Imagine a world where the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional sportswear and swimwear is a thing of the past. Where the little annoyances, like the shifting pads in sports bras or swim tops, are replaced with something far more practical and comfortable. This is the world that CAKES Body, founded by Casey Capuano Sarai and Taylor Capuano, aims to create.
Casey Capuano Sarai and Taylor Capuano, twin sisters from New York, embarked on a journey to reimagine women’s sportswear. The idea for CAKES Body stemmed from their personal frustrations with the pads in workout tops and swimsuits. These pads were often impractical, uncomfortable, and would crumple or fall out, leading to embarrassing moments, like one experienced by Capuano on a treadmill next to her boss.
With a shared vision and determination, the sisters faced numerous challenges in their quest to create a better alternative. Their journey included years of starting, stopping, and exploring various ideas. They even faced legal hurdles, such as a cease-and-desist from a large sports brand. Nevertheless, they persevered.
CAKES Body officially launched in January 2022 with an initial inventory of 500 units. The brand gained significant traction when one of their TikTok videos went viral. Starting with a modest $5,000 investment from each sister and no initial marketing budget, social media following, or external investors, the company witnessed remarkable growth. By the end of their first year, CAKES Body surpassed $1 million in revenue, ranked in the top 1% of Shopify sales launched in 2022, and built a robust social media presence, particularly on TikTok.
CAKES Body offers a range of products designed to enhance comfort and practicality in women’s sportswear:
- CAKES Itty Bitty: Designed for AA-A cup sizes, with a tapered edge for seamless coverage, available in three shades: Honey, Caramel, and Cocoa.
- CAKES OG: The original product, offering gentle, seamless coverage suitable for B-DD cup sizes, also available in the same three shades.
- CAKES (+): A larger version for DDD+ cup sizes, maintaining the brand’s hallmark of comfort and seamless design.
These products are unique in that they are made from 100% medical-grade silicone, free from irritating adhesives, and are washable and reusable.
While CAKES Body’s primary mission was to offer practical and comfortable alternatives to traditional sportswear inserts, the brand has had an unexpected and profound impact. Women undergoing breast reconstruction have reported significant improvements in their quality of life thanks to CAKES products.
In addition to their product line, CAKES Body is committed to giving back. The brand donates $1 from every product sold to support women’s health causes, specifically the Breast Cancer Coalition & The Previvor.
As of the end of 2023, CAKES Body is on track to achieve eight figures in annual revenue and has pledged to donate over $300,000 to women’s health causes. The brand’s journey represents not just a successful business venture but a meaningful contribution to the landscape of women’s sportswear and health. The founders, Casey Capuano Sarai and Taylor Capuano, continue to lead the company with a focus on creating innovative alternatives to traditional bras, reflecting their commitment to comfort, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
