People come into the shop with all sorts of preconceived notions and expectations. Some have heard horror stories, some nothing but life-changing praise for the process. Here's how it generally works in our shops:
We are here to serve you. If you want us to help with each bra we will. If you just want us to do a quick measure over your inner layer and bring some options we will. You will get the most out of the experience if we can at least see you in the first few bras so we can tell if we're on the right track. If you're more comfortable showing us under a tight t-shirt, that's fine. You've come for professional help, let us help. All touch is at your discretion. Always.
We'll ask you what you're looking for- every day, wire, no wire, padding, no padding, special occasion, something for a specific event. It's totally cool to not know- then we'll bring you a variety and help you narrow down to what you like.
We'll probably ask you what's not working about the bras you currently have. If for example, you love the style but you've gained or lost weight and the cup volume is wrong, that can be a helpful starting point. If you've been in 38s and think they're too tight, that can be useful to know if you measure 34. We can look for softer bands in a compromise size. It's all about communication.
Depending on where we are and what you need, we'll probably at minimum measure around your ribs. Maybe around your bust (that number is less precise- volume isn't really measured that well with a circumference. We'll ask what kind of bra you're wearing so we can factor that into the starting numbers (wearing your favorite push up or tight sports bra? The bust measurement might not be that accurate). It can be helpful to see the bra you came in with, but not critical.
Then we bring you bras. You try them on with or without us. We check the fit of the first few at minimum, we adjust sizing, narrow or expand options and talk about colors. Often we'll start with the same bra in a few sizes to nail down the size world, then branch out into different shapes based on what we learn. We ask questions about how it feels, if it's what you had in mind etc. The more you are open to options and willing to communicate what you like and don't like, the more accurate your end result will be.
How long does this all take?
Anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. The hour would be we found a bunch of things 30 minutes in and you wanted to find more colors, matching sets or sleepwear. The average fitting takes 30-40 minutes if you want to try a lot of things. The five minutes would be if you were looking for one thing and we nailed it on the first try. It happens often, and sometimes people are mystified. Possibly disappointed that it wasn't a struggle. That's why you let the professionals help you.
Bra fitting is both an art and a science. We're here to serve you, and hopefully be a happy moment in your week. No horror stories allowed.