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 »
Almost Naked
Almost Naked sells "Fashion-Conscious Underwear", like Dutch label Marlies Dekkers, whose unusual bold bra designs feature embellishing strapping above the cup. Almost Naked is the place to go when you want a bit more edge than Princesse Tam-Tam. A decent size range, though style is definitely the priority. 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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I never understood how it could be claimed that a 34B could sub for a 32C, etc ... why bother making other sizes? Never worked for me.
Ugh I hate bra shopping... this is an awesome roundup but I fear my wallet won't offer enough 'support' for the purchase lol... (as I crawl into my old LaSenza affair... ungh)
Secrets From Your Sister is the best - a good bra is worth the investment. Clothes fit better back doesn't hurt and the women that work there are very friendly.
Avec Plasir - the ladies were a bit much for me. Not such a fan.
Oh fantastic
And yes, Secrets From Your Sister is the best.
Change gets my vote for #1, with Secret at #2.
I'm usually all for promoting local places; but, if you're a crazy size, bra shopping can get scarily expensive. www.brastop.com has good quality brands at bargain prices. You have to pay for the postage, but it works out WAY cheaper than any of the prices I've seen at these boutiques.
SECRETS FROM YOUR SISTER SUCKS, the owner is a big bitch
Tryst will forever and always be my #1.
Secrets From Your Sister is a terrible store. The owner is rude and unpleasant. Why anyone would shop there twice is beyond me.
Why is Melmira Bra Boutique not on this list?!?! Hands down the best.
I have to say that these reviews have been a real help. I had heard of Secrets From Your Sister before and was going to go there to check them out. Now I'm thinking I'll just safe myself the aggro by the MANY negative reviews of the owner and go to Tyrst instead since it is the closest to me and I think all the reviews were positive. Thanks Ladies! (and husbands/fiances!)
Change is the best because they not only fit you properly but I can buy three bras for the price of one in a boutique. Love the new shop in Shops at Don Mills.
You need to check out Sognami Intimate Apparel Located at 3883 Rutherford Rd.and Weston Rd.In Woodbridge.(In the same plaza as Turtle Jacks) It is a beautiful relaxing lingerie boutique a must see. The service is great and has an excellent bra fitter. When I buy my pieces everyone is marvelled at the beauty. My breasts have never looked better!So for great service, spa atmosphere and great product...Sognami Intimate Apparel and Hosiery 905-266-0036
I always found shopping for a bra an awful task. I just recently discovered Sognami Intimate Apparel (Weston Road & Rutherford) 905-266-0036, which totally changed my mind. The staff was helpful, patient and very informative. There was a professional bra fitter there. They carried so many lines like SPANX, Hanky Panky, Chantelle, and Aubade. Just to name a few. The boutique is very classy and there was plenty of parking. I felt relaxed and even was served an espresso. I found the whole experience to be totally stress free.
I totally agree that Sognami Intimate Apparel in Woodbridge is hands down the best boutique. The service was excellent and the selection was great. The owner of the boutique is a very lovely and helpful lady who understands your needs and listens to what you want. Doesn't try to push you to buy something you aren't comfortable in. The boutique itself is very classy and sexy. She also has a wonderful selection of jewelley. I would recommend Sognami to any woman who is looking for great personal service when buying a bra.
Thank you Terresa for your professional and caring service.
I also agree with Sognami Intimate Apparel as a choice for best boutique! The selection is endless, the service is incredible, and the comfort it offers is simply satisfying and makes bra shopping easy and enjoyable. Thank you Sognami for your care, concern and appreciation towards your customers and your selection of products. Sognami should be receiving more acknowledgment!
The attitude and service at Secrets from your Sister is appalling. Brushing people off, insulting and defensive attitudes if you simply disagree or share an opinion that differs from staff. I question their approach and "training" based on insulting and offensive treatment from the manager. It's true that the way the top dog treats people trickles down to the staff until they all have the same attitude towards people. By the way, you all should know that if the staff is having a bad day and don't like you for any reason, they make notes in the computer on you! Thus the reason, on your next visit, the next person to "serve" you will already judge you and treat you like crap. How BIZZARE!!
