The following are some of the most common questions we, as professional bra fitters, are asked by our clients. Please contact us with any additional questions or feedback you might have.

Question: Why is it that so many women wear the wrong size bra?

Answer: I don't think it's surprising that women have trouble determining their correct size. Most women have never been fitted properly in the first place and don't have a clear understanding of the concept of bra sizing. Others might not realize their bra size has changed with changes in their weight, or as they grow older.

Aging changes our body structure, adding weight in places we never had it before. Women commonly gain up to 25 pounds in the breasts and the stomach area during menopause.

Many prescribed medications cause changes in the breasts and the body. Pregnancy and nursing also cause changes in breast size. After nursing, our breasts rarely return to their original size or shape

We, as women, don't always see these changes in our bodies. As we age, our skin stretches and thins all over our bodies, so our style and size of bra will change also. What most mature women want is comfort and support. We look for bras that will do both these jobs.

It doesn't help that department stores, and even many specialty shops, only carry the most popular sizes. If you don't fit into that category, it will probably be difficult to find the size you should be wearing, so you end up settling for what you can get.

Bra manufacturers are also part of the problem. I would love to support Canadian manufacturers but I just can't get the full range of sizes from most domestic lines. They offer sizes 34B to maybe 42 DD, and if you need a larger or smaller size, you're out of luck.

Another problem is they tend to concentrate on fashion bras, pretty, but not always practical. If you do find a style you like, chances are it was only cut for that one season and the next time you go to buy a bra that style won't be available and you are back to square one.

Question: How do you go about fitting women in a bra?

Answer: We find that measuring a woman to determine her bra size isn't the best method. First of all there is a Catch 22. You have to be wearing a bra that fits properly in order to get the right measurement. Another problem is that once you are past a D cup, the measurement rules change so it just confuses the issue.

We start with the size you are presently wearing. We get you to put on a bra of that size, or close to that size, and then come into the change room and explain what we are looking for to ensure a good fit. If what you have on isn't the best fit, we try other sizes and styles until the fit is right.

A good fitter has had experience with many different body types and knows the strong points of different brands and styles of bras. She must know what to look for and must be able to match a style to a woman's preferences and personality.

Question: What sizes do you carry?

Answer: We are a service for women specializing in all sizes available from a double A cup to a double J cup with back sizes from 30 to 54 and more by special order.

Question: How long do special orders take?

Answer: Depending on the supplier, special orders can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks and sometimes more. We keep a record of your order in our computer and will notify you by phone when it comes in, or advise you if for some reason it is delayed.

Question: Can you get my special order to me within 2 to 3 days?

Answer: In order to receive the merchandise within 3 days, there is a $25.00 overnight shipping charge that will be added to the price of the merchandise. Of course, this is contingent on the availability of the product you ordered.

Question: What is your price range?

Answer: Depending on your size, our prices range from around $35.00 to more than $100.00. We try to find quality merchandise at the most reasonable price.

Question: Why are some of your bras so expensive?

Answer: In our experience, we have found many imported bras are made much better than bras manufactured in North America. The imports offer a much larger size range, their design and the quality of the materials used are superior, and as a result, they tend to fit better and last longer. When you take these factors into consideration you will find that although the initial purchase price might be more they offer good value for the money.

Question: Where do your bras come from?

Answer: Our bras come from all over the world, especially from France and England. These countries know how to make good quality undergarments in a very wide range of styles and sizes.
We are always on the lookout for new manufacturers so we can provide our customers with the best products for their particular needs.

Question: What are your hours?

Answer: We are open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and Thursdays until 8:00 p.m.. In order to give us enough time to serve you properly, our last fitting is 1/2 hour before closing. If you like, you can make an appointment to make sure we have a fitter available at a specific time.

Question: Do I need an appointment?

Answer: Appointments are not always necessary, but we do prefer to have appointments so we can be sure to set aside that time for you. We are often quite busy and having an appointment means it is less likely you will have to wait for a fitting.

Question: Do you charge for fitting?

Answer: There is no charge for you to have a fitting.

Question: Where are you located?

Answer: We are in St. Boniface at 554 Des Meurons St., 5 minutes from downtown. Our building is very unique. It was built in 1906, and has a Tyndall stone facade with Tyndall stone pillars. The address is quite large and we have signage on the building.

1) If you are coming over the Provencher Bridge from downtown, just go straight down Provencher to Des Meurons where you turn right. We are 2 blocks down on your left-hand side. Des Meurons is the street right past the French Cultural Centre on Provencher.

2) If you are coming from Archibald St. or Watt Street and onto Provencher you turn left immediately after the tracks. There is a left-hand turn lane there.

3) If you are coming up Marion St. (a one way going East) you turn left at Des Meurons, which is the street at the top of the hill on Marion. We are about 4 or 5 blocks up on your right-hand side. You can park right in front.

4) If you are coming down Goulet (a one way going west) you turn right at Des Meurons St. and come up about 4 blocks. We are on the right-hand side and you can park right in front.

Question: Do you have wheelchair access?

Answer: Yes, we have a parking space and wheelchair ramp at the back of the building for your convenience. Please ring the door bell and we will open it for you, or call ahead so we can assist you when you arrive.

Question: What is the price range for mastectomy bras and forms?

Answer: When you purchase mastectomy products, the government or your private health insurance refunds a portion of the cost. For breast prostheses, Manitoba Medical will give you back $153.50 per prosthesis every two years and they refund you $12.30 per bra for 2 bras a year. The initial cost of silicone prostheses is from approximately $320.00 to just over $400.00 and bras cost from $55.00 to $70.00.

Question: Do you carry maternity and nursing bras?

Answer: Yes, we carry nursing bras up to a J cup.

Question: How long should I wait after nursing to be fitted again?

Answer: Each person is different. Whenever you feel you've stopped producing milk and that your weight is stable is probably a good time for a fitting.

Question: Do you have sports bras? What size range do you carry?

Answer: Yes, we carry a few different makes of sports bras including one designed for the serious athlete. Sizes range from 34B to 40 DDD and sizes 1 to 8 in one particular style.

Question: Do you carry long line bras?

Answer: No

Question: Do you carry girdles?

Answer: We do carry some control garments.

Question: Do you carry body suits?

Answer: No.