In the fall of 2012, I hosted the online Lingerie Shop Along, a very enjoyable community experience that saw me into a pretty bad health moment. Alas, it was most definitely the worst online lingerie-purchasing experience I've ever had (largely because of suboptimal fitting and shipping experiences - not because the products or vendors were in any way lacking). In truth, I was not at my most emotionally resilient at that time, and I was somewhat dismayed by my failure to fit into basically anything I ordered, due to poor sizing in every direction.
I was in a challenging place. Much of my pre-owned lingerie was either: at the edge of over-worn, too-small (and put away in the "not now" drawer), not quite supportive enough, or just not exciting anymore. Yeah, I do own 3 sizes of lingerie at any given time, and in the fall, I had 40-odd sets, but many of those bras were my "continuity" styles. I'd bought them a couple of times over or had a couple of the same styles in my stash. I was verging on a rut, somehow.
Add to this that my body had lost a lot of weight (from sickness) - and now it's rebounded from that due to constant eating of delicious food, thank you very much - plus the fact that I'm almost 43 and I have a teenager, whom I birthed... Well, my body has gone (and is going) through some changes.
Over the years, I'd used online shopping mainly to repurchase bras I'd owned (via trying them on first in boutiques) or those made by my core brand (that always fit well), Freya. By last winter, it had been so long since I'd been to a real shop to try something on - not to mention that Freya's not at a high point from the quality or fit perspective these days - that I was wondering what the fuck had happened to all of the good bras.
Many of you know, since I talk about it compulsively, that I went for a fitting (not my first, by a long shot, but my first in a couple of years) in a bricks and mortar shop. This experience was very useful in as much as it introduced me to the fit of Empreinte (a brand I'd always wanted to try but couldn't find at a reasonable price, so I'd avoided it) and reminded me about a few others I'd forgotten about (Fantasie, Prima Donna, Fauve). I discovered that there are many good bras out there for me. Somehow, though, they all appear to be in the mega-pricey category. What a shock.
So how have I embraced the adventure?
- First off, I left the bra boutique with 650.00 bucks-worth of lingerie (3 bras and a pair of undies) and a renewed sense of purpose.
- I found wonderful new homes for 15 bras, via my recent sale. I also deconstructed 3 bras for wires and other materials. Then I moved a couple of bras I do love, but which are moving towards too loose due to overwear, into the "not now" drawer. This left me with 18 bras (10 fashion sets and 8 basics).
- I started reading my myriad daily lingerie blogs, not just for interesting discussion but possible product discovery.
- I decided that Freya is off limits unless a) I can try the bra on in a shop and b) only if it compels me. Last time that happened was with the Arabella, quite a long while ago.
- I realized that lingerie flips my switch like just about nothing else so I'd better indulge that. You only live once and your tits aren't getting any perkier.
- I recognized that many of you appreciate my endless ramblings about bras and fit and decided to rename my bra habit "public service". Just goes to show you that I can convince myself of anything :-)
- Really, though, to buy a bra online - esp. if it's on sale - can be a very affordable experience. If it's returnable, the likelihood is that I'll be out 20 bucks in shipping and a lunch trip to the post office. And given that getting parcels is the most freakin' fun thing ever, I decided that online bra shopping is my version of going to the movies. Entertainment.
In this spirit, I've purchased 5 sets online recently (all at very good prices) and gone to bricks and mortar shops 4 times (no purchases, but lots of info gathering). So far 2 sets have arrived and I've sent both of them back. You're going to hear about those experiences in detail - about all of the experimental sets and the brands with their various biases. I'm just finding it challenging to knit shawls, make muslins and jackets and blog about lingerie - all at the same time!
The new brands I've tried recently are: Empreinte, Cleo (well, I'd tried it before, but not recently), Fauve and Claudette. I'm waiting on delivery of new styles of Empreinte, Cleo and (that boobs-on-a-plate maestro) Ewa Michalak.
For sure, I've integrated my recent acceptance of Bratabase with this experience in the hopes that I'll be able to verify how accurate the database is (fairly accurate, I suspect) - and so that I won't be buying "blind". I'll chat about this more in upcoming posts, but I was amazed - when entering info into Bratabase - to discover that practically every bra I own has the same fundamental dimensions (regardless of tag size, brand or style). This gives me some awesome info to work with. Especially if I use that sizing against reviews of bras on Bratabase and blogs before I purchase online.
