Television personality Christine McGuinness has fronted a new campaign for sensory-friendly lingerie line Being Wear after relaxing her fitness regime. The 38-year-old modeled the new range designed specifically for neurodivergent people.
McGuinness explained that the project is close to her heart because both she and her three children have been diagnosed with autism. She said growing older in her late 30s helped her become more comfortable with herself and stop pushing her body to extremes.
She disclosed that she previously maintained a gym routine that bordered on obsession. "I do enjoy going to the gym but I'm not like a fitness fanatic like I used to be," McGuinness told the Daily Mail. "I think I probably was borderline obsessed at one point."
She added that natural bodily changes have encouraged her to adjust her approach to physical wellness. "Late 30s, everyone warns you, your body does change and you do start feeling more tired and you can't do as much as you used to," she said. "But it hasn't made me want to push myself anymore. I'm trying to stay relaxed, stay comfortable, and keep the pressure off."
McGuinness noted that her children are currently off school for the summer break. "It's summer, my kids are off school and they're at an age now where they're remembering things and they're enjoying different experiences," she said. "It's hard to be excited when your children don't like change, but now they're just a lot more comfortable in themselves and I am too."
Fitness changes and personal growth
Describing her personal growth as an ongoing battle, McGuinness admitted she experiences moments of wanting to live her best life. "This is my turn," she said. "I'm divorced. My three amazing, incredible children are growing up and they're understanding a lot more." She explained that this freedom allows her to enjoy a night out or go on a date.
She also reflected on her past worries about public perception and photographs. "I used to worry about being photographed," McGuinness said. "It was never so much about how I looked it would be, what if somebody thinks my outfit's a bit rubbish, or I'm not on trend or something like that. Whereas now I'm just not bothered. I'm more about being comfortable."
Recalling her childhood, McGuinness described struggling in school while undiagnosed with autism. She remembered difficulties with sensory issues, food in the school canteen, and communicating to make friends. Watching her children experience similar challenges prompted her to teach them that other people's opinions do not matter. "Don't let it consume your brain, especially when you're young," she said. "It's not worth it."
Sensory underwear design and launch
Being Wear was founded in Australia last year by Andrew Whittle. He created the brand after observing his daughter struggle to find underwear that accommodated her sensory sensitivities while building her self-confidence.
The brand's garments are crafted from modal, a soft and breathable fabric made from sustainably grown beech tree pulp. The pieces feature smooth, no-dig waistbands and flatlock seams designed to provide a barely-there feel.
McGuinness partnered with the company for its launch in the United Kingdom. "Being Wear is an inclusive underwear brand and it's designed for people like me, like my children with sensory sensitivities," she said. She highlighted that the garments prevent sensory irritation such as pulling at tags, while supporting broader inclusion through gender-free options.
Documentaries and future plans
McGuinness publicly revealed her autism diagnosis in 2021 at the age of 33, having received the diagnosis earlier that year. The announcement was featured in the BBC documentary Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism.
Her three children, 11-year-old twins Penelope and Leo and eight-year-old Felicity, also have autism. McGuinness shares her children with her ex-husband, Paddy McGuinness, with whom she fronted the BBC documentary Our Children And Autism.
McGuinness is now considering a third television documentary to focus on her children's teenage years and their transition into adult life with autism. She noted that hundreds of thousands of UK families face similar challenges as their children grow up.
"Everyone calls it a spectrum because it is a spectrum," McGuinness said, adding that she wants to shine a light on conditions beyond autism and ADHD. More details about the lingerie collection are available at https://beingwear.com/.
