Alison Attends The Bra Fitting Course November 28, 2008

Unfortunately proper bra fitting still seems to be a mystery to some retailers: Some insist on using a tape measure, some can do it by just looking and some just don't bother. Although it has got better, incredibly we still experience bad bra-fitting, so when the opportunity arose for me to attend the Mya Blue One Day Bra Fitting course I was, needless to say, delighted - not only would I be able to fit others, I would be able to fit myself, without the help (or hindrance) of someone else. Off to Bra School! Happy in the knowledge that I would soon be a qualified bra-fitter, I flew off to sunny Leicester where Lindsey Brown holds the course. I admit, I was a trifle nervous: would I need to call upon my Anatomy&Physiology course I did as a trainee dance teacher, and how would I feel if I failed the course? I'm glad to say I needn't have worried: the course was relaxed and doesn't have a 'fail pass' test (though Lindsey does make sure everyone is suitable to be let loose on the public), and because there were only six of us (the perfect size according to Lindsey), it was personal and we were able to ask questions when we felt the need.

With a Degree in Fashion and a Masters Degree in Contour Design, Lindsey is qualified in all areas of not only how a bra should fit, but is also able to provide insightful information about how a bra should be made and, very importantly, about breast anatomy; we all agreed, all of these components are imperative if you are going to fit bras as it provides a deeper understanding to why our boobs behave in a certain way, and of course how bras should fit. We were given a rundown on what we should look for in a well-made bra and how bras (are supposed to) support us - and yes, there were some great examples of good and bad; labels which here shall remain nameless, but really, shame on you!

Fitting Practice and Verdict After a morning of theory, and a beautiful lunch at a fine Italian restaurant, it was time for our final task actual bra-fitting! We were let loose (armed with clipboards) on three lovely and very patient models: to have the opportunity to practice on live models is invaluable; as the three ladies were different ages and sizes it made the whole experience so much more realistic in terms of fitting and learning how to deal with customers, whatever their age and cup size.

Lindsey Brown's method of fitting is not to use a tape measure and instead to use your eye as well as your learned ability to asses a lady's size; not so bizarrely, this is a far more accurate and sensible way of sizing compared to the measuring method, not least because a tape measure can't take into consideration age or shape.

The Verdict I can safely report that this is a great course and I would highly recommend it: not only did I come away safe in the knowledge that I would now be able to brafit 'legitimately', I also had a wonderful and very insightful day learning at Mya Blue with the other ladies who attended.

We unanimously agreed, Lindsey Brown's bra-fitting course should surely be a legal obligation for all those who are thinking of going into the lingerie industry; whether it's retail, design or even blogging about lingerie, you need to know the facts, after all, if women are going to spend money on a bra, surely they have a right to buy one that actually fits!

The One Day Bra-fitting course in Leicester includes refreshments and lunch. Courses and places are limited to eight for each course, so check the website regularly for dates and availability for upcoming courses.