The Art of Fitting Finery
“Real elegance is everywhere – especially in the things that don’t show” – Christian Dior. Carlie Wacker uncovers the power of the perfect fitting bra and briefs.
They say a woman’s lingerie says a lot about her, so I did a quick underwear edit and realised I am saying “it is activewear time, anytime.”
My underwear draw held a minimal collection of sports bras and briefs in varying states of ruin, so I made a beeline for the region’s first and most loved lingerie boutique; Lady Bird Noosa.
Owner Glenda and daughter Kathy have long served the community in catering to all underwear needs. In fact, the Lady Bird story started in 1984 and has been going from strength to strength ever since.
Locals know it as a go-to for lingerie, shapewear and sleepwear but also as stockists for an extensive range of hosiery and accessories from their store at Noosa Junction Plaza.
On arrival at the shop I knew that good old-fashioned customer service was the reason this boutique has experienced its longevity. Glenda said the hang it-sell it technique just doesn’t last in this industry.
“Every single bra has specific features, pattern, and performance,” she said. “There is a distinct difference between sizes and the same fit cannot be found in every bra of the same size.”
Many women think they are a certain bra size and get a real shock when the actual size reveals numbers and letters they were not expecting.
Glenda also said it was important to be resized at different stages of life as our body structure changes over time and size and styles will vary as we age.
I thought I knew my bra size so was surprised to find out it was quite different to what I believed it to be.
Once I had been fitted by Glenda, I was shocked to find that changing to a different size and style made all the difference to my comfort level.
A good fitting bra should suit your bust line and shape, there should be no back tension or heaviness from a wire sitting on your ribs and ideally should have a separation between the breasts.
The wire should also fit around the entire breast tissue. Interestingly, there is a trend in wire free bras amongst all ages.
Mature women and those with breast issues should seek out a wire-free option but these days younger women are embracing comfort even more. Plus, the manufacturers are now creating much cuter wire-free choices.
Keep an eye out for the new range of wire free organic triangle bras in gorgeous pastels. It is time to ditch the crop tops ladies – let’s get into some soft and feminine bras.
Another annoying experience as a bra wearer is when the straps slide off your shoulders. This should not happen if you are wearing the right bra.
For example, sloping or narrow shoulders should avoid the balconette style bra and look for a triangular shape with centrally-placed straps.
There is just so much more to consider when buying a bra so have a professional fitting – it will change your life!
When looking for a bra Glenda recommends considering lifestyle, fit and self: Lifestyle refers to what you will be doing when you wear it, are you in an active job or standing for long hours (each require different performing underwear); Fit is crucial and a professional fitter is essential in finding your perfect bra; and in regards to self, Glenda says “shout yourself a beautiful bra once in a while ladies!”
I agree wholeheartedly – even if you are the only one that is going to see it, wear underwear that makes you feel gorgeous and confident.
Lady Bird Noosa stocks a huge range of bras from Simone Perele, Wacoal including the Fantasie and Freya brands, Chantelle, Goddess and Elomi. Also Jockey, Berlei, Triumph, Fine Lines, Calvin Klein and Felina.
All bra needs are considered, from teens right through to H cups and plus sizes.
They also carry a big selection of shapewear by Nancy Ganz and Spanx and Kathy recommends you always try it on as it can be as complicated as a bra.
“Getting the right shape for you will prevent the dreaded rolldown,” she said.
The sleepwear range includes Givoni, Glamour Hanger, Ginia Silk and Papinelle. Plus camisoles and slips by Love & Lustre and Tani. The ladies also cater for those needing prosthetic forms and bras.
Mastectomy products require specialised fitting and Kathy and Glenda take pride in being there for women when they really need love and attention. I also noticed they stock a range of period briefs which are increasing in popularity.
One customer popped in during my visit and was expressing her love for the MOST comfortable briefs in the world, so of course I bought a pair of Jockey knickers to test for myself. She was right!
Finding the perfect bras and briefs is so much easier. Glenda and Kathy have done the research to ensure that you will get the perfect fit, shape, style, quality, and comfort in your undergarments at Lady Bird Noosa.
Put the power of the perfect fit in the hands of these professionals! Your boobies will thank you for it.
