Toronto
10 Great Bra Boutiques in Toronto
Trying on a new bra can be like trying on new shoes, in reverse: you realize how stretched out and broken your old ones are, but it's not in a good way.
Most women wear the wrong bra size. There are dozens of sizes, several of the stores in this list go up to 52JJ, yet everyone thinks they're a 34B. Which is fine, since it's not like it's something you wear everyday... oh, wait a second.
The bra boutiques below will help you find the proper fit, so you're telling the truth when you say you're slipping into something a little more comfortable (and a lot more beautiful).
Secrets From Your Sister
Secrets has cultivated an eye-catching selection of bras (Fantasie, Freya, Panache), which you can try on in some of Toronto's lovelier fitting rooms. They've just opened a second location on Yonge north of Eglinton, where until November 30th new Secrets shoppers will receive 20% off their first bra purchase. More »
Sophia's Lingerie
Sophia's are sort of like the bra police, they won't let you leave the store with a bra that doesn't fit ("Ma'am, there's puckering.") A trained fitter ensures a proper size. Not for the shy -- I got to know a co-worker a lot better fast, when she was shepherded into my changeroom to appraise the balconette I was trying on. More »
Beestung Lingerie de Femme
Yonge St near Castlefield is a locus of exquisite bras. A few doors away from Secrets, Beestung was first to the area, and is a charming store featuring bras from lines including Fayreform, Le Mystere Tisha Bra (aka the "Oprah" bra), Elle Macpherson's designs, and Princesse Tam-Tam (in a full range of sizes). More »
Linea Intima
As owner Liliana rightly points out, if you can't wait to take your bra off at night, it's time to come in and get fitted. Linea Intima are expert fitters, as well as being licensed to sell mastectomy prosthesis, which they'll help you fit with their elegant bras. More »
Brava Boutique
Besides bargain bookstores, there's not a lot of businesses that thrive underground, but upscale bra boutique Brava has been bringing glamourous lingerie to the Commerce Court PATH for the last 11 years. Sizing from 32A to 52JJ, Brava encourages women to get past the seamless-only age, and embrace delicate, luscious, and lacy styles -- fit properly. More »
Tryst
"Every great outfit deserves a great bra" (and a great bra makes even a mediocre outfit feel better). Mother-daughter owned Tryst recently opened another riotously colourful location on Queen St W, with bras in all styles, in sizes from AA to JJ, 28 to 52. Expert fittings, and you can book in-store lingerie parties. More »
Nearly Naked
Nearly Naked scooched down Queen from Tecumseth to Shaw, taking over Any Direct Flight's space (who scooched in the opposite direction). Their slightly smaller store is brighter and re-focused on dainty underthings, like those from Jezebel and Third Floor Designs (made in Canada). A modest range of sizes, erring towards the smaller end. More »
Change
Nearly Naked has a selection from the Change brand, but now you can go to the source -- the Danish lingerie company's dedicated store at Queen & John. This season features a range of neutrals and soft colour, with a select few pieces in stronger tones (burgundy and red). Designs that are understated, tasteful, and tailored. More »
Avec Plaisir
A lot of people don't consider it proper lingerie if it isn't prefaced by "European". If that's you, try Avec Plaisir, European-style lingerie in sizes 32A-44H. Two locations, one in Yorkville on Cumberland, and one on the Danforth, just a half-block away from Sophia's. More »
Discussion
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Avec Plasir - the ladies were a bit much for me. Not such a fan.
And yes, Secrets From Your Sister is the best.
Thank you Terresa for your professional and caring service.
I haven't been in a little while, but I've had nothing but good experiences with the fitters at Secrets from your sister. Every time I've gone in the ladies have been friendly, helpful and open. Especially the lovely Patricia. I like that the ladies seem to be having fun, and don't look down one me because I am not a fancy lady dressed to the nines (which is the vibe I have gotten from some of the European Bra Boutiques). True, they do get rather busy, so there can be a bit of a wait for a fitting.
