Is Figleaves a good place to buy lingerie?+
Figleaves built its reputation as a specialist online lingerie destination, which is its core strength. It launched in 1998 as the first internet retailer to specialise in lingerie, and one of the first to target a female-only market. That focus on intimates, rather than treating them as a sideline, is what made the name trusted by shoppers.
What does Figleaves actually sell?+
Figleaves is built around intimates and swim. By its own breakdown, lingerie made up about 50% of sales, swimwear around 40%, and nightwear roughly 10%. So while it is best known as a bra-and-lingerie destination, swimwear is a genuinely major part of the range rather than an afterthought.
When and by whom was Figleaves founded?+
Figleaves was founded in 1998 by entrepreneur Daniel Nabarro and former McKinsey & Co manager Michael Ross. It launched as a pioneering online-only lingerie retailer at a time when buying intimates over the internet was still a novel idea. That early-mover position is central to the brand's story.
Why was Figleaves considered a pioneer?+
At launch it was the first internet retailer to specialise in lingerie, and among the first to target a female-only market online. Selling intimates over the web was uncharted territory in 1998, so Figleaves helped prove that women would happily shop for bras and swimwear from home. That made it an early landmark in online fashion retail.
Who owns Figleaves?+
Figleaves passed through a few hands as it grew. In 2005 the private equity group Balderton Capital took an almost 40% stake, and in 2010 the company was purchased by N Brown Group for £11.5 million. Under N Brown, Figleaves became part of a larger British retail group.
Does the original Figleaves website still operate?+
Not in its original form. In February 2021, Figleaves.com announced that the website would close and be absorbed into N Brown's SimplyBe.co.uk. So the standalone Figleaves shop wound down, with its intimates and swim heritage folded into the wider group rather than continuing independently.
How do I find my bra size when shopping for lingerie online?+
The biggest favour you can do yourself is to measure properly before ordering, since cup and band sizing varies between brands. Use a soft tape to check your band and bust, then compare against each style's own size guide rather than assuming your usual size carries over. When in doubt, ordering two adjacent sizes to compare at home is a reliable way to nail the fit.
Any tips for buying swimwear without trying it on?+
Treat swimwear like lingerie: check the fit guide for each style, pay attention to bust support if you need it, and read how a cut is described, whether it is a fuller-bust shape, a tummy-control panel, or a more relaxed fit. Knowing your measurements and the style's intended shape removes most of the guesswork. A generous returns policy is your friend here, so favour retailers that make exchanges easy.
How should I care for bras and swimwear to make them last?+
Delicate intimates reward gentle handling: hand-wash or use a lingerie bag on a cool cycle, skip the tumble dryer, and reshape pieces before laying them flat to dry. For swimwear, rinse out chlorine or salt water after every wear, since both break down elastic over time. A little care keeps the support and shape intact far longer.
