A 'Fitting' First Post

You wouldn’t wear shoes that were too small or too big for you, so why wear a bra that doesn’t fit?

Throughout your life you get measured to great detail to cater for your individual needs: for shoes when you are a child, rings for your engagement and wedding and glasses when your eyesight starts to deteriorate. Why should your bra be any different to any of these processes?

With this in mind, I took myself to Pretty Woman, a local specialist lingerie fitter as I knew that since I had got pregnant, the inevitable had happened and my boobs had grown! One of the main signs of this growth for me (other than my husband being able to tell me!) was that I was being left with a pattern when I took off my bra at night. (I will talk in a later blog post about signs to look out for if you think you are wearing the wrong size) As pretty as this pattern may have been, it was time to sort the problem.

Local store Pretty Woman in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire

On arrival, I was greeted by Julie (as well as walls of wonderfully bright and summery bras!) She took me into the fitting room and measured my back size over my current bra (no need to be topless those of you who are worried about that aspect of things – again, I’ll save this topic for another post!)

She then proceeded to bring me a gorgeous flowered Elomi Morgan in purple lily, which I automatically fell in love with, to try on to help her judge cup size and fit etc. Every bra I tried after that was a stunner so I was hoping the Euromillions ticket I had just bought would come good for me and I would be back the next day and buy the lot!*

As I was buying a bra to wear for the next couple of months of my pregnancy, Julie made sure that the bra fitted but that there was also room for any more growth that should occur.

I eventually settled on an Elomi Kim in red and white, mainly because it had been a hot day and the striking colours reminded me of a holiday bikini, but also because it was extremely comfortable due to the elasticity in the material, particularly in the lace panels.

My chosen bra - Elomi Kim in red and white

The customer service at this lovely shop is second to none and I would recommend going to an independent lingerie store over getting a fitting with an ‘expert’ at a larger, more generic store to everyone.

Attention to detail is fantastic (and something I personally adore). With little details from stocking other extras such as rinse free formula for handwashing your beautiful new lingerie in (never put it in the washing machine!), swimwear and nightwear to wrapping your purchase in delicate pink tissue paper, it all adds to the experience.

I know for some women, going to be fitted for a bra can be a daunting task but my advice to you is to make an effort and get it done. The benefits you will feel from having a shiny new, well-fitting bra are fantastic for not only your posture and physical appearance but also for your self-esteem and confidence.

The store I went to is brilliantly positioned on a street of independent cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. Make a big deal of getting a fitting with friends and use it as a start to a day of girly pampering or cocktails and shopping or even just a fitting followed by coffee to discuss your purchases. Help each other out with what looks good and you will all leave feeling just that little bit taller and prouder.

Many thanks to Pretty Woman for the fitting and for allowing me to ask questions to help me write this post and several more to come. In the time I was in the store, I was made to feel comfortable and valued and the staff were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I hope our paths cross again soon!

The Pretty Woman website can be found here: https://prettywomanbras.co.uk/ where you can look at their ranges of bras and book in for a fitting. They are also on Instagram and Facebook.

*Update - It wasn’t to be I’m afraid, I only managed one number on the Euromillions!

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Bras I tried on today:

Elomi Morgan in purple lily - £40

Elomi Kelly (palm print – racer back) - £45

Elomi Kim in whites and pinks - £44

Elomi Kim red and white - £44

Panache Tango plunge in beige - £29

Mini reviews on all to come!

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