The Right Bra

So, Alex Kuczynski of the NY Times went to the Town Shop for this week's installment of her Critical Shopper column, and she found out what many Upper West Side women already knew: She was wearing the wrong size bra (was she bragging?) and the Town Shop rocks. When you walk outside, it sort of looks like an old lady underwear store, with only girdles, but they actually do have a wide selection of sensible as well as sexy underpinnings. Kuczynski even worked with Eyvette, a personal shopper there who we've worked with (she's awesome!), and found out how to eliminate back fat from bra straps, giving the store high marks. Gothamist would like to add that Brief Encounters is great, too - it's on Columbus at West 71st; overall, it's much smaller but has a beautiful selection and wonderful service, too. We also recommend Bratenders, on Ninth Avenue at 45th Street; they are appointment only, but they do the undergarments for Broadway musicals, so if you've got a fancy event or wedding, they'll have what you need.

The wrong bra-epidemic was illustrated in the Sex and the City episode, My Motherboard, My Self. Above all, finding a good bra requires you, a good saleswoman who knows her inventory, and absolutely no inhibitions. Also, apparently you need to let your bra rest for a day after wearing it - we learned that on the Today show this week! And do you know a good place to buy bras?

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on January 26, 2006 3:33 PM

Comments [rss]

gragwoods

Today I read lots about wrong size bra. There is near about 80% women in the USA are wear the wrong size bra. Women breast size change six time in her life so she need to change her bra size every time.

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Susie

Tribly--perhaps Tien would like to address your problem.

Trilby

OK, I tried a tighter band and larger cup to eliminate "back fat" and I'm telling you, it is a LOAD, a CROCK. No, my 36B continues to do the job pretty well--I could really use a B+ is all--while the tighter band did nothing to eliminate back fat but did produce a bunch where there was only little before. So, no, that was utter nonsense. Could anyone use the $36.00 34C that I bought at Daffy's yesterday for $6.95?

nisey79

I'm a huge fan of Linda's Lingerie, which has locations in both the UES and SoHo. Also, you get points for each purchase that you make, which you can cash in for $ off additional purchases. They also stock swimwear.

Laren

Town Shop changed my life! But yes, it's pricy. I'll have to try Orchard Corset.

tien

well, who wants to see back fat. it's for the good of society that back fat is eliminated!

Anonymous

how does eating and not wearing a bra with a wifebeater go together?

Susie

Hmmm, Tien appears to be particularly inspired by this topic.

margaret

Did I just get a lingerie lesson from Tien?

xnan

Brasmyth on Madison in the 70s is almost as awesome, and their salesladies as knowledgable, as Orchard St. Corset. Also they have a website and catalog and their sale prices are amazing.

homeopt

why can't you guys stop eating so you can wear wife beaters without bras ?

Trilby

Based on the Times's story, I dropped in at Daffy's today and bought a 34C to see if it fits me better than my usual 36B. The bra is gorgeous and only cost me $6.95, so if the experiment doesn't pan out, oh well. You see, I just don't pay retail!

chick-fil-a

One more vote for the Orchard Street Corset Shop -- just remember they're closed Saturdays (religious and all). It makes me feel like I'm buying bras where my great-grandmother must have. Also, it makes me, at 34DDD, feel petite. Again, you can't be shy, and you might get a paper towel handed to you to wipe off the potential sweat. Don't worry -- it's not just you. Good prices.

Anonymous

"worked with?" please

Jen

Ooh, right, Orchard Street Corset - my friend got stuff there, and yes, the Hasidic saleswoman sized her up and she got a great bra.

tien

re: back fat - it's covered in the article, but essentially you have to get a tigher bra because the loose ones ride up to where they shouldn't be and push up the fat too. the tigher bra keeps everything where it should be.

eastsidelazybones

great! bra shopping time...

Jen

There's actually a nice place on Mulberry, near the northwest corner of Mulberry at Spring...I can't remember its name, but they had a nice selection of bras when I needed to get something for a strapless dress. (How lame am I to know this?)

kowgurl

Wow I've never actually seen the front of town shop, its horrific!...isnt that where tracy turnblatt & divine shopped for big girl clothes in hairspray?