Last winter before my March Break Getaway to Maui, I went for a personalized bathing suit fitting at Melmira Bra's & Swimsuits. You can read about that experience here. When I was there, I promised myself to come back for a bra fitting. I've never had a proper bra fitting and have usually gravitated to what I thought was cute and comfortable from Victoria's Secret (easy peasy, right?). Well now that I'm a little older and have a vested interest in the fight against gravity, I went back to Melmira to have a personal bra fitting with owner Leah Heenan. 

The fitting started out similar to the bathing suit fitting with Leah doing a quick measurement (by hand and eye only - miracle worker) and then asking me what I liked in a bra and what exactly was was looking for. My requirements were light padding, underwire support and super comfortable. I told Leah that I was in the market for two bras...one nude and one black and I gave her a budget. Melmira is excellent with sicking to a budget with bra's ranging from $80.00 to $220.00. One very common misconception is that if you have a larger chest, you pay more. This is not the case. Many lines are priced by style so that a 32A would be the same price as a 38D. Women (should) wear bra's every day, so it's very much worth the investment to buy great bra's that fit properly. 

So what is proper fitting bra anyway? With a proper fitting bra you should have no 'spillage' or 'pillowing' over the cup. You entire breast should be contained in the cup with no gaping space between the bra and your breast. The back of the bra should fit low and tight on your back. Start on the loosest hook and move to the middle as the bra stretches...which it will. Your bra should feel comfortably sung around your torso and the cup is smooth with no wrinkles.  A good bra that's been taken care of should last you about three years. In an ideal world you should wash your bra after three wears with a lingerie wash such as Forever New powder or liquid. Hand washing is recommended for all of your delicates. I've used the Forever New Swimsuit wash all summer and my bikini's are in great shape and ready for next season, or my next sun vacay! ;)

After requesting nude and black bra's, much to my surprise Leah came back from the Melmira secret storage area with a nude, black and red bra. Red? Did I mention that I was in the market for two 'everyday' bras? Leah then explained to me the a red bra disappears under a white tee and can be worn in place of nude, unless of course the tee is of the tissue variety and very sheer. I thought this was fantastic and was so pleased with this option. Why not wear a little colour and fun under your tee? Leah was bang on with my sizing, although I did learn that not all bra's are created equal and you can be a different size in different brands and even in the same brand. I found a black, nude and red bra quickly and then asked Leah to bring in a few fancier styles just for fun. I ended up choosing one and replaced my original black choice. I think fancy bra's can and should be worn for everyday too.  So I did end up spending a bit more that I originally intended to, but that was entirely my choice and I'm so thrilled with everything Leah showed me. We also put a few on a "wish list" for future purchases or gifts. 

So once again my visit to Melmira was a complete home run. The next time you're in the market for new lingerie, let this incredible store with it's outstanding personal service be your first stop. 

Melmira Bra's and Swimwear

3319 Yonge Street.

Toronto

416-485-0576

www.melmira.ca

Please call ahead to book your appointment.