How to avoid bra faux pas: Tips from Nordstrom's regional fit stylist
By Sheryl Wiser
Special to NWsource
Nordstrom.com
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RSS for Daily FindThere's a lot more to choosing a bra than you think. A poorly fitting foundation garment is not only a fashion faux pas, it's uncomfortable and unable to deliver the proper support. We all want to look and feel our best, so we asked Liisa Thorson, Nordstrom's Regional Fit Stylist, to help you get the fit your figure deserves.
Q: What mistakes do women make when buying bras?
A: They buy without getting fit, buy bras too big around and too small in the cup and think looser is better.
Q: How often should you get fitted?
A: Revisit your fit when you make a purchase, because changes in weight, having a baby, menopause, etc. can change your size. I would say 8 out of 10 women are in the wrong-size bra when they come in for a first-time fitting.
Q: What's the ideal bra wardrobe look like?
A: A perfect bra wardrobe would consist of 8 to 10 bras that you can rotate daily, with different styles that match your lifestyle. I'd start with T-shirt or seamless bras: They wear well under knits or anything that is thin and shows lace or seams.
Secondly, a minimum of two sport bras -- they offer great support for working out, gardening, walking, etc. and prolong the life of your everyday bras. A sexy and lacy bra makes you feel special, and works well under blouses and dresses. I'd add a strapless bra, for halter tops and dresses that require no straps. Most of [these bras] come with straps, so you can wear in other ways.
You don't want to wear the same bra two days in a row because they need to be rotated daily in order to last. If you wear the same one every day, it breaks down quicker. They need a day to rest so the fabric has a chance to bounce back and stay snug.
Q: Never throw in the washing machine, right?
A: Hand-wash with lingerie wash and line-dry, but you can use a lingerie bag and machine-wash. But don't use the dryer. I like to rotate by hand-washing one time and using the machine the next time. I recommend using lingerie wash in the machine.
If you don't have lingerie wash, you can use Ivory Soap in a pinch. Whatever you use, let [the bras] soak in the sink, and rinse with warm or cool water. Squeeze the excess water out with your hand or roll a towel over them, and dry over the shower ring or towel bar.
Q: Any last words?
A: Women don't realize how a beautiful, good-looking fit feels and looks. When you're shopping for new clothes, start in lingerie first because everything you try on after that will fit differently. A great-fitting bra sets you up for success. It adds confidence to your day, takes 10 pounds off your middle and you stand up straighter. Never underestimate what a great bra feels like.
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
Copyright © The Seattle Times Company
Comments
Post a commentThe first photo, the brunette, looks like Linda Bensley, who is an Oh-My-God-Terrific-Woman! Absolutely fantastic!
Funny, just two weeks ago I was at the downtown Nordstrom to buy a couple of new bras and no one, and I mean no one, was around to offer any help. I could have really used it too. Besides that, all of the employees who were too involved in their own drama were all under 25 years of age. What happened to the over thirty sales women who can really understand what getting the right fit means to a woman? I left and went to the store my neighbor had told me about in University Village, Zovo, real help from real women.
And if you do get fitted, still don't believe what size they try to put you in.
I was measured. Sales lady says I'm a 40D, I was hanging out of the cup, smashed flat, and swimming in the band, My breasts don't stick out, my breasts are wide. So I went and got the same bra, only in a 38DD, cup fit, still swimming in the band. I wear a 36DD but a little tight.
Also each saleslady has her (favorite) brand to sell, so find the saleslady selling your favorite brand, as she, maybe more or less correct, but still try different size, cup and band.
Dear Size Matters..
Find the woman that fitted the model in pink in pix #2.. *wry grin*
Advertisement tag is missing.
I know that this is off-topic, but I just want women to know that I'm a man, mid-30s, and prefer women with natural 32-34 A-Bs. I understand (because of what the media portrays) that this is hard to believe, so I just want to get this to you from the horses mouth.
Not all of us can afford to buy 8 - 10 bras. Even with sales, they still are pricey to purchase.
Penney's at Northgate was advertising "professional" bra fitting, so I went. The saleswoman (who was over 35) desperately wanted to sell me a bra--any bra, whether or not it fit. I've been wearing a D cup; she tried to put me in a B. Or a C. Or a DD. Various band sizes. I was nearly brought to tears. Needless to say I did not buy a bra that day.
Stevesch,
The brunette, healthy-looking woman is MUCH more attractive than that anorexic blond.
Rachel
Dear Rachel,
I find all three attractive. I was discussing the fitting of the bras. *wink*
Steve
PS..this gentleman actually does prefer brunettes ;)
And, I'll also say that, women who have natural brown hair (light, medium or dark brown), who have their hair their natural color, look great with it.
Maybe I actually have a small point....I don't think that attractive women need to show anything but their natural hair color and/or bust size; I luhv them just the way they are.
I arrived at the Seattle Times reading about how it is doing well. Which is great.
The bra article enticed me. Very nice indeed! I am not going to discuss it with my wife.
Sunday I went to Nordstrom Northgate - was fitted by Sara. I didn't have any idea I was buying two sizes too big around and one size too small a cup. When I told Sara what I wanted she asked if it was for me I replied yes - she told me that wasn't my size and I should be fitted. She was getting something for another client and was back to me within minutes. While I waited two other sales associates offered to help me. I bought three bras and I am delighted with my purchase.
What a shame that an article about the importance of a properly fitted bra put pictures of two improperly fitted models - pink has quad boob and black/white has underarm buns.
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