When we look good, we feel good. And so much of looking good starts underneath our layers of clothing—it starts with the bra. That's why it is so important to find the right bra, one that actually fits the way it is supposed to. With 80 percent of women wearing the wrong size, it couldn't hurt to get a professional's opinion. Sandra Prothman has dedicated her business to empowering women through her shop in Easton, For the Girls.
Tell us about the mission at For the Girls.
Our mission is to help women feel their best by knowing they look their best. I realized how great my friends and I felt and looked when we went to a bra fitter back in my hometown of Kansas City. When I discovered that people in the Lehigh Valley had to drive into New York or Philadelphia to get a proper fitting bra, I decided I would share that feeling and experience with everyone in my new hometown.
How important is it for women to find a bra that fits?
The correct-fitting bra will help you look and feel your best throughout the day. When your bra fits and gives you lift and support, it is more slimming, accentuates your waist and balances your figure. You also look more youthful. It will help with posture and can eliminate back pain by shifting the pressure away from your shoulders and onto the band where the weight should be supported.
How can one tell if her bra fits properly?
At least 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong size bra. First and foremost, the center of the breast should be positioned halfway between the shoulder and elbow. I like to say I specialize in taking them from where they are and putting them back to where they started! The band should be in a straight line parallel to the floor in the front and the back, and should feel like a gentle hug all day long. If the band is riding up in the back, it is not the correct fit. The front of the band should fit directly where your breast tissue begins on your torso. Over 90 percent of your breast weight should be supported by the band, which eliminates shoulder pain and pressure. The center of the bra should sit flat against the flesh between the breasts. The bra should not shift when you raise your arms. Lastly, all of the breast tissue should be fully inside the cups—none should be on the outside of any of the underwire or spilling over the top of the cup.
Tell us about the styles and sizes available at the shop.
We are continually bringing in new cuts, shapes and styles of brassieres. Most of our bras come from the U.K. or France. I find they have much better support and fit, without costing more than the U.S. brands. The U.K. bras also have a much broader size and style range. Our sizes go from a 28A cup to a 52K cup, which is a U.S. size N. We have everything from a traditional T-shirt bra to a molded spacer T-shirt bra, which shapes to your body and feels great! We also have lots of “cut and sew” styles with varying shapes to give each woman the individual look, fit and style she desires. Once in the correct size bra, you can modify your shape and look depending on the frame of the bra. The possibilities are endless!
Is there a certain style that continuously flies off the shelves?
We try to carry every shape and style imaginable. The Matilda from Elomi is very popular for its rounder cup shape, low plunge and comfortable mesh cup that provides gravity-defying support for even the most voluptuous cup—it goes to a U.K. size JJ. The Fantasie side support is also very popular, as well as the Panache line. Simone Perele has luxurious bras in multiple styles with some of the best-quality lace and spacer T-shirt technology, helping you look and feel beautiful. Empreinte is also a favorite as it has Chantilly lace cups or embroidered “tattoo” lace toile cups with no seams and a round shape. It lasts twice as long as a traditional bra, with no break-in period, and feels as incredible as it looks.
What are some other products that you carry?
We carry Commando-brand knickers and lingerie. Commando has super fun and comfy thongs, briefs and boy shorts that feel great and create no panty lines, even under yoga pants. My favorite is the butter brief for obvious reasons—it “feels like butter”! I have a full line of Rago shapewear, which can reduce you up to two sizes. They have a large size range and go up to 10XL. You might have seen them on the show Mad Men, as that is the only line they would allow under the actresses' costumes. I also carry fun and luxurious nighties and loungewear, going up to size 3X.
Tell us about the option to host a party at the shop.
Parties are always welcome and it can make the experience even more enjoyable with your gal pals along. Just call and set up an appointment for a party; we do them any night you would like, and you are welcome to bring in festive things to drink and nosh! Sundays can be fun too, with many ladies going to brunch after the fit party.
What is the best part about working in the Lehigh Valley?
I have made so many wonderful friends here in such a short time. Everyone has made me feel exceptionally welcome. The people are by far my favorite thing, but I have to also say the history and scenery is amazing! It's such a beautiful place to live. It truly has become my hometown!
11 N. 2nd St., Easton | 816.518.1272 | forthegirlseaston.com
