Behind the Brand: ThirdLove
Intimates and beyond brand ThirdLove shares CURATEUR‘s mission of offering women products that help them look and feel like their best selves, so of course it was a match made in heaven when we got to feature one of its bestselling pieces in our winter box! The Satin Robe in Black is one of this season’s choice items, but even if you selected something else for your most customized curation this time around, we’ve also stocked The Shoppe with a few more styles to keep you equally chic and comfy this season.
This collaboration inspired us to dive a little deeper into the brand, as well as the woman behind it. We were fortunate enough to chat one-on-one with founder Heidi Zak who shared even more details about ThirdLove’s origin story, how its radically inclusive strategy sets it apart, and why the robe makes a perfect addition to your wardrobe this season—and long after.
Read ahead for the full story, courtesy of Zak, then shop even more ThirdLove pieces at our members-only discount! Not yet part of the CURATEUR community? Head HERE to see all the ways to join, including with our brand new winter box, filled with over $400 worth of Rachel Zoe-approved seasonal upgrades for a fraction of the price!
Was ThirdLove created in part due to your own experiences/frustrations buying intimates? If so, can you share a personal anecdote about that?
In 2012 I had my last run at shopping for a bra in Victoria’s Secret, and after feeling frustrated about the whole process I knew there had to be a better way. From taking time out of your day to drive to the store to the awkward bra fitting process, I was determined to create a brand and experience that centered around what modern women wanted—and deserved.
How does your business model make this lingerie brand so different from others?
Our DTC model and unique Fitting Room quiz ensures that women have a positive alternative to the traditional in-person shopping experiences. To date, close to 20 million women have used our Fitting Room to receive curated product and size recommendations for her personal wardrobe.
How has the company evolved since its first product launch?
When we first introduced ThirdLove in 2013, we had a goal of disrupting the industry norm and shifting the attention from skinny angels, feathers, and stilettos to real bodies, comfort, and fit. Since then, we’ve pushed the entire industry towards a new norm where inclusivity and female empowerment is now table stakes.
At the start of 2021, we began offering more covetable essentials for all parts of [our customers’] day, growing our collection to include wireless bras, sleep, and sports bras/leggings. To celebrate and honor our expansion, we recently launched a new brand evolution that is evocative, irreverent, considerate, and relatable to what the modern woman wants.
A cornerstone of the company is giving back. Can you share the organizations you work with and why it’s so important to benefit them?
ThirdLove was founded on the belief that every woman deserves better products that offer comfort, fit, and style. Since our founding, we’ve been able to support the broader community by donating more than $50 million worth of products to women in need through organizations like I Support the Girls, Soles4Souls, and more that not only support and empower women, girls, and families at home and abroad, but also keeps products out of landfills as much as possible through reuse and recycle opportunities.
We also created our own in-house mentorship program for women of color entrepreneurs called the TL Effect. It serves as a launching pad for elevating start-ups through a monetary grant, invaluable mentorship, and building brand awareness. We’ve already had two successful cohorts and we’re excited to welcome another recipient this fall.
We love the satin robe in our winter box! How do you want women to feel in a piece like this?
At ThirdLove, uncomfortable is unacceptable, and we create things that make you feel good—our satin robe included. It’s our hope that this sleek and sensual offering allows women to tap into the feeling of confidence that comes with outstanding comfort.
To feel even more sexy and confident, can you suggest two other TL pieces that would make a perfect compliment to the robe?
Our lace plunge bra is one of my personal favorites. Couple it with our high-waisted lace brief and you’ll be sexy and comfortable!