The Daylilie backstory
Daylilie started with my own body.
Hello! I am Manuella, a recreational climber. I developed broader shoulders and wider lats through sports, but as I got stronger, everyday bras became a struggle. Bands dug in causing chafing, and back tissue overflowed in a way that felt unflattering.
.Silhouettes, not Sizes
I realized that everyday bras are still designed with a straight silhouette in mind, overlooking the broader shoulders of modern, active women. My struggle led me to a bigger question: was this really an “athlete” problem? or was it a proportions problem?
The industry centre
designs for a straight-from-shoulder-to-waist silhouette
Broader shoulders are often associated with a V-shaped back
There is a common misconception that those with broader shoulders must have a larger bust. For me, when I found bras that fit my shoulders and lats, the cups were too big. When the cups fit, the band dug in. It was a constant tradeoff—and I was left choosing between compressive (and flattening) sports bras that feel restrictive for everyday wear or bralettes that feel too junior.
Band too tight
Cups too big
The more women I talked to, the clearer it became: this wasn’t just my experience. Broad shoulders and wider backs are not anomalies. They take shape in many ways — sculpted through sport, passed down through genetics, or become defined as our bodies mature.
Band too tight, cup too big.
Daylilie was born to reimagine how bras are designed — around silhouette, not size. My goal is to support every proportion, from smaller cups to fuller busts, with designs that move with and flatter the body.
