FAQ

Q. Why do the bra shop ladies always tell me to wash my bra by hand and hang it to dry. It's such a hassle!!!

A. Young lady....you just spent a pretty penny on the gorgeous new bra. And, you spent 30 minutes having a personalized fitting---to find the perfect bra for you. You do realize that the materials used in the bras are heat sensitive. It is the nature of the beast...that when it is heated (by way of hot water wash or a dryer), the fabrics change their structure and the support factor is compromised. As well, the wear and tear from the agitation in the machines will surely make your wires pop. A well cared for bra will last 4 or 5 times as long as one that is abused. When you take the time and spend the money on a quality garment, you will want to look after it. Use a lingerie wash that is recommended by your bra shop, use like-warm water in the laundry tub, and let it soak for a few minutes. The oils and perspiration will come out into the water. You can agitate it gently if you feel the need...I usually do...and then give it a quick rinse and let it dry flat...like a good sweater (or you can hang it to dry...preferable not by the shoulder straps). If you wash your bra after every 2 or 3 wearings, it will last a very long time...and you'll be proud to wear it!!


Q. When I travel, how do I pack my molded t-shirt bras?

A. We have the answer. A brilliant woman has designed a carrying case that will store up to 5 t-shirt bras as a time. They are the cutest things....they look like a little suitcase. You can find them on our web-site. They make the perfect gift for your girlfriend who has everything!!


Q. When is it alright to wear a lacy or embroidered bra?

A. Generally, embroidered bras are the ones that really catch your eye in the lingerie shops. They are absolutely gorgeous...with beautiful colour combinations. Every girl should have one or two of these in her 'top drawer'. She should also have the matching panties of course. These bras work great under less clingy tops, under blouses or sweaters. They also work well under heavier t-shirt tops. Nothing says 'Saturday Night' like a pretty embroidered bra!!!


Q. Why do my bra straps keep slipping off of my shoulders?

A. There could be several reasons for this. You may have sloped or slated shoulders. This makes it very difficult for you to find a bra whose straps stay put. You should ask your bra shop to find you a bra with straps that are quite close together in the back. This would make a huge difference. A balcony style bra is out of the question for you. A racer-back or a convertible bra would also be a good option. There are a few other tricks on the market for you. You lingerie shop should have silicone pads that fit under your shoulder strap and sit on your shoulder to encourage your straps to say put. We've also found that a roll on medical grade adhesive from the prosthesis companies can help to keep the straps from moving around. This also works great when you have a neckline on a top that you'd like to stick in place. I've even heard that body builder’s use this adhesive to keep their bathing suit bottoms from riding up while they execute their moves on stage. Strange.....but true!!!

Q. What is the difference between a smooth cup bra and one that has seams?

A. The main difference is support. With the smooth cup, even though there is a lot of support, the cup is made from a single piece of material and the weight of the breast pulls it down. Although the proper band and descent shoulder straps help with the support....the truth of the matter is that once a breast is a "C" cup or larger, the seamless bra can not offer the definition that a bra with seams can give. It is an engineering miracle that seamless bra can actually give the support that they do. This is also the reason why better built seamless bras are so much more expensive than those which are made shoddily. A seamed bra is made from 2,3 ,4and even 5 pieces of material which have been cut on the bias. When stitched together the cup is being pulled in all different directions therefore giving the bra more support. The side strip will help push the breast from under the arm, the bottom piece or pieces help to lift the breast, the top pieces help to contain the breast. All of these pieces working together help to mold the breast to a desirable shape.


Q. What is a T-shirt Bra....and should I have one?

A. T-shirt styled bras are a common term for a molded seamless bra. These have become extremely popular in the past 10 years as modern fabrics cling to the body and women feel they would like to appear smooth and seamless underneath their clothing. Also, because they are generally slightly padded, a girl's 'headlights' don't show. This is an issue with a lot of women. More often than not, larger cups are difficult to find in this style of bra...but are available to an F or G cup from some manufacturers.


Q. What 'style' of bra is right for me?

A. Often we select the bra that is right for a certain occasion. For example, you may need to purchase a strapless bra for a bridal or formal event. Or, you might need to consider a 'convertible' bra...that allows you to change the configuration of the straps to allow you to wear it with a halter style dress of with a top that has more of a 'racer style' sleeve. This would also allow you to use clear straps if needed. There are also deep plunge bras available for the times when you need to show some cleavage. My Top Drawer also stocks adhesive bras for those occasions when you have an extremely low backed dress...or something sheer that requires no bra to show, yet you feel you can not go bra-less. As well, if your neckline requires, a balcony style bra allows for more or the chest area to show...as the straps are located more to the side of the bra...thus, more opportunity to wear boat-necklines.


Q. What is involved in a bra fitting? Do I have to take my clothes off??

A. In order to have a proper bra fitting, you need to allow yourself some time. Just like buying a pair of shoes, or the perfect pair of jeans, it will take some time, and you will likely take a few 'tries' before you find the perfect fit. First, we measure you...over top of the bra that you are wearing into the store. You may leave your blouse or t-shirt on. It's optional. We measure for a band size, and we measure for your cup size. Then we do the math and bring appropriate bras into the change room for you to try on...one at a time. When you have put a bra on, we ask you to give a gentle knock on the door, and we will come into the change room with you to see just how it fits. We will educate you so that you know just what to look for in that perfect fit. For example, when you put your arms up over your head several times....does the band move up and down in the back?? If so...this is not your bra. Do the breasts slip out from underneath the bra?? If so....the band is too big. Do your breasts bulge out from over top of the cup?? If yes...then the cup is too small. Is there a lot of extra material in the cup? If yes, the cup is too big. We will point out these points as we help you decide if the bra is perfect for you.


Q. Do small breasted women need to wear a bra?

A. No matter what size your breasts are you need to wear a bra! When wearing a properly fitted bra you are helping to keep the breast elasticity lifted and firm. Age and gravity do play a huge part toward sagging breasts but you can help do your part by wearing a properly fitted bra. Even a young girl just starting to wear bra should have a bra fitting to ensure she is wearing the proper fit to help keep her 'girls' perky. Since breast tissue has no muscle, we need to ensure that our breasts have some much needed help to stay firm and to keep them from heading "south" too quickly.


Q. Do I need an appointment for a bra fitting? And, how much does it cost?

A. All of the staff at My Top Drawer are professional bra fitters. There is no charge for this service and you do not need to make an appointment. However, please allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for a proper fitting.