My Expert Bra Fitting at Bradelis’ Madison Avenue Boutique
For four years I worked at lingerie stores in San Francisco from Aerie, to Dollhouse Bettie to Pink Bunny. And during that time, I fell in love with every aspect of lingerie. I love it all from structured balconette bras, to lace tap shorts, to silk chemises and everything in between. And the best part about the garments is how they can make the wearer feel. A great-fitting bra or a flattering pair of undies can make all the difference to your day. So I was very excited when the Japanese lingerie company Bradelis reached out to me to try on some bras at their Madison Avenue location!
Bradelis’ beautiful Madison Avenue store is located just a block north of the Flatiron District. It was a freezing cold January day when I visited, yet the store was cozy and warm enough to comfortably try on lingerie.
Bradelis NYC
66 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
This store boasts a broad selection of bras and undies, and features other lingerie drawer staples from chemises and robes to accessory bags and lingerie soap. The bras are organized by style, function and amount of padding.
Bradelis
Bradelis was founded by Japanese designer Akiyo Hirakubo in 1994. While studying abroad in New York City, she realized that many of her colleagues had different sets of bras and underwear that they wore for different functions and occasions, as each garment made them feel a very specific way. The revelation inspired her to create a brand of lingerie that married New York style with Japanese craftsmanship. Through Bradelis (pronounced similarly to “fleur de lis”) Hirakubo crafts special garments that make women feel supported, confident, and beautiful in every situation.
While Bradelis is most known for how well it caters to women with a smaller frame, I found that they had a wonderful selection for women with a fuller bust size. The company carries sizes 30B to 38I depending on the style of bra.
I received excellent service from Megumi and Shiho at the boutique. Megumi insured that I walked away with the perfect fit, taking all of my measurements before matching me with my ideal styles.
I typically wear a 34DD or 36DD depending on the brand. But at Bradelis I measured as a 36F. It’s important to recognize that much like clothing brands, every lingerie brand has its own unique sizing chart. So whenever delving into a new brand, rather than going by the size label, go by something more objective such as your measurements in inches or centimeters.
Bradelis has taken out much of the guess work by providing their shoppers with a sizing guide on their site. For those in the New York area, you can make in-store appointments to be fitted on their website.
My Haul
I couldn’t choose between the beautiful Lacy Minimizer bra in a pretty seafoam green color, and the Wireless bra in black - so I didn’t. I indulged and got both. The Lacy Minimizer bra has a sexy sheer appearance to it, and its side-lacing matching undie is the perfect complement. It’s ideal for a night of fun, while also being very supportive and comfortable. The wireless bra I purchased is easy to affix and remove, having a hook and eye closure in the front. The website version of the design has a nifty zipper closure. It’s fully supportive while giving you an ultra-comfortable wireless fit, yet it’s still sexy in its own right.
The Lacy Minimizer Bra and matching undies in Dusty Green
The Wireless bra and matching undies
For reference, I am a size 36F in the Lacy Minimizer, and a Large in the Wireless Bra. Even if you are comparable to my sizing, I still recommend measuring yourself individually and following their sizing on a case by case basis for the best possible outcome.
My Bradelis purchase came with a beautiful floral tote and a sample of their signature lingerie soap.
My Bradelis Picks
Lacy Minimizer: I’d recommend this style if you have a larger cup size like myself. The coverage is really wonderful for those who often struggle with cup spillage. I felt extremely supported in this, and it’s quickly coming one of my favorite bras I own.
Wireless Bra: For those who aren’t fans of underwires, I loved this bra. Its lace design takes its utilitarian aspect and gives a bit more glam to your everyday. They have many different styles of underwire bra (including ones intended to sleep in,) but this one that I have included above has a slimming effect and a front closure.
Wendy and Jasmine Bra: Both styles are considered some of Bradelis’ most classic, perfect for those just beginning to revamp their lingerie wardrobe. The Wendy bra has removable straps, giving you the opportunity to swap them with clear ones. And the Jasmine bras have some of my favorite lace styles.
Naomi Push-Up Plunge Bra: This push-up bra is great for those who would like more of an appearance of cleavage. Its style of wire gives off a very feminine silhouette.
Viola Contour Bra: This bra enhances your figure by smoothening excess back and underarm tissues towards the bust area. It lifts and contours to create the perfect full bust effect.
All of the Bradelis bras have a beautiful aesthetic appeal, but each bra has a different function and gives off a different effect. It’s important to really research your bra to find which one is going to give you what you need, while also flattering your unique shape and sizing. To learn more about the differences between the various Bradelis styles, please see their Beginners’ Guide to Bradelis.
I’m so glad that Bradelis reached out to me and I cannot wait to order more bras from them. The dream when shopping for lingerie is always to find something that is - and makes you feel - smart and sexy. And Bradelis has really nailed it. Can’t wait to get the Lacy Minimizer in every other color. Until next time!
