bravo to the perfect bra fitting!

warning, warning... boobs alert!

How many times have you tried your 'normal' dress size on in one shop, only to find that that 'normal' size is hideously too small or gaping in the wind?  Personally my own wardrobe varies from size 10s all the way through to 16s, and although going up a size used to make me bristle, I've grown to learn to accept that what's on the label doesn't necessarily count.

I'm guessing you fashionable lot are with me on this, yes? 

Now look in your lingerie drawer... and more importantly at your bras.  I bet most of you will have probably been wearing the same cup size for as long back as you care to remember.   I certainly have - and I pride myself in my lingerie habit (it's those pink Agent Provocateur boxes - I can't help myself!). 

As followers of my blog will know, my boobs and I have had quite a journey.  Pre breast reduction I was a 32F/G, later reducing to a C cup.  And while my weight has fluctuated I've kind of always stuck to a similar cup size. 

So, when I was invited by Bravissimo to come in for a bra fitting this weekend, I absolutely jumped at the chance.  Bravissimo don't fit by the (bloomin' complicated!) measuring tape method and instead train their team to fit by eye.  Quite sensible really when you think that, just like different brands of clothes, lingerie is manufactured independently by each supplier, so while one brand might offer a little extra depth under the arm, another might offer slightly less volume in their cups.

And goodness, the girls in my local Bravissimo branch (Ingram Street in Glasgow) couldn't have been more helpful.  My fitter was friendly and funny - and put me at ease immediately (no bad thing as I stood topless, chatting away!)  She explained the supporting benefits of a good bra (counteracting neck, shoulder and back pain) and fitted me into various shapes, styles - and patterns and colours - good god Bravissimo has a heeeeuge range, including this gorgeous vintage styled set which sadly just didn't fit right on me, although normally I would have probably just picked up my size and bought so the fitting room advice ended up saving me pennies really.

Bravissimo clearly have a very loyal customer base as the store was peppered with glowing reviews from 'normal everyday folks' all over the walls and marketing materials.  The changing rooms themselves were spacious with lots of handy hints and tips displayed in a quirky, vintage fair manner (oh, and I quite fancied the silky dressing robe too - oooh lalala!)

And the result?  Well, I ended up going down a back size, up a couple of cup sizes and leaving with one of Bravissimo's best selling own brand sets (Alana) in the most delicious festive colour**.  The balconette style bra sits like a dream - lifting and supporting my boobs in a way that actually makes my silhouette look slimmer while improving my posture. Wiiiiiin! :)

Bravissimo also do own brand clothes (cut to fit your curves - no more gaping shirts ladies!) and swimwear, and sales start nationwide on 23 December.