I'm a petite woman with ample breasts and have a hard time finding a bra to fit properly. I can't shop at department stores. HELP!!
Amanda M. emailed us at asktheexpert@sweetspot.ca ; and our lingerie expert, Liliana Mann, answered:
Your quest for the perfect bra begins with a personalized, professional bra-fitting! Breast size fluctuates continually throughout your life due to weight gain or loss, menstruation, menopause, exercise, diet, some medications and of course pregnancy. That's why it's so important to have a proper bra-fitting once a year. You won't believe the difference it makes...to your figure, your self-esteem and even the way your clothes fit! A professionally trained bra-fitter can not only help select the right bra, but should also be able to point out why a particular style works. For women who have unique or special fitting needs, a professional bra-fitting is a life-saver and I can’t stress enough how important it is.
In your case, being petite means you most likely need a bra with these 3 features:
• A smaller back (maybe 32 or 34)
• A larger cup (maybe F or G)
• A style that is cut narrower along the side so it’s comfortable under the arm (if you’re short-waisted)
You know you have the right bra when:
• It’s comfortable and supportive, bringing the breast to approximately mid-distance between the shoulder and the elbow.
• The back sits straight and in-line with the cups and doesn’t ride up.
• The middle-front sits flat touching the mid-bone of your chest.
• The wires sit flat just under the bust, totally holding in both breasts.
• The top of the cup should sit smoothly on the breast, preventing spillage or ‘double boob effect’.
I would not suggest the best brand and style for you without first seeing you, to evaluate your shape and size. But, that’s easily accomplished by going for a bra-fitting!
Here are some recommended locations:
• Toronto: Linea Intima in Etobicoke, Bayview Village, Unionville and at Avenue Rd/401
• Vancouver: Diane’s Lingerie
• Montreal: Lyla’s
• Calgary: Knickers and Lace
Bra-fitting expert Liliana Mann owns and operates Linea Intima lingerie stores in Toronto. She can be reached at 416-913-7991 or at contact@lineaintima.com .