Cami Confidential shop review

Where is it?
Cami Confidential
20 Hollins Lane
Marple
Stockport
Cheshire
SK6 6AW
www.camiconfidential.co.uk

History:
Founder Yvonne Gillon has been a couture designer for 25 years and was inspired to start Cami Confidential after meeting a breast cancer survivor who’d just had a mastectomy. The cancer patient was going to a special dinner but was worried about wearing a top that would be baggy and reveal her scar when she leant forward. From this chance encounter came the inspiration to design the Cami Confidential. Now one year old, the company has featured in many national women’s magazines and they have a showroom in Stockport but sell products online, over the phone and via mail order.

What do they sell?
Currently they offer three types of camis: short (£35), long (£40) and long sleeve (£55). Made from lightweight stretch lace, the double fabric tops fit over a bra and hugs the chest with their feminine necklines. To ensure scars are hidden, they are cut closely around the arm holes unlike other camisoles – often cut too low around the arms and showing scarring. The different styles means their products can be worn as under or outerwear and come in a wide range of colours.

Who shops there?
The camis were originally created for breast cancer survivors of all ages. Customers have since found that there is nothing comparable on the market and Yvonne said that they have “become a wardrobe essential for all women”. Since their first development, the customer base has expanded and they’re now seeing more and more orders coming from uniformed-staff such as nurses who are looking for a top with a high neckline to cover their cleavage when they lean forward to work with patients.

Why shop there?
All the Cami Confidentials have high neck lines and are tight fitting so no scars will be on show. The camis give cancer survivors the confidence to go out in short tops in the summer and they are really versatile garments. What started off as ‘post surgery’ cover up has evolved to become a product that all women can wear and feel comfortable in.

Future:
As they’re still a young company, the main focus is to continue offering the three products already on sale. Being couture designed products all made in the UK, the camis can be made as bespoke garments to cater for a customer’s needs so this is an avenue that could further be explored.

Verdict:
Yvonne saw a gap in the post-operation market and has most definitely created something worthwhile to help give confidence to breast cancer patients. The products’ simple, yet intricately laced, designs mean that they can be worn by all women throughout the seasons.