5 Things I Learned In My First Year on Substack

(and a sale!)

Today is the day—one year since my welcome post on Big Undies. It feels like a long time ago, but here is where we started:

If you feel perpetually underserved and frustrated by the basic need to clothe your body in a way that feels even just okay, Big Undies is for you. Let’s find solutions to the problems that are not being solved by red carpets and Shein hauls. Nobody is living their life in a cold shoulder top.

Over the course of this year, I’ve sent out an email almost every Monday & Wednesday. I’ve written about when the collective taste doesn’t include you, swimsuits, shorts, anti-sexy, rethinking shopping, politics. I’ve talked to Sophie, Sushmita, Dacy, and Bronwen (among many others!).

Mostly, I’m so happy that Big Undies exists. I love having a place to talk about clothes and comfort and how we show up in our lives.

If you aren’t a paid subscriber yet — I hope you’ll become one today!

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Five Things I’ve Learned in Year One of Big Undies

I am not an expert, but I do have some advice.

1. Just do it.

   My biggest regret about Big Undies is not starting it sooner. This is a lesson I will probably be learning my whole life.

2. Perfection is not possible.

   I was nauseous and sleepless before publishing my first Substack post. I had nightmares about typos. I can’t say I’ve completely gotten over that fear, but I do have more acceptance about mistakes

3. Don’t obsess over the stats.

   The number of people subscribing to Big Undies fluctuates what feels like hourly, and I could drive myself absolutely crazy if I let me self worth rise and fall with it. I do look at stats and subscriber numbers, obviously, but I try not to let them dominate my feelings or my editorial calendar.

4. Write the newsletter you want to read

   Big Undies is a newsletter about clothes. But there are days when talking about clothes just doesn’t feel like the thing to do (post 2024 election comes to mind) and I’m glad that has resonated with Big Undies readers. That post I wrote in the immediate aftermath of the election was one of the most popular ones I wrote in 2024.

5. Community is everything.

   I feel so cheesy saying it, but it’s true! I adore and admire Big Undies readers and I am just so, so grateful to everyone who reads and supports this tiny publication. THANK YOU.

Anniversary Sale!

As a little celebration of Big Undies, I’m offering 20% off annual subscriptions—just $48 for a year. Less than $1 a week for 2 posts every week and access to the Big Undies comments & chat. Join us!

Thank you for being here. I’d love to know what your most memorable Big Undies posts were this year!

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