Bra Shopping Bust - YouLookFab Forum

All my working out has seemed to make a difference - in my bustline! Well, that plus the fact that it has been awhile since I stopped breast-feeding so my body is now back to normal (sort of). Anyway, it has been apparent for a couple of months that I needed a bra-fitting and I have been putting it off. My experience at Nordstroms last time was not stellar so I was researching other places to go.

I finally came across a list of specialty stores recommended by Intimacy on their website. Their website mentioned an on-site alteration service which I thought would be really helpful since I suspect that some of my issues have to do with being petite and having a fairly concave sort of chest with a wide back so a bit of customization might be in order. So I made an appointment, drove about an hour out of my way (with toddler) and came out of the store with nothing!

The shop itself was fairly small, catered to a mostly older clientele and seemed to specialize in post-masectomy fittings. The woman who fitted me did not seem to know what she was doing at all. She measured under my bust as 29" but then proceeded to tell me that I needed a 36" band??? I expressed my doubt about it but figured she was the expert so I decided to trust her judgement. I also told her specifically what I was looking for (in terms of lift, balcony style with full coverage so no demi or plunge bras) etc. She came back with a bunch of demi bras in a 36 and as I thought they were too loose - they just seemed to fit at the tightest setting.

Since they had a fairly limited selection, I tried on all the bras that they had that sort of met my requirements and none of them worked. I finally had to go look for my own bras because the fitter seemed totally useless. I am not quite sure what to do at this point. I could head back to Nordstroms but I think it's the same kind of issue - relatively small store, small selection. I know that there is a Bare Necessities store out closer to NYC and I guess my other option is to find a place in NY itself.

Any thoughts or ideas?

14 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

Do you have a Dillard's near you? I went to see my Mom not too long ago and she needed a fitting. They did a great job and brought her several option and make sure she was satisfied.

RoseandJoan

Oh, I feel your frustration Shana, I have been to so many shops where you are bulldozed into trying the incorrect size. Pre having children when my figure was more of an hourglass, I went to the local department store and the sales assistant insisted I was a 34C, I didn't even try on the bra, there was no way I was that size.

After, I headed to a local boutique, where the owner had been fitting bras for over three decades, she does not use a tape measure, she is able to judge by sight alone! I was handed several bra's and emerged having been properly fitted for the first time ever. That bra was a 34E, but I also left with a different make of bra which required a 32G!

I really do recommend finding an independent boutique for a really good bra fitting.

BTW my cup size after having children is now 34C.

Maya

Shana, have you tried asking Carissa? I bet she would have a recommendation.

I used to love my local bra shop but lately I keep getting this girl who can't be a day over 17 and who doesn't know the first thing about bra fitting. She insisted my size is a 34D which isn't accurate at all. It's sad that I have to stop going there just because of her, but I don't want to feel a sense of dread every time I walk in. A fitting with her is just a waste of time, but I'm too timid to say anything or request someone else.

As luck would have it, my mom mentioned having a day off in December and wanted to spend a mother-daughter day in NYC, so among other things, we are going to Intimacy for fittings. I'll report back on how it goes and if it might be worth the commute for you (I forget, you live in CT right?).

Boof

Active Member

Shana, I don't know what kind of treck it will be for you to get to NYC, but Intimacy is awesome. Maya, you'll have to share if you have good experience when you go. I live in Atlanta, which is home to the Intimacy flagship store. I've been going there for a few years and have been fitted after having babies, losing weight, etc. They don't measure...they "eyeball" it and bring bras that they think will work best for you. If you have specific styles in mind, they will definitely work with what you want. My bras also last a really long time! You need a girl trip to the city! In my experience, Intimacy employees are consistently well-trained at fitting. I've been fitted by several different people. Some I liked better than others, but that was more of a personality thing. They still knew what they were doing. :o)

Dashrashi

I went to Intimacy in Boston last Friday and walked out with two new bras (one workhorse and one va-voom). It was a great experience all around, if kind of demoralizing in terms of never being able to buy normal bras again. Shana, if it'd be easier to get to Boston than NYC, I can definitely recommend the Copley Place Intimacy.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Shana, I always get my clients fitted by the lingerie manager at Nordstrom. They are the true experts. Is that who fitted you the last time you went to a Nordies bra fitting?

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