Suzanne Broadbent is all-too familiar with a problem many modern women face. She always had to do serious alterations to clothing, such as the dresses she wore to the national ITEX gala dinner she attended each year as president of ITEX Utah.
“I would go through the same thing year after year,” she says. “I would have to modify my dress every year so I would feel comfortable.”
So she wasn’t surprised when in the middle of the night she was inspired to start a line of clothing products meant to fill in the “gaps” found in today’s trendy styles. She calls her line of clothing undertease — which is what she hopes the line will allow women to do. Suzanne studied fashion merchandising in college, so the transformation into the clothing business was natural for her. She’s been in the local business community for 10 years and understands the needs of the local businesswomen.
“Your clothing shouldn’t detract from who you are, what you represent or why you’re meeting with someone,” she says. “But at the same time, we all want to be able to wear clothes that are cute and trendy.”
The shirts produced by undertease are available online and come in several colors, with additional colors being added as seasons permit. Undertease are sold online, at their retail kiosk locations and in Nordstrom Point of View departments.
All of the T-shirts are long in the trunk and come in one of three main styles: cap-sleeved, tank top and long sleeved, which was inspired by the formal occasions Suzanne attends. The sizes for undertease are uniquely categorized. Instead of extra small to extra-large, sizes go from “cutie”(XS) to “sexy”(XL). There is also a VaVaVoom Collection for plus-sized women and an Oh Baby! Maternity line.
Suzanne’s experience as a young mother has also shown her the benefits of the T-shirts in a more casual setting — like chasing her 4-year-old around.
Whether it’s in the boardroom watching market trends or in the living room watching Playhouse Disney, Suzanne is comfortable — and you can be too — in your undertease.
Source: Utah Valley Magazine (July-August 2005)
Special Marketing Section — Women in Business