Q1: 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. If you have on a bra that fits correctly, your clothes will fit better and you will feel better. I think we have to give credit to Oprah here for waking women up to this idea. What most women need is a good bra makeover, because they tend to choose fashion over support

Q:2  Where can you find a place for a bra makeover?

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.

Q3: How would a woman know if their bra doesn’t fit correctly?

– Does your band run parallel to the ground all the way around or does the back ride up?
– Does the center piece lie flat against your rib cage or does it dig in, rub or poke out?
– Are the straps vertical in the front and back?
– Is there any bulging under your arm?

Q4: How do you find businesses where they know how to fit you?

Since I’ve been writing my Smart Shopping Montreal book, I’ve been  heartbroken that the corsetieres of this world had mostly died off. I thought the next generation would never be able to know the pleasure of a proper fitting bra. The good news I have found a few new  businesses doing this and we still have a couple of oldies left.

Jeunique International has been around since 1959. Their bras ($110-$150), instead of having the weight of the breasts supported by shoulder straps, have a “banderin” that acts like a shelf to help support delicate breast tissue from underneath and around the sides. This means no underwires. The free custom-fit sessions by these bra consultants can help anyone from 26A to 46KK (beige, white, black) look better.  514-695-1818 x235 Hours by appointment.

Phone: 514-695-1818 x235
www.jeuniquecanada.com

Vestiny is a bra manufacturing company here in Montreal. They’ve say that 4 out of every 5 women are wearing the wrong size bra.? Even though you are shopping wholesale, they will fit you ($50) and help you figure out the right style for your body shape. You can buy bras here wholesale ($40) in sizes 32C-40H in about 6 or 7 styles in 6 colors.

Phone: 514-788-1404
www.vestiny.net

Q5: Are there any regular stores, where you don’t need an appointment where women can be fitted properly?

Discovering someone who knows how to fit bras is hard, so it’s great to note that at J. Hauerstock, a 47-year-old service-oriented family business has been fitting them for years, and discounts too. 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, and 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
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-6, Fri 9-3, Sun 12-5