me to work hard and achieve great things with Knicker Locker.

What is your favourite quote?

The quote I usually think of is "In the end we only regret the chances we didn't take." It helps me with my choices in life.

What is the last book your read?

The last book I read was Never Never by James Patterson, but I am currently reading Origin by Dan Brown.

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

Power - I recommend it!

If you could visit anywhere in the world where would it be?

Right now, I quite fancy visiting Barcelona for the culture and museums.

What is your favourite food?

I love a good Chilli Con Carne or a sausage casserole.

What is your favourite place in the world (that you have visited)?

I haven't visited many places, but I loved Croatia, and the hubby and I recently spent a weekend in Bath, which was great.

Any phobias you would like to reveal?

Not really a phobia per say...but I hate daddy long legs!

What are some small things that make your day better?

The sun shining, a good cup of tea and of course an influx of sales at Knicker Locker!

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?

Saturday would be a day trip somewhere for lunch or a shopping trip, but on Sundays I would catch up on some TV, or sit in the sun and read a book.

How do you relax after a hard day of work?

With a glass of G&T and good food!

What skill would you like to master?

I would love to be good at swimming (which I'm definitely not!)

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

Bra fittings surprisingly!

Nicholas | Managing Director

What is your favourite hobby?

Box sets on Netflix! Cannot get enough of them! Although I’d like to take up paddle boarding.

What is your favourite underwear brand?

Waxx Underwear

Who inspires you?

My dad

What is your favourite quote?

How to make a small fortune… Start with a big one!

What is the last book your read?

I can’t remember! I generally just like reading a car magazine every now and then.

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

Ozark Season 2, Suits, Power, The Last Kingdom… I can go on

If you could visit anywhere in the world where would it be?

Bali

What is your favourite food?

I’m not sure I have a favourite, I’m a glutton!

What is your favourite place in the world (that you have visited)?

Santorini, Greece

Any phobias you would like to reveal?

Not a phobia, but I hate net curtains!

What are some small things that make your day better?

My lovely wife Gemma. My 10 o’clock cup of tea!

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?

On a private yacht in the Mediterranean.

How do you relax after a hard day of work?

I’m allowed to stop working? Why has nobody told me this before now!

What skill would you like to master?

Golf… It’s never gone well!

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

Generally, what our next beverage of choice will be…!

Debbie | Head of Finance

What is your favourite hobby?

Cooking

What is your favourite underwear brand?

Ask Gemma, I'm hopeless at brands names!

Who inspires you?

Difficult one. Two women I think, Malala Yousafzai - her courage to continue to fight for education for young women who are precluded from having one. Meryl Streep for her dedication to her art because she always gives a flawless performance in every role she takes on.

What is your favourite quote?

Same s***, different day! No seriously - "There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved." - George Sand

What is the last book your read?

The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

The Last Kingdom

If you could visit anywhere in the world where would it be?

The Okavango Delta, Botswana.

What is your favourite food?

Seafood Stew

What is your favourite place in the world (that you have visited)?

The Seychelles

Any phobias you would like to reveal?

Fear of heights

What are some small things that make your day better?

Cuddle with my dog. A laugh with the family. Spraying on my favourite perfume.

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?

At home with friends and family.

How do you relax after a hard day of work?

Sitting in the garden listening to the birds.

What skill would you like to master?

Painting

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

Sorting out their problems!

Stacey | Blogger

What is your favourite hobby?

Cooking and reading

What is your favourite underwear brand?

Freya and Fantasie

Who inspires you?

My husband, he always gives me the motivation I need to try and achieve more for myself.

What is your favourite quote?

Christopher Robin - "You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem and smarter than you think."

What is the last book your read?

'Iron Will' by James Maxwell - brilliant series!

What are you currently watching on Netflix?

Orphan Black

If you could visit anywhere in the world where would it be?

Explore all the cities in Italy.

What is your favourite food?

Curry (although pasta comes in at a close second)

What is your favourite place in the world (that you have visited)?

Chichen Itza, Mexico.

Any phobias you would like to reveal?

Fear of the sea, I'm not great at treading water and can't watch underwater programs :-s

What are some small things that make your day better?

Good food and surrounded by happy people!

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?

Dog walks, sunshine, seeing family and friends and good food.

How do you relax after a hard day of work?

Chill out on the sofa with the animals and the hubby and watch a good film.

What skill would you like to master?

Baking

When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?

Run some errands or pick up something from town for them.