Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Argyropoulos.
Sophia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up with 30H boobs, bra and swimsuit shopping was a nightmare for me. I was so jealous of my smaller chested friends who had so many options.
After years of complaining, a close friend of mine, who is also a fashion designer, encouraged me to design my own swimsuit. She said “all you have to do is start, don’t think about what’s ahead, just start”. She helped me sketch up my ideas and connected me with one of her manufacturers.
Five months later, I launched one minimal black style in 12 bra sizes. Since then our range has expanded to 6 colour-ways and 35 bra sizes across bands 28-36. Having this many swimsuit options in my size is a dream come true! I finally have a choice of what to wear to the beach with my friends, a pool party or a family vacation.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road!
Developing the styles themselves and getting them made so they actually fit is extremely difficult.
There are over 30 different measurements in every single RAQ top. Every measurement has to be correct otherwise the whole thing just doesn’t work. Combine that with our 35 different size options and that’s a whole lot of math that needs to be right! We put blood, sweet and tears into every style – I have literally cried tears of joy and frustration during this process.
We are about to launch a brand new style, which will be a game changer for girls with big boobs. I came up with the idea 12 months ago, and my designer helped me develop the first sample shortly after. Since then, we have produced 20 different versions and have tested on multiple women across our size range. It has been a long and tiring process for everyone involved, but it’s one that is necessary for such a technical product.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with RAQ Apparel – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Growing up, I had no choice but to wearing ill-fitting, daggy swimsuits that I felt were designed for women much older than me. I always dreamed of wearing the same styles, colours and prints as my friends. That’s why I am on a mission to provide busty women with well designed, trendy swimsuits at an affordable price point. Traditional swim brands offer five sizes (XS, S, M, L, and XL). I am extremely proud that our swimsuits are available in 35 different bra sizes!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
60% of women wear a D cup or bigger, but most models are smaller chested (even “curve” models). The few models that do fall into our size range are LA-based so we have decided to shoot our new collection in LA later this month. I am based in Melbourne, Australia but will be flying over to be there which I am very excited about! I love how eclectic LA is – the activity on Venice Beach, the shopping on Abbot Kinney and of course the local food scene!
Pricing:
- Tops are $79 AUD (translates to approx. $56 USD)
- Briefs are $39 AUD (translates to approx. $28 USD)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.raqapparel.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/raqapparel
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