I'm confused about these secret notes in the computer. I have a file there, but as far as I know, the only information they've needed to write about me is my "wishlist", and once a note about the fit of my bra (I once left with a bra that was a tad small in the cup, but I assured them it was b/c I was premenstral). Anyway, I will cast my vote for Secrets!
Tryst is excellent. They have great stock and excellent service. They even take your bra straps in if they stretch out over time.
Change is ok. I love Change bras; I've been wearing them for years. But the Change store on Queen I have been to twice, and both times I have found the service to be a bit short and snobby. I will not be returning to the store, though I will continue to buy their bras from other stores.
Almost Naked looks super funky, but it doesn't carry sizes like DD32. So if you have an abnormal bra size, this place sadly isn't for you.
Nearly Naked is ok. I find that they don't have a lot of stock, though the owner is very sweet.
Overall, Tryst is my favourite. Wide range of styles and sizes, and friendly helpful staff.
Found the inventory at Tryst limited. I purchased one bra from Linea but found the experience so-so. Very limited inventory and didn't appreciate the Salesclerks gossiping while I was trying on bras.
I made an appointment with Melmira and was floored with the entire experience. Excellent. The Sales Clerk really new her stuff and brought 20 bras for me to try on. She was lovely, professional and kind. I never felt rushed or pressured to buy. I ended up buying 2 lovely bras which are the prettiest and best fitting I'm ever owned.
I made an appointment today for a swimsuit fitting and had another great experience. The salesclerk (Andrea?) was outstanding. I'm sold. THE single best lingerie and swimsuit source anywhere.
Do any of you know if these stores carry backless strapless girdles/shapewear? I need it for a backless dress & have gone to a few places (none of the ones listed here) & if anyone can help me out that will save me hours of travelling as it seems to be a rare thing.
Thanks!
I also discovered other aspects of the bra beyond its fit that contribute to major discomfort, not surprisingly steel underwires (bra knives) and designs that ignore the premises of support established by structural engineering.
This led me to Vena Cava, an online store for the DIY bra wearer. Yes it had come to this.
So why am I on this blog then? Time! I don't have time to make a bra. Today is buy a new bra day.
The best bra I've worn came from a sex shop (complimentary handcuffs included). Thanks ladies for the store list, but guess where I'm going first.
Wishing all your pardners the best.
Can you help?
Don't you know how much time these women are spending on you to get a bra fitting. I know I almost always take an hour with my fittings and to do something so sneaky is not very nice. Have a little bit of respect for local business owners in the Toronto area, no matter where it is you shop.
I read all the comments and of the places listed above I have tried Sognami (Vaughan), & Beestung (Toronto). Both great, Sognami's a more one on one, calming experience and you are never pressured, Beestung was also great, only difference between them for me was the location as Sognami's closer to my home! Also loved the ladies working @ Sognami. Once again both great experiences
If retailers in Toronto want to keep/build clientele, they need to bring their price point into reality. Why do you think most people love to do the cross border shopping, especially at Christmas? Because everything is so much cheaper! Why would anyone in their right mind pay $125.00 for a bra when you can order the identical item on-line for $60.00? Its a no brainer.
SFYS sometimes has my size, sometimes they don't. My level of happiness also depends on the sales person that I get. I also find I have to spend more time there than usual as the sales peoples communication skills aren't very good but they try...
Tryst is a great store that I have never had a problem with. The staff are always friendly and they have no problem ordering stuff for you and will refund deposits if what you ordered doesn't work. I find I almost always find a pretty set there in brand I actually like. But, I do feel like they don't have much in the lines of "sexy" lingerie.
Beestung's employees are always really nice to me and they have an AMAZING selection of Hanky panky underwear.
Sophias is a good store with a pretty good selection, the sales ladies can be really nice but because I love downtown it isn't very convenient for me. When I have gone I have had excellent help and have not been disappointed.
Nearly naked doesn't carry my size but I usually find really nice tights and leggings.