About Our Company

Leading Lady was founded in 1939 by Frank G. Farino. The company was officially established when Mr. Farino accepted two sewing machines in lieu of vacation pay and purchased the existing inventory when the Cleveland bra fitter who employed him went out of business.

Mr. Farino branched into maternity intimate apparel out of necessity. During World War II, fabric rationing led to a shortage of raw materials for intimate apparel products – expect for maternity/nursing bras, which were considered medical items.

The onset of the baby boomer era in the 1950’s and 1960’s tremendously increased the demand for maternity apparel. As that generation matured, another mini-boom occurred. With research findings and recommendations from the medical community supporting breast-feeding, the demand for maternity and nursing bras continues to be strong today.

Leading Lady is a leading intimate apparel manufacturer, specializing in quality lingerie for mothers-to-be and new moms, full figure and sleep/leisure bras, and specialized lingerie and accessories.

Leading Lady’s large capacity distribution center is located in Illinois, with relationships for offshore production worldwide.

Our corporate offices are located in Cleveland, Ohio. Our design office is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and our showroom is in New York City, New York.