Where To Get Fitted For A Bra
Maybe you’re noticing that you’re starting to spill outside some of your go-to bras. Or, you might be noticing the cups gaping, or the band riding up in the back.
Regardless, you’ll know when it’s time to get a professional bra fitting. An expert will not only take your measurements to find out your band and cup size, but also take other factors about your breast shape, depth, and tissue placement into account to ensure accurate sizing. They will likely bring you bras into the dressing room after you’re fitted so that you can determine how your size varies in different brands, and which styles work best for you.
On the whole, it’s smart to get a bra fitting (which, by the way, is free) — and not just if you’ve experienced weight fluctuations from pregnancy, a new exercise regimen, etc. The truth is, your bra size can change in just a year due to a wide variety of factors.
Ready to get fitted, but don’t know where to go? Here’s a roundup of top places to find out your perfect size.
Department stores
Most department stores will ensure staff in the lingerie department is knowledgeable on how to measure customers. For example, Nordstrom has a team of certified bra fit specialists. Additionally, lingerie sales associates at Lord & Taylor are also trained on how to conduct bra fittings.
Local lingerie boutiques
There’s hardly a better place to get a bra fitting done than an independent boutique — you’re bound to get lots of personalized attention, and since the store specializes in lingerie only, the staff is sure to be well-versed in performing fittings.
Hourglass Lingerie, for example, encourages customers to stop by the Baltimore-based store to get assessed by a professional. You can even schedule a fitting ahead of time online so you don’t end up waiting around for a staff member to be available. The fitters at Linda’s in New York City must complete over three months of “Bra School” before they are able to do fittings in-store or by phone, email and online chat.
Related: The 7 Golden Rules of Lingerie Shopping
At home
While we always recommend seeking out some guidance from a professional in-person, you can also try doing a fitting at home. This is a great way to narrow down your size if you’re really uncertain before getting a second opinion.
Kohl’s offers a helpful online guide to common bra fit issues, how to measure yourself, and how to find which styles are best for you. Linda’s also boasts a bra fitting calculator and supplementary video that can be helpful. Meanwhile, Breakout Bras provides a five-step online guide to obtaining your correct fit.
Expert Tips for Your Bra Fitting
Found a place to get fitted? To ensure the experience is effective and enjoyable, keep these tips in mind.
Leave plenty of time for your fitting. In other words — don’t go on a lunch break from work if you know you’re going to be in a rush. It’s hard to tell how long the fitting itself will take, and in all likelihood, you’ll want to take a few styles into the dressing room to try on after you find out your size.
The more information you can give the fitter about your preferences, the better. If she knows, for example, that you prefer bras with underwire or that coverage is your main concern, she can conduct a more accurate fitting and moreover, be more helpful in suggesting certain products. Be sure to tell her if you have favorite brands, as well. Any way you can narrow down the choices will enable her to be more helpful to you.
You may want to wear (or bring) the kind of clothing that you sport on a regular basis. That way you can try bras on underneath them to make sure they aren’t visible, and that they work with the silhouettes of your everyday ensembles. Also, it’s a good idea to bring a basic fitted tank top or T-shirt, as they are less forgiving and will immediately highlight any issues around a bra you’re wearing underneath them.
Related: 10 Bra Fitting and Lingerie Store Secrets Professional Bra Fitters Want You To Know
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
