Local Makers: Meghan MacWhirter & Nashville Darlin' Lingerie

1. What's the name of your company?

 Nashville Darlin' Lingerie

2. How long have you been in business? How did you get your start? 

Darlin' started in December of 2017, but I really count February 2018 as our formal opening, after attending the lingerie market in New York. I opened the store in a tiny windowless room on the second floor of an 1800s train station. The store quickly grew, and started to look like a lingerie crazed woman's cramped closet. Darlin' expanded to the first floor of Houston Station, which is now our current location. I am a transplant, and realized luxury quality lingerie was a niche Nashville truly lacked. Shopping for lingerie online can be hit or miss since sizing varies between brands, and cup sizes vary by manufacturers. As I waited for someone else to open what I wanted as a consumer; the need grew into an idea, and then a dream, and then I took the leap. 

3. What is your favorite item in your store? 

This changes daily, seriously daily. I love the Whisper Bra by Only Hearts because it feels like nothing, the underwire is wrapped in the softest fabric, and it wears like a bralette while offering support. It's definitely a staple in the store and with our customers. Our collections are fashion based, and while some styles are classic, our designers love to play with color for each season. Fuschia is a major trend in lingerie for 2021! Else makes the greatest bodysuits for long torsos, and I always make sure to order myself one since I'm on the taller side. Playful Promises and Kilo Brava are also favorites because they are incredibly size inclusive and don't sacrifice style or sex appeal based on measurments. I can't pick a favorite! There's something incredible about every designer in the store.

4. What's your best selling item?

The ouvert collections by Only Hearts. They make an ouvert bodysuit and it frames everyone's booty with handspun lace from Brooklyn. The ouvert styles often end up with a waiting list because they fly out of the store. Did you ever see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? It's that, but with lingerie. It looks amazing on everyone.

5.Where can our customers find you on social media?

We are on Instagram under NashvilleDarlin, and recently launched a TikTok also under NashvilleDarlin. 

6. What's your website?

7. Do you have anything you want to promote?

So often I hear "I don't have anyone to wear this for", but lingerie doesn't have to be uncomfortable, overly sexy, or for a partners gaze. Lingerie is what I like to call the "power pose" of your wardrobe, it's the first thing you put on everyday. It should make you feel confident and beautiful. Also, try to get fitted for a bra twice a year! If your bra is gaping, digging, or uncomfortable, something's off. A great fitting bra can make all the difference in your posture, how your clothes fit, and especially for larger chests: shoulder pain. 

8. What's on your wish list this year?