I am embarrassed to admit the last time I truly got fitted for a bra was in 7th grade. Prior to that I had been guessing my size and ordering bras online…Two babies later, I thought it was time to have a true bra fitting experience and start my collection over.

On a mission to be fitted and educated, I visited Chantilly Lace located in Plaza De Lago in Wilmette. I had a one-on-one appointment and learned so much about bras that I decided to do a little q&a with the owner, Larisa to educate all of us! I was quite surprised to learn my bra size, hint hint – it wasn’t what I had been ordering online for the past decade.

Chantilly Lace sells cozy pajamas and fashion-forward loungewear on their website, but they don’t sell bras. They firmly believe they would be doing a disservice selling bras online and one needs to get fitted for the bra that best suits you. After my experience I couldn’t agree more – you can book your appointment here!  Something else to note, Larisa kindly offered to deliver my bra collection that was no longer my size to a local women’s shelter. A true local experience with knowledge, giving back and a good dose of fitting room laughter that you can’t find online.

Q: How often should women get fitted for bras?
A: Annually sounds about right. But it’s subjective. I have customers who purchase a few times a year just to keep things fresh, or because they enjoy coming in. When bras are riding up, making indentations in the breasts (quad boob), straps are falling, side spillage, sagging, looking shabby & dull, or things just don’t seem right – it’s time for a check up with your local bra boutique.  

Q: What do you think about online bra shopping?
A: I think boutique shopping is not only more sustainable, it’s a more efficient use of everyone’s time.  If women are left to their own devices, they’re bound to purchase ill-fitting bras. Most people who do online shopping come in with their bras somewhat wonky. No software can fit you better than we can. We speak bra. We do bras every day. We know the fit. We know which ones run big & small. We streamline the process. And we might be able to expose you to something refreshing you weren’t expecting, and change the way you see yourself and even the way others see you. Bra fitters are magicians, and the right bras can be magical & sometimes even change lives. 

Q: What’s your advice for women whose bra size is fluctuating during pregnancy and postpartum?
A: That’s a tough one. Every woman/circumstance is so different, there’s really no perfect answer. Obviously, if weight is fluctuating, it’s not the best time to invest in bras – yet some women just want a collection of great bras at their disposal no matter what the circumstance because it makes them feel good. I’d say if the bras are not fitting, it’s time to get a few more, however temporary. In certain circumstances, like pregnancy, it’s best to go a little looser & size on the larger side. Post partum, it depends how quickly women lose the baby weight, and if the breasts lose a lot of volume due to nursing. Nursing can literally suck fat cells out of breasts. 

Q: How do you know if your bras don’t fit?
A: Here’s an example. I’ve seen women who are 32DD come in wearing 38B & the bra made their boobs look like G cups. Loose bands are just not flattering. Loose bras add weight to the silhouette.
Again, the main questions: Are the straps falling? Is the band riding up? Do you have 4 boobs instead of 2? Is there side spillage? Are you carrying low? Are you bulging? We’re looking for a seamless fit that lifts and centers rather than smashing downward. The look should be a tad youthful, yet demure. 

Q: What’s the best way to care for bras?
A: The amount of washing is clutch. Wash the bras before they get grubby. Ideally every 3 wears. If you’re wearing body oil or sweating a lot, more often. The absolute best & easiest option is to use “Soak” biodegradable lingerie wash, which you don’t have to rinse out, and let the bras soak for 30 minutes in warm water. I would rub the detergent onto the areas that get the most soiled, like the straps & under the arms, or course. Then soak. Super easy, and we sell it at Chantilly Lace. You can also wash bras in a lingerie bag, but never put them in the dryer. Also: never fold the foam cups. That will leave wrinkles in the foam, and that’s bad. 

Q: What is a bras lifespan?
A: It depends on the bra & brand. It also depends on how many bras you have, and how often you rotate them. I’ve seen that certain brands hold up extremely well, such as Marie Jo. & Empreinte. It’s truly a “you get what you pay for” scenario. I still have the first Marie Jo bra I purchased at Chantilly Lace when I was a customer in 2014. My size has changed from a 34C to a 34D due to side volume (typical with age quite frankly) but I still wear that old 34C occasionally, convincing myself I can pull it off. People get attached to their bras, because bras hold memories & experiences. But they should never look shabby. 

Q: What is your capsule bra collection for someone to start with?
A: Again, such a subjective question. From the most practical standpoint: Several “neutral” bras that disappear under clothes & create a great shape, and a black bra with pretty straps (in case they show.) Two sports bras that don’t have the pancake effect, a well fitting strapless bra in nude & black, and a few “Sunday morning bras” with no underwire.

Then there’s the category of “date night bras” – the bras that keep life fresh. Pure lace bras fit the bill. Most men find lace bras extremely sexy, so they love it when women have a variety of charming bras & keep switching it up – keep the surprises coming.  I’ve heard men be disappointed that their wives keep wearing the same things over and over, or rejecting beautiful lingerie, no matter how they hint. Personally I’ve never understood that, but I assume it’s because women get tired & worn down.
Don’t give in to the “blahs”. Say yes to great bras. They might actually energize you. I’m not kidding.

Q: What’s the point of pretty bras?
A: “Bras as a utility”, or “boob holders” as I like to call utilitarian department store bras, is also an American point of view on lingerie. And that’s very Puritanical. We carry mostly European bras, and the European approach is more joyous. They like beauty, sexiness & fun in lingerie. As American women get used to having nicer bras they stop viewing bras as just a utility, bras become an enjoyable element of life that make them happy. They start to bring in color & get bras with cute straps to wardrobe in with different outfits. And it’s not about having an agenda, or just seduction. It really becomes a matter of how we see ourselves and value ourselves. You value your home, so you hire a decorator, or just start revamping, right? Because when you see beauty, it makes you happy. You value yourself & your body, so you outfit yourself with comfortable, appealing lingerie. And that makes people happy. And women need to realize their lingerie drawer is just as important as their home decor. Lingerie goes next to the body, it’s the most intimate element. It makes their clothes work, and adds va-va-voom to their marriage or relationship. And it’s FUN. 

Q: What is your personal favorite bra?
A: For myself, I’m between three, but they all do different things. Chantelle Festivite if I’m wearing a wrap dress & need a plunge. It’s so comfortable. The Marie Jo daisy strap balcony in red just makes me feel festive and feels good, and gives a great lifty shape without adding much volume. The Empreinte Cassiopee molded lace is great if I’m wearing a tighter blouse & don’t have enough room in the bust, because it adds no volume. To discover these bras, book an appointment with us: www.chantillyfavorites.com