Trying to find a bra that fits your strict comfort/support/cuteness standards is basically impossible (or so it feels), but the process is even worse when you’re shopping online, where the go-to product shot is on a perfectly airbrushed model who looks like she’s never been in a war with her underwire.
Who decided this nonsense, and when can we make it stop? Actually now—because in the latest iteration of Aerie’s #AerieREAL campaign, women of every shape, color, and background are modeling the goods. The result is a surprising glimpse into what happens when we let women be totally themselves—and also a really good way to find a bra that will work for you, IRL.
“It’s showing every girl that looks at these images that she is enough just the way she is.”
“#AerieREAL has matured so much,” says Iskra Lawrence, who has been one of the faces of the movement since 2015. “And seeing it grow and develop and where we are now with this campaign… it’s showing every girl that looks at these images that she is enough just the way she is.”
From a woman with diabetes who proudly displays her insulin pump, to a pregnant mama-to-be, to Special Olympics gymnast Chelsea Werner, Aerie landed on the diverse group from a social media casting call that garnered 2,000 entries. So if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to see a product shot of a bra on a body that looks like yours, keep reading (hint: it’s amazing).
Celebrating women as they are starts with undergarments that actually fit. Scroll down to find your bra BFF—plus some real-talk wisdom from the Aerie women.
Real Me Bras
If comfort is your main priority but you’re looking to level-up from a bralette in support, the Real Me unlined bra is your girl. “It feels like it was made for me, not a mannequin,” says Irene Zielinski (above, center). “In this bra, I feel confident.” And that’s the goal, right?
“I want future generations of girls to have someone they can look up to. It really just makes world of difference.”
For Rajee Aerie (yes, that’s really her last name), giving other women with disabilities someone to relate to was the priority. “Growing up, I never had anybody that looked like me, and I never saw anybody with a disability,” says Aerie, above right, who contracted polio as a child and now walks with braces. “I want future generations of girls to have someone they can look up to. It really just makes world of difference.”
SHOP REAL ME
Aerie Real Me Full Coverage Unlined Bra in Confidence $37
Aerie Real Me Full Coverage Lightly Lined Bra in Ruby Kiss $40
Aerie Real Me Full Coverage Push Up Bra in Ballet Pink $45
Real Power Bras
If you’re more the type who likes to keep things perky, the Real Power push up bra provides all the oomph you want—without any of the pinching or squeezing of the standard variety. Even better? Removable inserts let you adjust the level of push—so you can customize it for the desired effect.
But beyond the instant confidence boost you can get when you look amazing, Evan de Lara (above right) says the real benefit is allowing you to focus on the bigger picture.
“[I] now know that it is okay to look, feel, and be different than anyone else.”
“I think the ability to speak your truth, know yourself, be loving, and accept love are all equally important as being happy with your physical appearance,” says Evan de Lara (above, right) says. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become comfortable in my body and mind and now know that it is okay to look, feel, and be different than anyone else.”
SHOP REAL POWER
Aerie Real Power Convertible Plunge Push Up Bra in Buff $50
Aerie Real Power Convertible Plunge Push Up Bra in Fresh Bright $50
Aerie Real Power Convertible Plunge Push Up Bra in Whipped Blue $50
Real Sunnie Bras
For the low-maintenance, the Real Sunnie is the super soft t-shirt bra designed to let you flaunt as much (or as little) as you’d like.“In my Aerie bra I feel supported, as if I have a team behind the scenes working to make sure I am comfortable and have a tasteful cleavage,” says Lexus Morgan, above right. “I don’t feel like I once did: ashamed to show one of my many great assets.”
Having Vitiligo has made Morgan accustomed to drawing stares, but that at-first unwanted attention has led her to show it off unabashedly. She hopes her story inspires other women who feel defined by their imperfections—like Lilly Cepull (above, center) once did—to let go of the judgment.
“I look in the mirror and feel so dang proud of the woman I have become.”
“Confidence was something I struggled with for quite a while. And holy guacamole accepting myself (flaws and all) has been the best thing I have ever done,” she says. “Now I look in the mirror and feel so dang proud of the woman I have become. I may be short, have breakouts, messy hair, be bloated, or whatever else, but guess what?! I am beautiful because of all of those things make me real.”
SHOP REAL SUNNIE
Aerie Real Sunnie Full Coverage Lightly Lined Bra in Mauvewood $45
Aerie Real Sunnie Wireless Lightly Lined Bra in True Black $40
Aerie Real Sunnie Demi Push Up Bra in Ballet Pink $50
In partnership with Aerie
Photos: Aerie
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