With six diplomas and 18 years of experience, when it comes to lingerie, Sheer Essentials’ owner Michelle Neilson knows what she’s talking about.
“Every year we do updating and training – I’ve attended 27 fitting seminars. As with any business, things evolve, so we have to stay current!”
If you’ve never been fitted for a bra before, what can you expect when you visit Sheer Essentials? A staff member may take your measurements, but they can also give accurate sizing based on how you carry your body when you walk in the store. Neilson welcomes first-timers and is passionate about educating her customers.
Here are three tips to make your first visit a success!
1. Be prepared to feel weird
If you’ve never been fitted and have been wearing the wrong size for years, the proper fit may feel strange at first.
“If you’re used to wearing something too small or too large, it will take some time to get used to the proper fit,” Neilson says.
You may have grown accustomed to your old bras, so the feel of the straps, where the wires sit, and how the band hugs in a properly fitted bra might feel weird. But you’ll get used to it! And you’ll love the lift and better support when a well-fitted bra is allowed to do its job.
“Of course it’s always up to the customer to make their own purchasing decisions. Our job is to share our knowledge, but it all comes down to personal preference.”
2. Your bra is like a teeter-totter
When a bra fits properly the band circles your rib cage evenly. But like a teeter-totter, when something’s out of balance the weight of the front can pull up the back.
“If your bra is riding up in the back then it’s not doing its job,” Neilson says, “For some people a larger bra may feel more comfortable, but a bra needs to be snug around the back to hold everything in place. If it’s not, then your shoulder straps will hold too much of the weight, which isn’t what they are meant to do.”
3. Not all bodies fit the same styles
“Every breast is unique,” Neilson says.
That means different bras will work better on different bodies, and your size may change depending on the brand and style you’re wearing.
“As we get older, things shift and you may need to change your bra style or size.”
Your best bet? Come into Sheer Essentials for a fitting, even if you’ve been fitted before! With undergarments for men and women there’s something stylish and comfortable for everyone. There are two stores to serve you: 163 Kenneth Street in Duncan, and 121-2720 Mill Bay Road in Mill Bay. And don’t forget about their sister store, Curvy Fashions for sizes 12 to 4X!
