the boudoir

For women there are 3 things we hate shopping for – swimsuits, jeans, and bras. You all know we’ve already got denim covered at espy – swimwear is in the future – and bras are in the NOW! We are so excited to now be able to offer BRA FITTINGS as part of your style experience at espy.  We want you to invest the time into yourself so that your undergarments make you feel and look just as beautiful as when you get a new espy outfit!

The right bra can totally change your shape. The key is wearing the right size! And if we’re being honest – not even every member of the espy staff is wearing their proper bra size! We all know how easily dragged down we can get in the wrong sized clothing. Your bra is the same. The right size can literally shave 10 to 15 pounds off! Sometimes all you need is just a little lift! And now your espy stylists will be able to help you get that lift with a professional bra fitting.

espy carries the following brands in bras and undies  in our new BRA ROOM:

• Change
• Marie Jo
• Prima Donna
• Freya
• Curvy Kate
• Blush
• Wacoal
• B.Tempt’d by Wacoal
• Hanky Panky
• Bjorn Borg

Sizes

To start with, our band sizes range from a 28 to a 40 and cups from an A-H. But we’re excited to expand this offering as we continue to stock the boudoir room, and special orders are also available!

Fittings

You never need an appointment to have a bra fitting at espy, and with two expert fitters on staff, your girls will be in the best hands! Click this espy Fit-guide above to get an in-depth look of how the girls get measured, properly! Our trained stylists are here to teach you how to recognize what your correct size is and what a well-fitted bra looks like on your unique body type, as well as giving you tips and tricks along the way!

Bra Myths Debunked

Before you start the professional bra fitting process, you should first become familiar with the myths and facts about bras! This will make the process much easier and more enjoyable! Here are 9 myths you should be aware of:

Myth one: A loose fitting bra is the most comfortable

Fact: A firm-fitting bra is the most comfortable as it does not shift on your body with wear.  The firmer band evenly distributes the weight from your bust line and results in greater comfort. Start off by fitting yourself in a bra by putting the hook on the loosest possible. That way when you bra stretches with wear you can move to the second and third hook after time. This will keep everything supported and extend the life span of your professional bra fitting.

Myth two: The back pain and shoulder stiffness is due to my shape and fullness.

Fact: The biggest myth is that the straps on a bra are what hold up your breasts. However, only 10% of the support should come from the shoulder straps. The bra band should provide the other 90% of the support.

Myth three: A bra that shows back fat tissue is too tight.

Fact: The proper position of a bra should be level across the bodice front to back. This will minimize the appearance of soft tissue on the back. It will encase the soft side tissue, which will increase comfort and prevent the soft tissue to overflow.

Myth four: Only padded or thick bras can eliminate nipple show through.

Fact: You can minimize show through by positioning the nipple on the seam of your bra. Plus, a properly fitted bra eliminates shifting and nipple irritation, which can help prevent the nipple from becoming erect.

Myth five: Underwires are uncomfortable.

Fact: You should not feel the underwire of a well-fitted bra. Most underwire complaints are the result of a cup too shallow or the bra band riding up the back. This forces the under wire to slide forward into the breast tissue, causing weight to impinge on the rib cage or dig into your skin.

Myth six: Wearing a bra weakens your breast tissue.

Fact: There is no research to fully support this claim. The Cooper’s Ligaments are the tissues that support your breast. These ligaments are what help maintain its shape. Once these ligaments are torn, they are torn forever. No amount of exercise can repair it. The usage of a bra is meant to prevent this situation from happening too quickly. Breasts weigh on average, 5-10 pounds each. That is a lot of weight pulling you forward, which can cause serious back strain. Wearing a proper fitting bra can alleviate that pain by distributing the weight evenly, and create balance your body needs. This is especially important for women who are busty.

Myth seven: You are one size and one size only!

Fact: Clothing brands don’t all fit the same and bras are no different. You need to get use to the fact that your size will not remain the same in every brand you try on. In one bra you may be a C cup, in another a B or D. There is no definitive size. Please visit our What’s my cup page to find out about all the different cups and what type of breast they are best suited for!

Myth eight: If you have small breasts, you need to wear push-up bras to look good.

Fact: Push-up bras are actually not very good for breasts, as they squash and knead the breast tissue, hence they should be reserved only for special occasions. A soft bra in the right size will lift up and present your breasts in a way you’ve probably never expected, and you’ll discover that you look much better in them than in a push-up.

Myth nine: Wearing an underwire bra increase your risk of breast cancer.

Fact: There are claims that bra wires increase your risk of getting breast cancer and how compressing your breasts in a bra will block the lymphatic system and accumulate toxins. Experts, including the National Cancer Institute, state that there is no data or medical studies to support such claims. This would only be possible if your bra was incredibly tight, painful and uncomfortable.A proper fitting bra should never cause pain. Also, don’t be  afraid of going braless when you are at home! It’s freeing! It’s important to have your breasts sit at their natural state and have a rest from being lifted and supported throughout the day.

 How do I best care for my new bra?

When you buy denim at espy you will always get a lecture about not putting your jeans in the dryer, now you will get the same lecture for your bras!  Their are two easy ways to best care for your new brasserie:

1. Hand wash in luke-warm water with a gentle detergent (SOAK, or ZERO by Wool-lite are espy approved), let your bra sit for 15-20 minutes, rinse and AIR-DRY.
2. We know, we know – hand washing can be too tedious when you are a busy lady, so if you are going to put your bra in the wash, follow these steps to take care of your investment:

• ensure to use a lingerie bag (we carry thenatural line) and hook the back to eliminate snagging.
• always use the cold water and delicate cycle.
• once out of the wash, lay flat to AIR-DRY.
• If you have a molded-cup bra, re-shape cups out of wash before air drying.

What else is in the Boudoir?

Everything you need to look and feel sexy of course! From hosiery to accessories to panties – the Boudoir has everything needed to keep you at your sexiest.