Weddingbee

With fittings and alterations for my wedding gown just around the corner, I started to shop for some good underwear.

Nowadays I buy 90% of all my things online, so the internet was the first place I looked. I ordered a few pieces from Her Room, which was a great shopping experience. Everything arrived quickly and there is a flexible bridal return policy. But I just couldn’t find the right fit. I was in search of a long line bra or bustier that would support without being too constricting.

These are the three pieces I tried:

I actually loved the look and feel of this bra. It’s very sexy and still functional. I also liked the front closures making it easy for me to clasp it myself, but the cups were too big and I don’t think the bodice provided enough support.

Va Bien La Flirt Alert Bustier Bra 810
$68

The next two are very inexpensive options for anyone with a backless or low back dress. They were fine, but didn’t do much for me in terms of support or comfort, though it could have been a sizing issue, which I later found out…

QT Strapless Backless Bustier Bra 1710
$27.00

QT Strapless Backless Corset Bra 1110
$22.00

After trying the above options at home and not feeling very excited about any of the pieces, I decided to make an appointment with Bra*Tenders, a lingerie store catering mostly to the New York theater clientele, but where many brides have found the perfect bra.

The “bar” at Bra*Tenders
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When I called to make an appointment, I was surprised that they were booked up for the week, so I had to get one for the following week. Upon arrival at the shop, I realized why I had to wait so long– they only work with one customer at a time. If you’re early, you wait in the lounge area where there is a pile of wedding magazines and chocolate (they know their way to a woman’s heart!) to entertain you. Then when it’s your turn, you are invited into a very large fitting room lined with mirrors and various mementos from former customers (camisoles signed by Uma Thurman, Rachael Ray, and Kate Winslet). My fitter, Raquel, was great and immediately made me feel at ease. I showed her photos of the dresses I would be wearing on my wedding day, so she could get an idea of what type of bra I needed.

I have to warn you though, if you’re shy or very body conscious, this may not be the best route. The first thing Raquel asked was to see me in the bra I was currently wearing (i.e. lift up my shirt). After that, Raquel assessed that I may be wearing the wrong bra and cup size… which would explain why I had such a hard time ordering bustier bras online.

Raquel disappeared and came back with a regular bra so we could figure out what size I should be wearing, and she guessed right! After that she returned with a long line, nude, bustier bra from Bra*Tenders private label that fit perfectly! I was so ecstatic. It was in a size that I normally thought would be too small, but Raquel explained the bras often stretch out after a few wears so that’s why even though in measurements I may seem a bit larger, it’s best to buy a smaller bust line size. Next, Raquel showed me a great convertible bra that would be perfect for my reception dress. Again, it fit perfectly and felt very comfortable. I was a convert and was tempted to replace all my current bras!

The store is lined from top to bottom with any kind of underwear you could imagine! On the left is a peak into the fitting room.
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The stock room. It’s rare that Bra*Tenders would not have your size for bridal fittings. They keep all their inventory on site.
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I was in and out of the store within 30 minutes with exactly what I needed and wanted– definitely one of the best wedding shopping experiences thus far.

If anyone is in search of bra in New York, I highly recommend an appointment at Bra*Tenders. There is no obligation to buy after the fitting. Though there is a strict return policy: no returns, but exchanges are allowed for other store merchandise.

Location:
630 Ninth Avenue (at W. 44th Street)
Suite 601
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 1-888-GET-A-BRA, or 212-957-7000
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Has anyone else had a great lingerie shopping experience? Where? Has anyone else shopped at Bra*Tenders?