Bare Necessities

So here's the thing about Bare Necessities - it's basically become the go-to spot for women who are tired of the whole bra-shopping nightmare. And honestly? They've earned it.

Founded back in 1998 in Avenel, New Jersey, the company claims to be the second largest online retailer in the industry next to Victoria's Secret with over $66 million in revenues. But what really sets them apart isn't just the size - it's the sheer range. The company carries over 200 bra sizes ranging from 28 to 56 inch bands and from an AA cup to N Cup. That's not a typo. N Cup. When was the last time you saw that kind of inclusivity in intimate apparel?

The company's had quite a journey, actually. It was founded by two Carnegie-Mellon graduates, Noah Wrubel and Bill Richardson, and Wrubel's family already operated several lingerie stores of the same name since 1965 throughout New Jersey. Walmart acquired Bare Necessities in 2018 as part of its strategy to compete with Amazon in the online clothing space, but in 2020, Walmart sold the company to Israeli clothing company Delta Galil Industries. Talk about corporate musical chairs.

But here's what matters to actual shoppers: Bare Necessities carries 140 brands, including their own label, Bare by Bare Necessities, which was created in collaboration with customers. They've got everything from everyday basics to high-end luxury pieces. The online retailer carries an array of brands such as Bali, Wacoal, SPANX, Calvin Klein, Hanky Panky, Chantelle, Freya, Panache, Hanro, La Perla, Le Mystere, Ugg Australia, Wolford, Hugo Boss, Armani, and Polo Ralph Lauren.

And they're not just sitting on their laurels. The company's been making moves to stay relevant - partnering with celebrities like Padma Lakshmi for exclusive collections, expanding into activewear and loungewear, and really leaning into that whole "fit expert" thing. Bare Necessities' certified Bra Fit Experts know how the perfect bra should fit and feel, and they're here to help get you there.

One thing worth noting - the company's been through some growing pains recently. There have been customer complaints about return policies and processing times, which seems to coincide with those ownership changes. But they're still shipping worldwide and maintaining that massive inventory that made them famous in the first place.

If you're someone who's ever walked into a department store and left empty-handed because they didn't carry your size, Bare Necessities is probably worth checking out. They've built their reputation on having what others don't, and that's a pretty solid foundation.