I have just come from visiting the Change Lingerie store in the beautiful Shops at Don Mills and well, I am forever changed. I entered the store wearing a 40D bra and left with a 38H in my bag. No, my breasts did not grow while in the store — but my knowledge sure did!
I’ve learned something really important — as much as I love being an independent shopper, when it comes to bras, it really pays to allow someone to help me. I would never have thought to try on the range of bras and sizes that were presented to me and I am so glad I did. I have been put off by larger lingerie chains with multiple staff members that literally chase me around the store with a measuring tape. I have been conditioned to avoid them at all costs. My experience was pleasant and interesting and I observed the atmosphere in the Change Lingerie boutique as several new customers entered and the staff was relaxed, helpful, and knowledgeable with every one of them.
Inside the Change Lingerie boutique at Shops at Don Mills
Hailing from Denmark, 14 Change Lingerie stores have opened across Canada in 7 years. Change Lingerie offers affordable lingerie and swimwear with free fittings and no appointments are necessary. The size selection is impressive — 100 size combinations with bra bands spanning from 28-44 and cups A-K and unlike some private lingerie boutiques, all merchandise is on the floor for you to see. With the level of service offered at Change Lingerie, I was expecting to see steep price tags. I was blown away when I looked down at a beautiful bra to see $39.50 staring up at me. Bras range from that up to $98.00 with $59.50 being the basic price for many. Another very pleasant surprise — being a curvy girl, I was expecting to see a higher price on the larger sizes which is the norm in retail. Not the case! (This curvy girl rejoiced!) Whether you wear an A or a K, the price is the same. And unlike some lines in which the larger bras lose all sexiness, the design esthetics stay the same throughout all sizes with slight differences in support as they get larger. Very nice touches indeed.
Here are seven tips for women of all size ranges to consider before shopping for their next bra:
Not including pregnancy and major weight loss or gain, bra sizes will change six times in a woman’s life.
Nobody can see your tag and a proper fitting bra and the right cup size will make you and your outfits look even better.
If you are pulling down on the back, it is too big, if it’s too tight in the band, you need another size.
If it is not even from front to back, you need to adjust it or get a proper fitting for a new bra.
Bra sizes will fluctuate greatly with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and after so make sure to allow yourself the most comfort as possible by updating your bra size.
Use the loosest hook when your bra is new and move it over when it gets older and stretches.
You’ll be amazed what styles will flatter your figure that you never considered.
Florence lace bra, $59.50
The Florence, available this season in a beautiful light purple lace, caught my eye.
The Jasmine Bra is pastel yellow and the Sofia Bra is light purple
The Jasmine is Change Lingerie’s most popular bra in Canada and perfect for under t-shirts available in staples black and champagne and different colours each season. The maternity bras were lovely and feminine yet so soft and comfortable. Change Lingerie also offers a great selection of seasonal swimwear, shapewear (S-XL) and thongs, panties, and hipsters for each bra style offered.
I left the store with the Linda bra (pictured at top), $69.50, a vibrant orange lace with the matching panty, $24.95 — in a size I never would have considered yet fit perfectly. I was shocked with how comfortable the lace is! No scratching! It is available in a different colour every season.
Change is a good thing.
This is proudly sponsored by our friends at Change Lingerie.
www.facebook.com/ChangeCanada
Printer-friendly version