CJAD 800Am at 8:40am – Finding a Bra
This show aired on April 14, 2010
Q1: With wedding and prom season upon us, you have suggested that you’d like to address the delicate subject of ladies undergarments.
Like everything else which is built, the infrastructure that supports it all makes the difference. It is not dissimilar to when you are getting dressed. There are so many different kinds of undergarments these days – all types of body shapers and bras – you almost need a whole wardrobe of them so that you look right in what you are wearing.
Q:2 What would you say is the most important thing to look for?
It is important when you are looking for a bra that you go to a shop where they know how to fit you. Women tend to stay brain-stuck in the size they were at 18 years old, and for the rest of their lives think they wear a 34B – or whatever. Girls – as you get older, your body changes in all sorts of ways, and so does your bust.
Q:3 How do you find shops where they know how to fit you?
As the corsetieres of this world die off, it has become almost impossible to find these places. The good news is we still have a couple of oldies and unbelievably, one newbie to fit the bill.
J. Haverstock is a second-generation business and after 47 years, still very service oriented. All you need in slips, nightgowns (Diamond Tea, Nanso), camisoles, underwear and bras (to 44I) by Triumph, Hanna, Fantasie, Grenier, Champion, Anita, Chantelle, Empreinte and Padded Attractions, etc., are here at prices at least 20% off, and usually much more. There are even pretty things for teens, full figured ladies (Wacoal minimizers and you can order Edith Lances) body shapers and nursing bras as well. Now you can get your bathing suits here: Christina, Baltex, Tyr, Pointe Zero, Gottex, Nygard and Sunflair (bra sized).
Location: 6900 boul. Decarie, Carre Decarie
Corner: Vezina
Phone: 514-738-4186
The saleshelp at Change of Scandinavia, a Denmark based chain, have had training in fitting bras and learn how a bra should fit around the breasts, back and neck, how to choose a cup and model for you and the anatomy of the bra itself. There are 3 main lines (sizes 28A-40J): Change, Chic for the younger body with extra padding, and Charade which is lacy and a bit pricier. It’s nice that there are great prices for larger sizes which is hard to find.You can also shop for bathing suits, sweats, lingerie, t’s, and bra accessories like silicone enhancers, clear straps, strap extenders and bra clips.
Locations: Rockland Shopping Center, Carrefour Angrignon (514-789-6486), Carrefour Richelieu
www.change.com
Q4: What if you still can’t find a bra that fits or is comfortable for you, what can you do?
As with all other kinds of clothing, you may not be a perfect size in a bra or a cup. They are hard to find, but there are still a few bra-makers in this town
Victoriann Bra Bodies, No more searching through stores and spending hours in the dressing room trying to replace your favorite bra. For about $150, this talented lady can clone it, alter a bra, or create one from scratch for very large breasted or small breasted women or anyone in-between. Once you have a bra made (shallow, regular, deep, wireless, etc.), she can design a bathing suit (about $250). She also gives courses on how you can make your own. Her newest project was to develop a softly padded bra without wires for amply endowed women, offering more support with less jiggle and bobbing.
Phone: 514-694-2567.
Hours: by appointment.
It’s been 45 years now that Boutique Anne Marie has been open. Now in its new home, it offers a large selection of girdles, body suits and bras in sizes 32A to 50G. Prosthesis orders even have at least a 20% discount (only $240). They’re lucky to still have a woman who can make bras or girdles to measure, or she can adjust ready made ones too. The designer/owner has developed support belts to help you if you have back problems and magic belts that take you down a dress size, and she can make corset costumes for shows and can fit transvestites
Location: 7002 St. Hubert St.
Corner: t Belanger St.
Phone: 514-273-5503.
Hours: Mon-Wed 10 – 5, Thurs & Fri 10 – 6, Sat 10 – 5, (Sun noon – 5 pm, but not every week – call first)..