Need plus-size bras? Head to Singuerlín!
The corset-making saga gave its name to a neighborhood in Santa Coloma
Singuerlín, so many years passing by the corset shop at 130 Aribau Street, and so many years the name ringing in my ears like a bell. Could it have something to do with the Santa Coloma de Gramenet neighborhood or not? It was obvious that it did, that it had to be related. And yes, of course, Pepita Simó y Singuerlín, who is 84 years old, clears up any doubts. She has worked behind the same counter since she was 13 and retains enviable energy and eloquence. Undoubtedly renewed, because for some years now she has worked side by side with her cleaners, Marta and María, and she has the satisfaction of seeing them so involved in the family business. Marta will be the one to carry on when Pepita decides to retire. But I would say that she still has plenty of life left in her.
The doubts, then, are dispelled. Pepita's grandfather, Emili Singuerlín, had bought some land in Santa Coloma de Gramanet in the 1920s, which was developed and forever named Singuerlín. The metro recently arrived—a great achievement—and Pepita was delighted to attend the inauguration. The founder of the corset-making dynasty is Víctor Singerlín Lamotte, Pepita's great-grandfather, an Alsatian who came to Catalonia and established a corset factory.
The shop opened in 1955 thanks to the drive of Pepita's mother, Pepita Singuerlín Giménez, who was thrilled to be able to work with the public in a shop that would be the natural extension and continuation of the business of headwear, girdles, and bras they had already started. They specialized in all the materials and garments that make up girdles and bras: the fabric, the trims, the elastic, the laces, the hooks and eyes... Opening the shop on Aribau Street was a very important step. First with custom-made garments and then, over the years, with what is now the company's specialty: plus sizes. Now they no longer make custom-made pieces, but they do adapt and alter the ones they have so that all their customers can find what they need. They come from all over Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain. The plus-size lingerie market is very limited, and Singuerlín is an essential reference point.
They carry bras, shapewear – everyone calls it that these days bodies—, panties, and swimsuits. Everyone can find their size, but while standard sizes are readily available and easily found everywhere, larger sizes can be a problem for those who need them. At Singuerlín, that problem doesn't exist. They offer all kinds of styles that adapt to large or very large breasts, rib cages, and backs. They combine the cup—the part that supports the breasts—and the band size with the utmost precision.
"Advice is key," confirm the grandmother and the cleaning lady. And they are experts. Our core customers are people who want to feel confident in their bust and want a good garment and good advice. "We see all kinds of cases and we must be able to serve them and ensure they leave happy." From standard sizes to minimizer bras. From sexy garments to the most purely functional and comfortable. For some years now, they have also been selling online. They clearly saw that this expansion was beneficial for the business. And it worked. They have their own website and do a great job on social media to promote the services and products they offer. "Here we only have quality pieces," they are quick to point out. A stark contrast to the ridiculously overpriced and dubious-quality products offered in wholesale stores.
Pepita has been working at Singuerlín for over seventy years. It is, quite literally, her home. She remembers that day in the fifties when a priest from the neighboring Sant Miquel School came in to tell them that the advertisements in the window—models showing off bras and girdles—were indecent. "It's what we sell, what do you want us to do?" Pepita's mother told him. And that was the end of the conversation. Have a nice day.