Fitting Room

Welcome to La Petite Coquette's Fitting Room

Where in the midst of oriental carpets, boudoir chandeliers, African leopard sofas; all in a very captivating atmosphere

the sales staff will help you find the right size bra or the perfect lingerie for your type.

So, come in and remember: to adorn yourself is to adore yourself.

Measure Up

How to size yourself.  There are all sorts of systems for measuring yourself. The following measuring system may be what Rigby & Peller, bra fitters to the queen of England, use, but it's not how we do it.  We'll get to our method afterward, but it's out duty to share the industry standard.  It's important to know what the rule is so you can understand why it should be broken.

There are two key measurements components: band size ( such 32, 34, 36) and cup size (the A, B, Cs).  Band size is the easy part.  Cup size is a more complex calculation.

Band Size

Take a measuring tape and measure the length  around your rib cage directly below your bust.  Make sure the measuring tape is straight and flat across your back and parallel to the floor.  Pull the tape measure snugly around you.  Round the measurement to the closest whole inch, either up or down.  If the number is even, add four inches.  If the rounded measurement is odd, add five inches.  Voila! The final number is your (supposed) band size.

Cup Size

Standing with your arms at your sides, measure around your body at the fullest part of your bust, parallel to the floor.  Round this number up or down to the nearest whole inch.  Subtract your band size measurement from the second larger measurement.  The difference is your cup size, as listed in the chart below.  Example: 36" ( bust measurement) - 34"(band size) = 2" or according to the chart a B cup.

Lost in Translation

Another confusing aspect of sizing is that each country had a different system.  Most popular brand are French & Italian, so please make sure you convert your size properly according to their measurements.  Some bars from Italy are sized 1, 2, 3, and 4 which translates into smallest band to biggest 4 usually being the widest band 38".

Our Sizing Method

As we promised here is our non-measuring system for figuring out what size you are.  Let's start by saying we never touch a measuring tape and we certainly don't bother with the math.  The truth is, our method all comes down to trial and error.

So, let's get started....

The Three factors of fit are: 1. the band, 2. the cup, 3. the straps.

Make sure while being fitted or fitting yourself you are wearing your most basic best bra. Put your bra on hooking the band on the first, loosest hook.  And now let's begin looking for the right & the wrong signs.

• Your back band should fit snugly and parallel to you bust line.  Snugly meaning you or your fitter should be able to fit two fingers under the band with ease. The center gore of your bra has to be sitting firmly on your chest.  If the band is riding up that means its too loose and you need to shrink the band one to two sizes.  If the band is too tight you will feel it because you can't take a deep breath without a problem.  In that case we need to give you a looser band size.   Always start with the loosest hook because as the bra stretches you want to tighten the band for best support. A good test for the band is lift your arms up and if the bra lifts up with you  it's too loose, if it stays firmly around you you are most likely wearing the right size.  Also a good way to know that your bust  is properly lifted and placed is make sure your breasts are at the midpoint of your upper arms.

• Most bras come with fully or partially adjustable straps, and so you have more control over the the lift of the cup.  If your straps constantly fall down your shoulders even after you made them tight, it could be that they are set too wide apart or you're wearing the band size too big, and so the straps are set for a broader frame.  Remember the strap is only doing a partial job of the lifting process.  If you're still finding your straps are falling down try getting a convertible bra where you will have the option to hook the straps closer together or try the happy straps. If your straps are too tight, again that could be because your band is not giving you the right support, and so you're relying on the straps to take all the slack.  Loosen the straps so the band is parallel to your bust line.

• We know it's a lot to keep in mind, but now that you know about the band and the straps, it's time to turn the alphabet soup of cups.  If your bra has gathered loose material toward the top it is too big or the cup is not the right style for your bust.  First try a demi or a 3/4 cup and if that does not resolve the gaping issue we have to go down a cup size.  If your cup it too small the signs are obvious, your breast tissue is spilling out on the sides or in the front and your breasts are not perky and lifted.  Depending on your breasts you or your fitter have to determine what style cup is the perfect match.  Remember the wire of the cup has to sit firmly around your breast tissue at no point during your wear it should sit or poke your breast. 

Please be aware that the best way to be fitted is professionally because a professional fitter will make it easy and more fun for you. There are many aspects to a perfect fit and depending on your needs and wants the options are quite frankly overwhelming.  So, if you're still having a hard time and you can't get to our boutique in NYC please visit your nearest lingerie boutique or call us 1-888-473-5799 or email Rebecca at: askrebecca@thelittlelfirt.com

Congratulations!  You now have the basic bra training and as Rebecca would say...

"A good bra is like a good man, it has  be good looking, supportive and never let you down!"

  Okay ladies, time to face the music ... or the mirror.