You might already know that a well-made bra will last you around two years before its time to make the investment in a new one. But even a good bra needs to fit correctly to do its job, and it can be tricky to tell if yours is working.
Naturally, the two experts pontificating on the subject (from in front of a glowing display of Empreinte bras at Dianes Lingerie on Granville), are French.
Lyne Glanzmann, who has 27 years experience as an international corsetiere, and marketing coordinator Severine Maisonasse, believe in The Bra. They had just finished leading a two-and-a-half hour Empreinte product education workshop for the (already very knowledgeable) bra fitters who work at Dianes. And they had even more to say to the media crowd that showed up after, starting with the power of the iconic garment.
In North America, women want to wear more basic colours. And they want to hide their lingerie. I dont know why; maybe because in Canada it is a cold country, Glanzmann jokes. [It is] the opposite way of the French woman we want to show everything. We want to show the strap, the jewelry, the cleavage. Its really important to feel feminine.
When you wear a bra that fits you perfectly, adds Maisonasse, you feel much more confident.
And while the Empreinte bras are definitely worth showing off, they arent created for all breasts equally.
For example, their beautiful creations of Guipure lace are intended for bustier C-H cups. But if you dont have a set of those, dont be disappointed. Not only is there still time (kidding) but theres always another bra. It is important, even for modest bustlines, to shop around for the right style for your body.
Empreinte has been around since 1946 and takes upwards of a year in research and development to perfect the fit for each collection. Its is a world-leader in high-end, plus-size lingerie, and thus is one of the best sources in the world for tips on getting the best breast support for your money.
When it comes time to buy a new bra, Glanzmann advises that Vancouver women:
Go to a specialty store to be guided in your fit.
Identify what your bra need is: every day, special occasion, etc.
Determine which bra shape suits you best: balconette, plunge, push up, etc.... And accept that some will not work for your breast type.
When you have to buy bras every few years, it is important to think practically vs. trendy, and determine the exact colours you need.
Its a true science, says Dianes new owner Sharon Hayles in admiration. Her store is now carrying an extended version of the vibrant yet minimalist Empreinte spring collection. And, while Hayes cautions that it comes in at a higher price point than, say, Prima Donna, Marie Jo or Chantelle, its because of one thing: the quality.
1) Bra straps are not meant to give lift, but rather assist the band in creating a comfortable support system by distributing weight. The location of the strap on the cup can cause the strap to wander and slip off, so this is particular to the person. There should be exactly one finger width of space beneath the strap.
2) The back panel should fit snugly around the chest, and sit level with the front of the bra. If it rides up, the band size is too large and the support is compromised. You dont want the band to restrict breathing either.
3) The bridge or centre gore should lie flat against your chest and not press into the breasts at all. If you are getting redness and contact marks, the cup size is too small.
4) The cups should comfortably contain the breast tissue, and different bra styles have different shapes of underwire.
5) Look for signs of pinching and grooves where your cups meet the band and along the underwire. Also, if your breasts are being pressed by the top of the cup, you require a larger size. If the cups wrinkle, however, the cup is too big. A small gap at the top of the cup when leaning or moving is normal.
