I asked Meg about the sweatshirt everyone’s been asking about—how it started, why it matters, and where the money actually goes.
How did Tough Titties start? Do you remember the moment?
I always loved the phrase and had it in the back of my head forever. And when we started to get really active in supporting women’s health rights in 2017—that’s when it clicked. It felt like a perfect combination: breast cancer awareness month, a witty statement, and a way to do good.
Was anyone like, ‘Meg, you cannot put that on a sweatshirt’?
Well, at the time I had quite a ‘Ballies crew’—a group of women—so no one was holding us back from doing slightly inappropriate things. We were leaning into discomfort. It was pretty low-stakes compared to our ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ sweatshirts, which were a band T-shirt listing all the men accused of sexual harassment. That one got a lot of controversy. But Tough Titties? Everyone thought it was cute.
What made breast cancer a cause you wanted to get behind?
I think we’ve all had people close to us who’ve wrestled with breast cancer. I just really wanted to find more purpose in the things we create. Supporting women’s health in all capacities felt right.
Why a sweatshirt?
Fall feels like the right time for something cozy. But it’s been tote bags in the past, and in the future, who knows?
How do you find the organizations to work with?
I have this amazing community of women I get to work with every day. Someone is always involved with an organization. So it’s word of mouth and conversations with clients—that’s what brings me to our yearly charities. I like working with smaller organizations because I can build the community and support the women doing great things I dress, rather than a big organization.
Tell me about A Chance for Life. How did you meet them?
Literally through my yoga studio. I met Sarrah, and I thought she was a gorgeous woman I wanted to make my friend. Then I found out she’s a huge voice in this space—sharing her journey, her strength, and what it took for her to have a child. A Chance for Life is her nonprofit to help support other women who will need surrogacy after breast cancer to have a child.
Surrogacy is something people might not think about. What have you learned?
Talking with Sarrah, it was a lot to unpack. At the same time you’re dealing with the fear and overwhelming unknown of treatment after your diagnosis, you’re also having to confront your thoughts on your fertility. If you’re advised to have a hysterectomy—that’s a lot. A lot. A lot. Sarrah’s story about how she moved forward through it all, with great doctors and support, is a fabulous example of what women can do when they’re well advised and supported.
Have you met any of the women the fundraising has helped?
I haven’t yet, but hopefully next year!
What kind of reactions do people get when they wear the sweatshirt?
We get a lot of street cred with our poster. People find a lot of joy in the wit. We hear stories about people whose mothers or fathers use the phrase when they’re told to get over things. That’s the real impact.
How much has Tough Titties raised over the years?
We’ve probably raised around $15,000. It’s amazing how things gain momentum, and there’s always something new to support.
What would you love to do with it next?
Right now, we’re branching out with digital ads for the sweatshirts. For the first time, we’re trying to reach a broader audience than just people who pass our windows or are on my mailing list.
For someone who wants to help, what’s the best way?
Just buy a sweatshirt. Tag us in it. Tell your friends. We’ll do the rest.