I really don't know what's going to come of this but I'm energized to see if there's a better way to determine fit before buying sight unseen. In a worst case scenario, I'll go into b&m boutiques, try everything on, buy one of something (as a show of support), and then find the items that work for a third to half the price online.
Today's questions: What lingerie brand is piquing your interest lately? Have you had the chance to try it or are you waiting to learn more first? Who knows, maybe I'll do a little review. Let's talk!
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I'm wondering: with your passion for bras, why don't you go into the bra business yourself? You're obviously passionate and knowledgeable and it seems like there's a niche market out there for women who are hard to fit -- a very large niche, apparently.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, have you thought about this? You'd never have to pay retail again!
Peter: I would LOVE to go into the bra business and I've been wondering what the right avenue is: brand marketing or R&D for an established company or start up? (they're not knocking down my door - yet! :-)), running a boutique (I do love people and fitting), starting a bespoke line for women of certain proportions (can't imagine this is financially viable), writing a book. I would be thrilled to approach this industry in so many different ways, but I can't be giving up my salary till it's come together better.
DeleteI was thinking brick and mortar -- with an online presence too, of course. You're so personable; even I would buy a bra from you. ;)
DeleteOh Peter, you are too sweet. I do sense that Cathy might need to try a different size since Simplicity came along. :-)
DeleteI hope your bra obsession doesn't end any time soon, I've been very grateful for all the help you've given me. :-) I'm very interested in the Polish brands--but then, that whole boobs-on-a-plate look appeals to me quite a bit...and to my hubby. ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh, no danger of that Becca. Our discussion got me thinking more about the Polish brands (along with Miss Underpinnings' great posts). We'll have to see. There are MANY converts to that brand.
DeleteOoh, I like Peter's suggestion!
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by, but yet to try, Ewa Michalak. I love the Empreinte styles, but I haven't found anyone who can/will export to New Zealand, so I'll just enjoy them vicariously through you!
Kat - that's so unfortunate that you can't get them in NZ. I can barely get them delivered here (only with help from Euro friends) so I completely empathize. And buying them in shops, even if you can find them in your neck of the woods, would likely be very cher.
DeleteI for one am very interested to hear about the Ewa Michalak bra(s), and how one figures out their sizing system.
ReplyDeleteI recently received a Chantelle, a new-to-me brand. It's itchy (maybe it'll wash out?) and I'm going to have to move the straps in about half an inch, but otherwise it fits perfectly and now I at least know what style makes me happy. Also it's red. I can forgive a lot for red.
A: There are entire fora dedicated to the bizarre and unknowable world of EM sizing. I actually have NO idea whether the band I get is going to be true to size, too tight to wear without an extender or loose enough to warrant return of the set. I've ordered the 70 which is aligned with a 32.
DeleteI'm not particularly sensitive to things like scratchy fabric or tight bands - apparently! - but I really do think it will wash out. Next time you wash, let the bra sit for 30 minutes, after rinsing, in the tepid water. You might even want to use a bit of fabric softener as you rinse.
Peter speaks the truth. I am learning a lot from you and your investigative shopping. I have just recovered from the $650.00 shop, bras are a blooming rip off.
ReplyDeleteHeather: It's a horrifying shock, I know. That's why we all need to navigate the online shopping world in addition to the (important) bricks and mortar shops.
DeleteI'm 100% in agreement with Peter - with your knowledge and passion it seems like a no brainer! If that's not going to happen, then please carry on with your excellent and invaluable advice to all us bra enthusiasts out here, you're worth your weight in gold!
ReplyDeleteHaving mentioned Prima Donna bras in a previous comment, I'm now a bit obsessed with them again, I'll let you know if any life changing purchases take place. x
I will always carry on with the bra posts! I cannot stop myself from sharing the new info. :-) Prima Donna's been a bit of a challenge since the new season hasn't arrived in shops yet and the old season's all sold out. Will not be experimenting at that price point before trying on a bunch of styles at a shop.
DeleteOK, y'all are delightful about nudging me into the bra business. Let me say that it's something I have been seriously considering for years, but I'm not the kind of person who does things until I'm ready and able to commit 100 per cent. The timing isn't right and the opportunity hasn't coalesced. But your support is truly SO appreciated. That you think I'd be good in this context is very encouraging and it makes me so happy!
ReplyDeleteI think you should go for it. Someday I'd like to open one too--but I've got a LOT to learn before then. I guess though, once I finally figure it out, there's probably a fair number of women that could benefit from my misadventures! LOL!
DeleteDon't we all have a lot to learn! :-)
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