Christine McGuinness is fronting a new campaign for Being Wear, a sensory-friendly lingerie line created with neurodivergent people in mind. McGuinness, 38, shared that the cause is personal, as she and her three children have been diagnosed with autism.
The television personality expressed a newfound comfort with herself, attributing it to relaxing a fitness regimen she described as “borderline obsessive.” She explained to the Daily Mail that in her late 30s, she is focusing on comfort and reducing pressure on her body, acknowledging natural changes that come with age.
McGuinness stated, "I do enjoy going to the gym but I'm not like a fitness fanatic like I used to be. I think I probably was borderline obsessed at one point."
Her personal journey toward self-acceptance has influenced her advocacy for brands like Being Wear. McGuinness noted that as her children have grown and become more comfortable with themselves, she has too. She shared that this personal growth has involved overcoming anxieties about being photographed, moving from concerns about trends to prioritizing comfort.
Reflecting on her own childhood experiences before her autism diagnosis, McGuinness recalled struggles with sensory issues, communication, and making friends. Witnessing her children navigate similar challenges has shifted her mindset towards teaching them that external opinions are less important than self-acceptance.
"I'm quite happy just being me, which is what Being Wear is all about. It is just being comfortable as being yourself, whatever you're wearing underneath," McGuinness said.
Being Wear, founded in Australia by Andrew Whittle, was inspired by his daughter's need for underwear that accommodated her sensory sensitivities. The garments are made from modal fabric, featuring smooth waistbands and flatlock seams for a comfortable feel.
McGuinness highlighted the brand's inclusivity, stating, "Being Wear is an inclusive underwear brand and it's designed for people like me, like my children with sensory sensitivities."
She added, "Just knowing that it's going to feel nice on my skin and my sensory issues aren't going to lead to me pulling and picking out tags, and it's really beautiful underwear." McGuinness sees the brand's commitment to inclusivity, including gender-free options, as a positive step forward.
McGuinness publicly shared her autism diagnosis in 2021, after receiving the news earlier that year. This was documented in the BBC program "Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism." Her children, twins Penelope and Leo, 11, and Felicity, 8, also have autism. McGuinness and her ex-husband, Paddy McGuinness, previously explored this in the documentary "Our Children And Autism."
Looking ahead, McGuinness is considering a third documentary focusing on her children's transition into teenage years and adult life with autism. She believes there is a significant need to shine a light on various conditions beyond autism and ADHD, recognizing the wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental differences.
