https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:46:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-832110 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:55:01 +0000 Kristin L 832110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would avoid VS for a fitting. The last fitting I had was with them and it felt like a disaster. The girl there did a quick measure and said I was a 34A, which is what I have been but I cantell things are getting better. She brought me a new 34A to try on and I told her it wasn't comfortable. She then said that she measured me as a 34A, but she'd get a 36A for me to try. I'm not sure it's the right fit, but that's what I wear now. It was hard enough finding a 34A and now I fear it's going to be almost impossible for find a 36A. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-832074 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:16:24 +0000 adorkable 832074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Online Soma doesn't carry anything smaller than a 32. (Can anyone confirm? If this isn't true in-store I'd consider going in.)</p> <p>I just bought four (sigh) very expensive bras at Intimacy. If you're narrow I'd recommend them - they alter for free, which means they'll sell you 30s and take 'em down to a 28. (It's not as ideal as buying a 28, but almost nobody sells them.)</p> <p>Specialty stores are also more likely to be able to order stuff for you, which can also matter a lot if you're outside the most common few sizes.</p> <p>Oh, and a VS horror story. They will try to put me in a 36 D which is the only thing with a cup size that comes close. But the band is hilariously huge - I'm a 28H or so. (If you want horror stories about being made to cry after being hard-sold an ill-fitting bra even in specialty shops, I'm your girl.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831940 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:14:08 +0000 kkards 831940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i've had good experiences at VC, and local shops...but i've also had horrible experiences at them as well. it all depends on the associate.<br /> that being said, my experiences at nordstroms have been consistently good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831891 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:47:07 +0000 eva 831891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mom (and I) had a terrific experience with Nordstrom's just two weeks ago, and the contrast with VS was stark.</p> <p>We started at VS because my mom thought she knew her size. The associate helping her offered to measure her anyway (ahem, over her clothes...), and put her in a 32A. My mom tried on a few bras, but wasn't crazy about any of them, so we left and wandered over to Nordstrom's.</p> <p>The associate at Nordstrom's measured her carefully, then brought a few bras in different sizes and styles so they could hone in on the right size. They decided on maybe a 34A (the size my mom thought she was), maybe a 32B. Ok, more bras to try. After scrutinizing the fit and asking my mom a bunch of questions, the associate urged her to try a C-cup. Sure enough, the 32C fit like a dream! It was incredible! I would *never* have been able to guess the 32C would be the winner––I wouldn't have even thought to try it, so far was it from the size my mom had worn for years.</p> <p>The care and attention, not to mention the clear experience, of the associate at Nordstrom's really blew us both away. I'm looking forward my next fitting there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831612 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 01:00:46 +0000 vipbrj 831612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a horrible experience at VS for a fitting. I told the lady I thought I was a 32DD (a size they dont really carry) and she immediately looked at me and said I DONT THINK SO. I ended up getting a "real" fitting at Nordstrom . Side note: I've found my holy grail bra at Target of all places, it's by the lady that does Spanx but it's not as $$. It doesn't show any bulges or lines even under the tightest of tops. I bought like 5 of them (deargoddontstopmakingthem) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831599 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:51:26 +0000 rholmes27 831599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that unfortunately the success of the fitting depends a great deal on who is assisting you. I went to Soma several months ago for my most recent fitting, &amp; came out happier than any previous fitting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831230 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:54:41 +0000 Suz 831230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adding my own notes from my recent fitting in a specialty shop. </p> <p>I concur with those who say try on lots of styles and different sizes. You would be surprised at how differently bras fit, even within the same brand! </p> <p>K Can mentioned that you should avoid VS unless you know for a fact you're a C cup or under. I'll add that even if you're small you should probably avoid it, because they will not carry the proper band size for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831162 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:53:31 +0000 Mo 831162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went to Nordstroms about a year or so ago and struck out. I did not call ahead for an appt, though, just strolled in the bra dept. and had someone help me. I am a smaller size (27" under bust around my ribs) and there were only 3 bras in the whole store that kind of fit, neither one being the 'one'. It was great to get a much better idea of my size, but I still needed to have a bigger selection to choose from to really narrow it down. They were the best of any bra experience I've had, though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831115 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:21:52 +0000 Anonymous 831115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Victoria's Secret is one of those who put me in a 32 band because they had it and messed me up for decades thinking i was in the right size. (needed something much smaller, especially them as i weighed about 90 pounds.) Go to Nordstroms! