After having a proper bra fitting, I’m now convinced that an annual fitting by a professional is a must-do! My BFF in Europe spares no expense when it comes to her underwear. She maintains that it’s as, if not more important, than her outer clothes because properly-fitted underwear, particularly bras, determine the shape of whatever she wears. Her favorite bras are Chantelle, and she splurges on at least 3 0r 4 new ones every year. “But they’re so expensive!” I countered, when she insisted I go try one on.
“Yes,” she replied. “But the difference is night and day.”
I’d had bra fittings at regular big chain lingerie stores, and often wound up more confused than before I walked in. I never really found exactly what I was looking for. We all have such different needs and wants when it comes to a bra, and every company is quite different.
So, finding myself at a Bloomingdales the other day, I decided to treat myself to a proper bra fitting. I set aside an hour, which is unheard of for me (always tearing around in a rush,) and decided that I wouldn’t walk out until I got the perfect bra. Chantelle was on my radar because since my BFF had waxed lyrical, I did a bit of research about the company and discovered the following:
They are made in France (not outsourced like most other lingerie companies.) They are beautifully constructed and many parts of the bra are still handmade. The lace they use is exclusive to Chantelle. There is a bra to suit every single need. Chantelle was founded in France in 1876 and each bra is constructed with as much detail and care as a couture gown.
Here’s what I learned from my fitter, Hermine:
1. You should never wear the same bra 2 days in a row. It’s the same as buying an expensive pair of shoes – you should give the bra at least day or so so regain it’s shape and elasticity. I asked her if it’s really true that I should replace my bra every 6 months, and she said that it depends entirely on how often I wear it. The ideal number of bras is to have 3 “daily” ones that are interchangeable throughout the week.
2. You can wash your bra on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag, but you must NEVER dry it in the dryer. The best way to dry is to hang it up, rather than lay it flat on top of a hot dryer. Don’t use regular laundry detergent, but something softer (I use Ecos Delicate wash.)
3. A great tip for washing your bra is to get into the shower with your bra ON at night. Wash it on your body using a gentle shampoo, and then rinse thoroughly. When you step out of the stall, you can hang it up on the shower head to dry!
4. Start wearing your bra on the outermost row of hooks (the least tight,) and as the band stretches, you can move in to the next row.
5.The back of your bra should sit just below your shoulder blades. If it rises up higher than below your shoulder blades, your breasts will drop – yikes!
6. As our bodies change, Hermine advises have a fitting every single year. Pregnancy, weight-gain/loss and plain old aging can change the kind of bra that suits you best.
I tried on a number of different bras, and the thing that really struck me is how completely different each bra is. Of course, I’m now totally obsessed with Chantelle bras because they are so ridiculously gorgeous. I particularly love the straps – so beautiful that you really almost want them to show! Their racer back is the most comfy I’ve ever tried, and the actual “racer back” part of it is made of lace. Also, I’ve never found a strapless bra that is remotely comfortable, much less one that stays up, but now I know that when I’m ready to invest, it will be Chantelle.
There, are of course, many other high-end stunning bra lines – Wacoal is one that springs to mind, but having spent an hour trying on more bras in one hour than I’ve tried on in my life, I have to say that Chantelle wins out as being the bra that would made me feel pampered and special. Are they pricey? Absolutely, but after I’ve seen how different I look in clothes with a properly fitted and well-constructed bra, I’ll just cut back in other areas…