When was the last time you were fitted for a bra? Better yet, when was the last time you put on a bra and it felt just right?
The truth is, the fashion industry hasn't standardised its sizing standards when it comes to lingerie. So while you may be a 36 B in a balconette, you may be a 34 E in a push-up. To make things even more confusing, you may have the right size but the wrong strap length.
All of this leads most women to have a drawer full of bras with wires that poke out, straps that dig in, and cups that fail to support.
To demystify the shopping process and for tips on what to look out for in a fully-functioning bra, we spoke with Jessica Redmond, manager of Susan Hunter Lingerie.
A staple of Dublin's Westbury Mall since 1984, the pint-sized shop is a treasure trove of silk, cashmere, fine lace and reinforced elastics.
Boxes of every type and size of bra are stocked above shimmering rails of nightgowns and slips in jewel tones. Stepping inside the shop feels like entering the backstage dressing room of a Hollywood starlet, but Redmond insists that they cater for just about everyone.
"We have a wide-ranging clientele; we have new mothers that come in, people that have been coming here a really long time, and new people looking for a comfortable bra that fits really well."
Many women will only get measured for a bra a handful of times - early in their teens, during pregnancy, and perhaps for a special occasion - but Redmond says women should be getting fitted every six months.
Better yet, they should be fitted for every new bra.
"We would really encourage everyone to come in every time they're buying a bra because it really depends on the style of bra you're looking for, how it's going to fit," she explains.
With this in mind, Redmond says that the staff at Susan Hunter forgo measuring tapes altogether: "You're not just a number," she insists.
Invited in for a fitting to see how the process works, I got to see first-hand how expertly the sales manager could guess measurements with just a quick glance (I was wearing a thick jumper) and a feel around the bust line (truly two seconds).
Before I knew it, I was whisked behind a curtain with a number of bras to try on based on my preferred colour and style. With each item, Redmond would adjust the straps, check the fit of the band, and assess the cups.
No more than 10 minutes later, I was the owner of a comfortable, supportive, well-structured and daintly decorated bra.
Although they have floor-to-ceiling stock, the team are happy to order in different colours, styles, or even matching underwear if you can't find what you're looking for.
Unsurprisingly, this experience does come at a higher price point, with many of the bras hovering between €70-€120.
The idea, though, says Redmond, is to invest in a handful of high-quality pieces over time that will see you through multiple occasions and outfits: "If you're uncomfortable, it's time to get some new bras," she states.
Not only will your clothes sit better, but you can go years without having a wire stab you in the chest.
