It’s August and even though the weather here in Toronto hasn’t exactly been summery these past few weeks, it’s definitely warmer than the wintery polar vortex that swept the northeast only a few months ago.
The month of July at 4Mothers was all about learning, but for the month of August we’re turning up the heat, and embracing steamy summer nights!
Let’s start off with an underwear refresh. It’s time to ditch those granny panties and discover some beautiful options that are made for real women by real women. I did it (you can read about it here) and you can do it too. Your partner will thank us.
Joanna Griffiths is the founder and hands-on visionary behind these high-tech knickers. Joanna learned about the realities of real women’s bodies, specifically the challenges many women face post-pregnancy, from talking with her mother, a doctor. When Joanna became aware that one third of women will experience some bladder leakage at some point in their lifetime, she set out to revolutionize women’s underwear. Not believing that a little bit of leakage should condemn a woman to wearing ugly panties to accommodate bulky drugstore pads, Joanna built-up a team of expert professionals to make her dream of creating seamless undergarments for women that don’t roll, have built-in leak resistance, have anti-odor and moisture wicking technology, all while still being beautiful and flattering to all bodies. Sound like a tall order? Well, Joanna succeeded with Knix Wear and now women can feel sexy and confident. 
Knix Wear is available in a variety of colours, styles (bikini, boy short, thong and high rise) and fabrics, from athletic to lacy. Sizes from XS-XXL. Priced from $22-$38. Sign-up for their newsletter and get $10 off your first purchase!
I don’t think that I have ever met someone as passionate about women’s undergarments as Nadine, founder of Mayana Genevière.
After giving birth to her daughter, Nadine found herself disappointed with the selection of nursing bras: the one item a woman should never skimp on! Everything she came across was either frumpy or hyper sexualized. She took it upon herself to create something not only beautiful but functional. She designed the first of its kind, metal clasp-free nursing bra and when her friends caught a glimpse of it, they encouraged her to design a line of feminine undergarments, including shape wear, that are to be worn throughout the entire journey of womanhood. 
Her Canadian designs are well constructed with attention to detail such an adjustable hook & eye that allows you to choose your desired level of compression and every garment is made of the highest quality fabrics including organic cotton gussets. Nadine maintains that a woman’s undergarments should never roll or shift and it won’t happen so long as they are well made and fitted properly. “You’ll always look fabulous when you dress the body you have!” says Nadine and she’s made it her mission to celebrate women’s bodies and at the same time instill acceptance and confidence in her clients. To further her dream of developing a socially conscious brand, Nadine established Maternal Goddess, an organization dedicated to the education and awareness of postnatal maternal health.
A portion of every purchase from Mayana Genevière is contributed to this incredible platform that supports new mothers.
The brand will be available in the Fall at 7 boutiques in the Toronto area. Check the website for details in the coming weeks.
Bras are available in a variety of styles, including nursing from 32B to 42D. Control panties available in sizes S-XXL.
Both Knix Wear and Mayana Genevière are both committed to using real women as models. Can we get a hallelujah? The last time I checked not every woman was a size flawless XS!
Images courtesy of Knix Wear and Mayana Genevière.
4 Mothers 
I am in love with these! What a great alternative to the uggo post pregnancy stuff! Plus I love supporting Canadian companies!
xoxo
The Accidental Mama
http://theaccidentalmama.com
These are beautiful! I wish I was in Toronto!!!