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831113 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:21:06 +0000 Gaylene 831113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so passionate about having a good bra that I'm chiming in again with a couple of suggestions.</p> <p>First, you can get a good (or bad) fitting anywhere, but, on the whole, I'd tend to favor a specialty shop with a wide selection of styles and sizes, or one that specializes in fitting larger (or smaller) sizes, depending on your needs. Although I've never tried Nordstrom's, I'd image that, because of their generous return policy, they might also be a good option.</p> <p>Second, take the time to understand how a bra ought to fit and what might be your particular areas of concern. There is a lot of good information on the web, but I'd start with Maya's thread on this forum from a few years back:<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-bra-fitting-thread" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ing-thread</a><br /> Take a look at some of the pictures in the fitting section of some of the online sites such as Fig Leaves to get familiar with how things ought to look before you actually go for your fitting. That way you can ask intelligent questions, and, if you don't like the answers, you can always opt to leave without actually buying an expensive bra that you aren't sure fits properly.</p> <p>Third, be prepared to spend between $50-$100 for a well-designed bra the first time. Once you realize that a well-constructed bra can have up to 50 different components, the cost doesn't seem that unreasonable. Cheap bras use a generic molded cup, thin underwires, and flimsy fabrics. After you find your size and know your preferences, you can order many styles online for much less money. If you care for the bra properly, it can last you for several years, so the investment is well worth it.</p> <p>Fourth, don't get hung up on size. You might be surprised at the variety of cup sizes that a fitter will get you to try on. And, if you've always thought of yourself as a C cup, putting on a DD, F, or even G cup will seem crazy. But remember that you are dealing with a three-dimensional body; going down a band size means that the corresponding cup size will have to increase to accommodate the breast tissue that will be re-positioned. Generally, go for the tightest band (on the outermost set of hooks) that still feels comfortable. Bands will stretch over time, so the additional hooks let you tighten the band so the bra will continue to fit properly for several years.</p> <p>Finally, don't get too fixated on a certain type of bra as being the "best". For example, some women refuse to consider an underwire because they think they are uncomfortable; in reality, unless you are very small, a well-fitted underwire is the bra of choice for most women. The same goes for seamed vs. molded; after owning seamed bras (which are invisible under 98% of my clothing), I'd never buy another molded cup. And, while a plain, nude bra is fine, don't discount the pleasure of owning a lacy, colorful bra that perks up your spirits whenever you put it on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831109 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:17:46 +0000 TraceyLiz65 831109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Was with a friend who tried to get one at Macy's but no one was on at the time who could do it.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831107 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:14:23 +0000 transition 831107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a good experience at Macy's this past week; the associate was very patient and brought LOTS of bras to try on after she measured me, and she seemed very knowledgeable. </p> <p>The closest Nordie's is almost 2 hours away, though, so it's certainly possible they would have done better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831103 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:08:16 +0000 Diana 831103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Angie. You need to go somewhere with a large range of sizes and a knowledgeable fitter if you really have no idea what size you should be wearing. </p> <p>I think the people at VS do know how to fit but since they carry a limited range of sizes they're going to stuff you into a size you don't belong in if you are not a size they carry. I do OK there but I wear pretty much the most common bra size. </p> <p>If you want to get at least a rough idea of your size, you can do it yourself at home assuming you have a measuring tape. The way I do it is this: measure around your rib cage below breasts, round up for your band size in inches. DO NOT ADD 5. Then measure around the widest part of your breasts and subtract the band size. 1" difference =A cup, 2" difference = B cup, and so on. This method works perfectly for me but I can't speak for all women. It also doesn't take into account things like having wide-set breasts (like I do) for which some brands/styles will be better than others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831095 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:55:35 +0000 K. Period. 