Cover Perk by Kate founder Kate Low on why she wants to encourage a sense of self-love and empowerment for women with her label (Photo: Perk by Kate)
Perk by Kate founder Kate Low on why she wants to encourage a sense of self-love and empowerment for women with her label (Photo: Perk by Kate)
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In the first of our four-part series spotlighting Singaporean female entrepreneurs this International Women’s Day, we spotlight Kate Low of Perk By Kate. The founder and owner of the local lingerie label shares her mission of offering more than just lingerie with her brand
Finding the perfect piece of lingerie is a deeply personal journey for many women—it’s not always about aesthetics but to feel confident, comfortable and beautiful in our own skin while wearing what we want.
Like many women out there, homegrown lingerie brand Perk by Kate’s founder Kate Low had a similar struggle in finding beautiful lingerie that suited her petite frame. Low’s personal frustration and love for lingerie sparked the idea to create her own pieces that “women could genuinely feel good in”.
She relished in the challenge of building her own business, creating stylish and comfortable garments that fit Asian body types. It was then that she launched Perk by Kate in 2012. The brand name was inspired by the idea of having a little perk that brightens our days. “I wanted the brand to evoke feelings of joy, confidence and empowerment, just like the perfect lingerie,” she explains.
The business began as a multi-label retailer of various lingerie labels, including Eberjey and Lonely Lingerie. But in 2014, she took a leap of faith, branching into lingerie design and launched her debut brand—and as they say, the rest is history.
In case you missed it: How I’m Making It: Singapore brand Pinksalt is on a mission to create modest yet stylish swimwear
Above Perk by Kate founder Kate Low (Photo: Perk by Kate)
Perk by Kate founder Kate Low (Photo: Perk by Kate)
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Unlimited potential
Low remembers the early days as being filled with ideas, late nights and trial-and-error. The entrepreneur faced multiple challenges, from finding reliable suppliers who shared a similar vision to building trust as a small and independent business in a competitive market. She continues: “It wasn’t an easy entry. I had to learn everything from scratch, from sourcing to design and retail.”
At the start, she remembers her own doubts as “incredibly crippling”. This led to her constantly questioning if she was good enough and barred her from trying new things. Over time, she learnt that although doubt never completely goes away, there are skills that can be developed to help her manage it better.
“[In times of doubt or insecurity], I remind myself that while failure is planned for, the potential upside is unlimited,” she adds.
Low didn’t let her doubts faze her. Reflecting, she explains how her passion and persistence kept her going. The entrepreneur remembers the moment when her first order came in. “I didn’t even have packaging ready,” she says, adding that every milestone held memories that were worth cherishing—from her first photoshoot to her first collection.
Above The label's Sheer collection holds a special place in Low's heart (Photo: Facebook / Perk)
The label's Sheer collection holds a special place in Low's heart (Photo: Facebook / Perk)
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Comfort over everything
Today, her label offers a wide selection of lingerie and accessories, with one of the most popular designs being the padded bralette. As one of the brand’s six classic collections, these bralettes combine comfort with subtle support, perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed fit without sacrificing style.
When it comes to creating a comfortable pair of lingerie, Low highlights how every detail matters. The entrepreneur is meticulous about material selection and quality control. From choosing the softest and most breathable fabrics to perfecting the fit, Low explains how it is “both an art and a science”. Customer feedback is also an essential part of refining the brand’s designs.
The homegrown label constantly takes steps toward more sustainable practices as well. Mindful of the brand’s impact on the environment, Low shares that they focus on using eco-friendly fabrics, reducing production waste and encouraging conscious consumption. Each year, the label holds bra donation drives where these pieces get repurposed through charity or recycled.
Read more: How I’m Making It: In Good Company’s co-founders strive to create a community through fashion
Above The label offers breastfeeding-friendly lingerie (Photo: Facebook / Perk)
The label offers breastfeeding-friendly lingerie (Photo: Facebook / Perk)
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Supporting women throughout various life stages
Since the brand’s inception, Perk by Kate has been a beacon of support for women navigating various life stages, from everyday comfort to specialised needs. One of the brand’s most significant collections is the mastectomy and post-surgery recovery collection, crafted in consultation with breast reconstruction surgeons and feedback from survivors.
The six-piece line is curated from soft, breathable fabrics to ensure comfort and reduce irritation. Thick adjustable straps offer high support and a customisable fit. The collection provides physical comfort and emotional support during recovery, bridging the gap in post-surgery lingerie options.
Perk by Kate also caters to new mothers with breastfeeding-friendly lingerie, designed to be both practical and comfortable. Its maternity and nursing lingerie uses soft, hypoallergenic materials, ensuring it’s gentle on sensitive skin.
Above Low teases exciting things to come for the label (Photo: Facebook / Perk)
Low teases exciting things to come for the label (Photo: Facebook / Perk)
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Everyday comfort
Being in the industry for over a decade, the entrepreneur has seen an increase in inclusive lingerie. This is something that Low’s brand has also incorporated over the years with the introduction of its Inclusive Size Range, which offers sizes from 31A to 42B.
The brand constantly listens to its community and evolves based on their needs. She shares: “We focus on real women and their stories.” This means prioritising fit, comfort and style while staying authentic to their mission of empowering women.
Looking ahead, Low teases exciting things to come for her brand as she is constantly on the lookout for new ways to connect with her customers. But her mission remains the same from day one: to continue helping women everywhere feel empowered and comfortable through their lingerie—the most intimate pieces of clothing they own.
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
