The Art of Fitting Finery: Lady Bird Noosa
“Real elegance is everywhere – especially in the things that don’t show” – Christian Dior. Carlie Wacker uncovers the power of the perfect fitting bra and briefs.
They say a woman’s lingerie says a lot about her, so I did a quick underwear edit and realised I am saying “it is activewear time, anytime.”
My underwear drawer held a minimal collection of sports bras and briefs in varying states of ruin, so I made a beeline for the region’s first and most loved lingerie boutique; Lady Bird Noosa.
Owner Glenda and daughter Kathy have long served the community in catering to all underwear needs. In fact, the Lady Bird story started in 1984 and has been going from strength to strength ever since.
Noosa locals know it as a go-to for lingerie, shapewear and sleepwear but also as stockists for an extensive range of hosiery and accessories in their store at Noosa Junction Plaza.
On arrival at the shop I knew that good old-fashioned customer service was the reason this boutique has experienced its longevity. Glenda said the hang-sell technique just doesn’t last in this industry.
“Every single bra has specific features, pattern, and performance,” she said. “There is a distinct difference between sizes and the same fit cannot be found in every bra of the same size.”
Many women think they are a certain bra size and get a real shock when the actual size reveals numbers and letters they were not expecting.
Glenda also said it was important to be resized at different stages of life as our body structure changes over time and size and styles will vary as we age.”
I think I know my bra size and was surprised to find out it was quite different to what I thought. Once I had been fitted by Glenda, I was shocked to find that changing to a different size and style made all the difference to my comfort level.
A good fitting bra should suit your bust line and shape, there should be no back tension or heaviness from a wire sitting on your ribs and ideally should have a separation between the breasts.
The wire should also fit around the entire breast tissue. Interestingly, there is a trend in wire free bras amongst all ages. Mature women and those with breast issues should seek out a wire-free option but these days younger women are embracing comfort even more. Plus, the manufacturers are now creating much cuter wire free options. Keep an eye out for the new range of wire free organic triangle bras in gorgeous pastels. It is time to ditch the crop tops ladies – let’s get into some soft and feminine bras.
Another painful experience as a bra wearer is when the straps slide off your shoulders. This should not happen if you are wearing the right bra. For example, sloping or narrow shoulders should avoid the balconette style bra and look for a triangular shape with centrally placed straps.
There is just so much more to consider when buying a bra so have a professional fitting – it will change your life!
When looking for a bra Glenda recommends considering lifestyle, fit and self: Lifestyle refers to what you will be doing when you wear it, are you in an active job or standing for long hours (each require different performing underwear); Fit is crucial and a professional fitter is essential in finding your perfect bra; and in regards to self, Glenda says “shout yourself a beautiful bra once in a while ladies!”
I agree wholeheartedly – even if you are the only one that is going to see it, wear underwear that makes you feel gorgeous and confident.
Lady Bird Noosa stocks a huge range of bras from Simone Perele, Wacoal including the Fantasie and Freya brands, Chantelle, Goddess and Elomi. Also Jockey, Berlei, Triumph, Fine Lines, Calvin Klein and Felina.
All bra needs are considered, from teens right through to H cups and plus sizes.
They also carry a big selection of shapewear by Nancy Ganz and Spanx. Kathy recommends you always try on shapewear as it can be as complicated as a bra.
“Getting the right shape for you will prevent the dreaded rolldown,” she said.
The sleepwear ranges include Givoni, Glamour Hanger, Ginia Silk and Papinelle. Plus camisoles and slips by Love & Lustre and Tani. The ladies also cater for those needing prosthetic forms and bras.
Mastectomy products require specialised fitting and Kathy and Glenda take pride in being there for women when they really need love and attention. While I was in store, I noticed they also stock a range of period briefs which are increasing in popularity.
One customer popped in during my visit and was expressing her love for the MOST comfortable briefs in the world so of course I bought a pair of Jockey knickers to test for myself. That customer was right. We do not need to travel out of the region to find the perfect bras and briefs. Glenda and Kathy have done the research to ensure that you will get the perfect fit, shape, style, quality, and comfort in your undergarments at Lady Bird Noosa.
Put the power of the perfect fit in the hands of these professionals!