831095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Same comment as Angie. I would explore the smaller lingerie stores if you don't have a Nordstrom nearby. I've had experiences with Nordstom, VS and Macy's and in a nutshell: </p> <p>At Nordstom, I have had a number of fantastic fittings. I say a number because each time I go in, they work with me to confirm that the bra I am buying is the right size. Each bra fits differently, even in the same line. They leave nothing to chance and if they know you want perfect, they will make sure you have perfect. </p> <p>At VS, they stopped carrying DDs (and maybe even Ds) and they are simply sizing up the bands and sticking people in C cups. That was exactly my problem for a decade of ill fitting bras. They pinched the side of my breasts ('cause duh the cups were too narrow), rode up and slipped off my shoulders. There lies disaster. Avoid VS unless you know for a fact that you are below a C cup. I wouldn't go to them anyhow because if they don't care enough to tell you that they don't have anything in stock that will fit you, they don't really care enough about getting you the right bra. </p> <p>Macy's may be better than VS. However, I don't think I have ever encountered a salesperson there who had true training in bra fitting. What I did encounter there was a woman who shamed my friend, telling her that they didn't carry "status" bras when my friend was trying to replace a good bra that she had worn out. Bras aren't status items. You don't wear them on the outside to impress others. (And who the heck cares if they are and you do wear them to impress!) You wear them to make yourself look your best. Shaming my friend was ridiculous. For that reason, I won't buy from Macy's. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831083 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:40:14 +0000 Anonymous 831083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely specialty bra shop or Nordstrom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831072 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:32:50 +0000 MsMary 831072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Team Angie. I went to VC with disappointing results a couple of years ago. Just a couple of weeks ago I broke down and went to a local specialty shop, and the difference was like night and day. They had tons of patience and more to the point, they had a ton of bras in my size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831065 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:23:51 +0000 Thistle 831065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stay away from Victoria Secret! If they don't carry your size, they will tell you a different size that they do carry. I personally had this happen to me, and I have heard the same from several otehr ladies.</p> <p>I third Angie. Go to Nordstrom's or a specialty shop. WORLD of difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831063 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:23:21 +0000 Echo 831063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree with Angie. Generally speaking, there aren't people experienced in bra fitting at Macys - at least at the Macys stores around here, but perhaps that is not universally true. And VS doesn't carry a wide range of sizes, so they often tell people that they are a certain size (one which they carry), when in fact they are a size VS doesn't have. And their staff is often young women who aren't experienced and aren't particularly vested in the job. </p> <p>Nordie's is excellent, and I just recently discovered Soma Intimates; they have BEAUTIFUL things. Either place - or I'd imagine a privately owned shop as well - can not only fit you, but can order the size you need if they don't have it on hand, and they won't lie to you just to try to make a sale. They also tend to have more sizes and styles in stock than a place like VS. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831061 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:22:40 +0000 Amy 831061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wouldn't go to Victoria's Secret. The associates tried to convince me that a d-cup was the same size as a c-cup on the next larger band size. They called it "sister sizes." They are NOT the same thing at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831060 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:20:48 +0000 Janet 831060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto to Angie! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831059 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:18:40 +0000 JuneBug 831059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From personal experience I would suggest a fitting at Victoria's Secret than at MAcy's. I find them more knowledgable and being generally more resourceful. Besides they specialize in lingerie! At Macy's the staff changed 3 lingerie 'experts' in my case, before informing me that they were out of stock of the style and size I wanted! Ofcourse this could have been a one off case, but the VS ladies were very efficient and had more experience. </p> <p>An owner of a lingerie shop would certainly have more experience and know-how than most of their staff, but I'm not sure how well it would compare with the experience of a bigger store staff just because of the number of women they meet! I'd say for better personal attention a smaller store would work and for more variety in style options a larger one would work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831055 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:14:59 +0000 Angie 831055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Neither. Head off to Nordstrom, Soma or a specialty Lingerie Shop. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bra-fitting--vc-or-macys#post-831051 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:13:00 +0000 Spiffy 831051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see bra fittings regularly reccomended on the forum and the blog. Has anyone had good or bad experiences getting fitted at a big chain like Victoria's Secret or Macy's? There are two smaller lingerie stores in town that specifically advertise bra fittings done by the owners. Would they offer more expertise than an employee at a bigger store? </p>