Bra Fitting Woes

I thought I knew my bra size, but I decided to get a professional fitting anyway. I thought, if anything, getting a professional fit will confirm what I already know and tell me I'm on the right track with my fitting adventures. So I went to Loretta's Intimates -- a local lingerie shop that got into the business many moons ago helping cancer survivors and other people with their prosthetics needs. If Loretta's couldn't help me, I don't know who could.

I put on my best fitting bra for the trip to Loretta's:



Margaret, the fitting assistant, whisked me into a private dressing room and had me remove my top, but keep my current bra on. She whipped out her lying, cheating tape measure of doom and took a few measurements and then left to bring me some possibilities. She quickly returned with what I believe to be the ...LARGEST...bra I have ever personally seen in my life! All kidding aside, I know I am a blessed-in-the-bust, full-figured gal, so I've spent quite a bit of time searching for elusive well-fitting (and pretty) lingerie, but suffice it to say, I cried real tears when Margaret came back with this triple whopper!!

We all have certain perceptions of what we look like and this bra fitting put me face-to-face with a reality for which I just wasn't fully prepared. Poor Maggie! I think she saw my face crumple and the tears well up, so she quickly brought back another couple of options. I thought about tossing my t-shirt back on and fleeing the shop, but then I came to my senses and talked myself into believing that this experience would be good for me, my appearance, and my fitting and sewing. So, sucking it up through the tears, I tried on everything Margaret suggested -- a total of 10 different bras consisting of 3 different styles and 4 different band and cup size combinations. It was mind-boggling, but I ended up with great results:



In the t-shirt it may seem like a subtle difference, but I have to say, my new bras are amazing! The Girls are positioned up on my chest where they are supposed to be and there is 150% less stress on my shoulders from the weight. The bra band around my ribs is supporting everything -- the way it is supposed to be. I wore one of the bras out of the shop and ran errands all day in it. I've never worn something so comfortable and supportive in my life. I don't know why I waited this long to get professional help. If you've never had a professional bra fitting, I highly recommend you find a specialty shop in your area and get it done. No matter your size -- at Loretta's it was mainly the large busted, but there were a few members of the IttyBittyT**ty club there -- a good fitting bra is an eye opener!

As for my fitting challenges, I'll have to rework my FBA a bit based on these new measurements. I also anticipate that my posture will improve now that my shoulders have been relieved of the weight of the Girls. This may impact future shoulder, high back, and swayback alterations. We'll see what happens as I continue to work on my classic white shirt.