The Perfect Bra

Nicole Joseph-Chin, CEO of Ms. Brafit, answers all those ‘wedding day bra’ questions and tells what her company can do for you

caribbean BELLE: How can my bra help me from slouching on my wedding day?

Nicole: A proper bra can give any woman’s posture a boost. It all has to do with the correct fit and construction. Once it is suitable for the woman, her weight will be distributed correctly around her body and so her spine will get a bit of help. She will experience a whole new posture and her clothing will sit differently on her body.

caribbean BELLE: What type of bra should a full-figured woman wear on this day? What services can you offer her?

Nicole: A full-figured woman can wear any type of bra that the average sized woman can wear. It’s simply a matter of getting a proper fitting. The first thing we’d do is provide her with minimization: a non-surgical approach to a slimmer, tapered body via the correct bra and shape-wear. This makes a remarkable difference in her appearance and self-esteem. Most of our bras come with matching panties; the full-figured woman can also indulge in honeymoon swimsuits and lingerie items that make for inclusion despite her cup size.

caribbean BELLE: What mistakes do brides make when purchasing bras/corsets?

Nicole: A bride may not understand which bra is suitable for her needs and body type. She needs to consider the type of dress she’d be wearing before she buys her undergarments. She should also desist from getting undergarments through third parties, for example, as gifts or online. This can be a complete disaster. She should not buy a bra because it was “the last one in her size,” “the closest fit” or because “it was on sale.”

caribbean BELLE: Describe the fitting process for a bride.

Nicole: We’d privately and professionally assess her dimensions and body type, decide the use of the bra depending on the type of reception she’d be having, and take into account the neckline of her wedding dress. I like brides to come in before they buy their dress so that I could recommend the appropriate neckline for them.

Choosing the right foundation is critical to the overall look of the bridal gown. A bra can taper the body, keep you upright, accentuate the breasts, minimize the breasts if needed, make you appear thinner or accentuate curves and apply shape. Most importantly, the bride won’t feel like ripping it off her skin during the reception or party.

caribbean BELLE: What’s a bra fitting party?

Nicole: A “bra-fitting” party is an intimate event where the professional fitter helps women understand the fundamentals of a good bra fit in a fun or formal setting. This can be incorporated as part of the bridal shower. Ms. Brafit has been hosting “bra-fitting” parties for the last six years in the United States and throughout the Caribbean. We also provide bra-fitting services for the entire bridal party, as the brides’ maids and maid of honour create an atmosphere for the wedding, and their look is also important.

caribbean BELLE: Post-wedding, what types of bra should a woman have in her closet?

Nicole: As a starter and for a matter of economics, every woman should own a strapless bra, a sports bra and a basic bra for her daily routines. As her wardrobe begins to grow, she can then gravitate to other bra styles that are suitable to her but her basics should always be maintained.

Nicole Joseph-Chin is a US/UK Board Certified Bra and Mastectomy fitter. Her company specializes in breast care solutions for the regional female population. Visit her today at www.msbrafit.com