I agree, Melmira rocks. They are so lovely, and worth driving across town for. They take reservations by phone so that you do not feel rushed like you do at Secrets. Secrets has off days for sure. Please put Melmira on the list.
Beestung on Yonge St. has great bra's! No pressure and you can take as long as you need! I've also had great experiences at Melmira (check out their swimsuits if you have larger cup size). After reading some comments here, I think I'll make the trip to try Change and Sognami...they sound great! Anything is better than Secrets from your sister.
After checking out this blog I thought I'd give in to the hype about Sognami and check it out. I must say I am very impressed by the entire estalishment! The environment and one-on-one attention made my life a whole lot easier! Sognami had endless sizes, styles and colours to chose from it was actually more then I had ever expected. Although I am very picky when it comes to bra shopping the owner never showed signs of being impatient and listened to all of my requests thoroughly! Thank-you Sognami!!
I just recently went to Change and had a great experience. I was fitted and was way off from what I thought I was. The sales lady was super friendly, helpful and when I went back 3 days later to buy a second bra she remembered me. ALso I have never been so comfortable in a bra. I really support this place.
Beestung was a nice, relaxing experience! Cute, practical bra's too. Took my time and felt really excited about my purchase. No pressure. No looking down the nose like Secrets from yr sister.
Hmmm,
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!
Nat, the first time I went to SFYS, it was a good experience, but if you try to return something, you suddenly become public enemy #1! Its most bizarre.They keep notes on you in addition to the ''wish list''. If u return something, they will say you are "argumentative/confrontational". Not very professional especially for struggling retail business. I had one fitter there that reeked of cigarette smoke and wouldn't stop talking for 2 seconds to ask me what I was looking for. The final straw was the manager. She was rude and extremely emotional which made me very uncomfortable. She didn't want to do my fitting because I was trying to exchange a bra they sold me that didn't fit (pressure tactics). She was so rude, I actually walked out in the middle of the fitting. I hear this kind of thing goes on a lot there. Check other blogs and you will see. Beestung and Melmira are better choices and I hear that Change in Vaughan is excellent.
I always shop at Tryst Lingerie as do many of my friends. I have never had a bad experience there and I am very happy with the service and the bras I have bought. I have returned things in the past with no problems.
Hosestly, you guys really need to try Sognami Intimate Apparel in Woodbridge.The fit is great, and I have never had a problem-they aim to please.
I've been to SFYS a couple of times and I had great experiences. The staff were really friendly and helpful, and I got no attitude at all. The last time I went was probably over a year ago though, so maybe things have changed since then?
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.
Tryst sounds pretty good but you have to see Sognami Intimate Apparel in Woodbridge they have a wide range of sizes too, with easy parking and the ladies are really nice too.Secrets I don't hear good things about at all. And the others, never have my sizes in stock.
I cast my vote for Beestung. The staff are very helpful but not instrusive, the lingerie is of great quality and the prices are better than most of the other competitors.
I agree Fig...Beestung prices are a little more reasonable then the others. I'm looking forward to checking out Sognami and the others. I only know I will NEVER set foot in Secrets from your sisters again and regret any $ I've previously spent there. Another idea for you on-line shoppers; try figleaves.com. They are out of the UK and deliver to Canada. Very reasonable rates. I have purchased bra's from there (32FF), usually Freya or Fantasie brands, and Im saving at least $30 min per order then buying here, even with delivery. :0)
So I tried to order figleaves.com but it didn't fit so now I have to pay for it to go back,I'm roughly spending the same as if I were to shop for it so it didn't work for me. I would rather try on some different sizes and deal with it here. I'm a fan of sognami.ca it seems to work for me.
Hey Nicky...I always go for a fitting here, record the info and then order on-line. Its usually a good idea to know exactly how the bra fits before ordering. We all know that size means nothing when buying a bra. We always have to try first. Sorry it didn't work out for you, but I love figleaves.com. :)
SECRETS FROM YOUR SISTER SUCKS, the owner is a big bitch. I hate it. I am not sure why they are on TV has they not the best in TO.