Bodies and Bra Fitting Anxiety

There are lots of barriers to getting a well-fitted bra. Sometimes they’re financial. (“That bra costs how much??”) Sometimes they’re physical, like if your local bra fitting boutique lacks accessibility…or doesn’t exist. The emotional barriers are wide ranging, but a big one is just feeling weird about your body. Which basically all of us do at one time or another! Lucky for your boobs, bra fitting anxiety doesn’t have to stop you from getting a good bra.

Matilda, by Elomi

First things first: You’re in charge.

Before we talk about anything else, it’s important to acknowledge that some bra fitting anxiety can come from feeling unsure that your boundaries and body will be respected. At Broad, we try to make sure to ask before touching your body or making adjustments to the bra. We also try to explain what we’re doing. But nothing is a requirement. You can always say no to anything we ask in the fitting room. We ask because the answer matters to us! And of course, you can ask us as many questions as you want.

“Do I have to take my shirt off?”

Fittings are easiest when we can see exactly how the bra fits without a shirt. But that doesn’t mean you have to take your top off. If you’re more comfortable being a little covered up, we can do a partially covered fitting. Instead of hanging out in just a bra, you’ll wear a light shirt over it. A tank top or stretchy t-shirt works best, so that your fitter can move it around a bit for strap adjustments and other checks. If you forget to wear something like this to your fitting, we keep slips and plain white tees on hand that’ll do the trick.

Slip by Montelle

Communication is key in every bra fitting, but it’s extra important here. Since your fitter can’t see the bra on your body, you’ll have to be her eyes. Your fitter will ask lots of questions to be sure you’re getting the best possible fit. Questions like, “Do the wires at the sides feel like they’re sitting on your breast, or just outside it?” “Does it feel like there’s a space between the underwire and your breasts?” It might feel strange at first, but together you’ll get there!

“Do I have to stand in front of the mirror?”

Maybe you don’t mind your bra fitter seeing your body, but you don’t want to see it. That’s okay! Lots of people don’t look forward to the fitting room mirror. If this is you, just let us know and we’ll cover the mirror for your fitting. We keep a lovely scarf around just for this purpose. If you feel awkward asking about it, please know that we won’t find it odd! Just say, “I’d like a mirror-free fitting, please.” And we’ll say, “No problem! Let me set up the room for you.” It won’t be a big deal at all.

Ask for what you need.

Tell us how to help. Feeling overwhelmed and want to come back another time? Okay! Need a glass of water? Done! And you can always ask for modifications. Want a combination mirror-free and partially covered fitting? You got it. If there’s something we can do to help you feel safer and more comfy, and we’re able to do it, we will. It’s completely normal to feel vulnerable and emotional in the fitting room. Somebody you just met is suddenly all up in your personal space, and it’s easy to think that they’re noticing all the little things that you feel insecure about. But remember, we’re evaluating bra fit, not your body. We believe that all bodies are good bodies – we just want to get you into a good bra, too!