‘Women should feel unapologetically ourselves, not hidden away’: Yorkshire model Rachel Peru launches Liberte Free to Be swimsuit for bigger busts

Yorkshire model Rachel Peru is on a mission to stop women feeling self-conscious in swimwear. “I want women to feel confident,” she says.

Body confidence campaigner Rachel, 56, is about to launch her first swimwear range designed to offer more choice and confidence for fuller-busted women of all ages.

The initiative is the result of industry knowledge gained from working with high-street brands. Since becoming a model in her mid-forties, she has worked with major fashion, lingerie and swimwear brands alongside the likes of Lizzo and Ashley Graham.

“My work is driven by a determination to place women over 40 in the spotlight, and a refusal to conform to unrealistic standards, whether it’s age, appearance, or size,” she says.

“No matter where we are or what we’re doing, we should feel strong, supported and unapologetically ourselves, not hidden away.”

Rachel campaigns for fairer representation of midlife women through her work as a speaker, as well as her chart-topping podcast Liberté ~ Free to Be, which features midlife women who are breaking stereotypes, following their dreams, and redefining confidence at any age. It has hosted more than 160 guests, reached the top two per cent of global podcasts, and been heard in 97 countries.

Hher swimwear marketing will feature a diverse mix of women over 40.

The Liberté Free to Be range will focus on timeless designs, supportive fabrics, inclusive sizing, and styles created specifically with fuller-busted women in mind. The debut swimsuit, called Glenda (you will see why later) is made in premium Italian fabric, sustainable and 100 per cent regenerated from pre and post consumer waste material, and OEKO-TEX certified, “so nothing nasty touches your skin”, with a breathable, soft, two-way stretch that moves naturally with the bodyt. It has UPF 50+ built in and is quick-drying.

Available in Revolve Red and Classic Noir, the swimsuit is non-wired, with a deep V neckline, supportive shoulder straps and a cross-over design. There are five sizes, called L1 to L5, sizes 10-18, available in two cup options, Soft Curve for D, DD and E and Full Curve in F, FF and G

Each suit will be named after an iconic woman, none less important than Rachel’s own mum Glenda. “I still have my mum’s swimsuit from the ‘70s - in fact, its timelessness inspired my first design”, she says. “This is another way to put amazing women like her in the spotlight.

“This collection is incredibly personal to me. Even the 24k gold-plated buckle on each suit is meaningful - it’s a feather, which for me symbolises letting go, and a feeling of lightness. Exactly how we should feel when swimming.”

Alongside developing her swimwear range, Rachel continues to grow her podcast, speak at women’s events across Yorkshire and the UK, and collaborate with brands committed to challenging stereotypes and increasing representation.

Glenda costs £135 at liberteltd.com, and £1 from every swimsuit sold will go straight to Smart Works Yorkshire, which supports unemployed women to get the coaching, clothing and confidence they need to secure employment.

Pre-orders are now live, and the first swimsuit will be available in October.