With our new work schedules, most of us are back in the office for at least 1-3 days now. We’ve learnt so much more about work-life balance and having flexibility in our schedules. So imagine my joy when I discovered that Beija London has a store just 15mins from my workplace. And not just any regular smegular bra store, one that stocks bras up to an H. Erm… excuse me, what a find! Of course, I had to venture down there, and lunchtime is as good a time as any.
From their website, they boast an in-store fitting service, so I booked an appointment for the same day of the week I go to the office. I managed to find an afternoon time slot to squeeze into the seemingly never-ending list of work meetings. If I’m honest, I also had noticed a lilac pinky bra online that had my name all over it, but not my size, I was secretly hoping they’d have that in stock too!
Beija London’s Logo is an ancient Sanskrit symbol for a vulva, the Yoni. They describe themselves as a brand with an “ethos of powerful femininity and the strength in womankind”. I’ve been following them online for a while now, as they celebrate all the diverse and varied shapes we have as women. And I’m so here for seeing my slimmer sistas and voluptuous vixens all in one spot. Even offering a quiz on their website to help you find the perfect fit. They have designed three ranges to accommodate this, with the “Z” cup range for those who measure DD-H. This offers a modest nod to the idea that a fuller figure isn’t always a fuller cup, albeit not the broadest grading on the market. They are priced as a luxe brand with the average bra around £60. I wanted to see I could get a hammock worthy of that price tag.
So I arrived at the store a little late for my appointment – just typical of me. As I entered, I was greeted by the fabulous Anita. She perfectly combines the familiarity of your best friend, with the wisdom of your cool Aunty. She ushered me into a changing room after a slight lollygagging session and began to size me.
A great fitter makes you feel at ease, teaches you a little something about how to buy a well-fitted bra, and more importantly, informs you of the nuances of their brand. No two brands fit alike, and my fitter Anita managed this nuance expertly. I mostly wear a 36GG/H, but that’s usually Curvy Kate or Pour Moi.
Having never tried a Beija London bra before, I was curious how she’d size me. Firstly, she let me know that my bust is fuller on top. She measured me as a 36HH, although stated that in some other bra brands I could be a 36H or 38GG. Unfortunately, Beija only goes up to an H so this means I’m at the top of their range, and there is only one style of bra in a full cup 36H that I could fit in comfortably.
As most Beija bras are a balconette or plunge or bralette, those would be out. I didn’t even get to try them, as I was advised I’d be spilling out. A common experience I’ve had with plunge bras, so I couldn’t argue with her advice.
So, I couldn’t get my pink bra, as it would never have fit properly. I was offered this mustard yellow lace instead. I’ll be honest I had seen this one online and thought, Nah…
But I tried it on, and I was blown away by the Al Fresco Z Bra in mustard!
The online photos did not do it justice. The bra hugged my entire cup, in the softest, roundest way. After some assistance manoeuvring using the “scoop and swoop” method, a little jiggle et voilà, a perfect fit. Yellow is not my go-to as I have yellow undertones, so usually, I feel a bit ‘Simpsonish’, but I felt like a Grecian goddess in this.
Great support with a full band and firm wire, but there is a little flexibility so it doesn’t rub. My breast tissue is set quite deep, but the bridge of the bra fitting flush in the middle separating each boob, but still showing ample cleavage. And as it is a full cup you could quite easily flash a little sexy lace against a lower neckline top.
All in all, I really enjoyed my bra fitting and walked away with the complete set. I would have never brought that bra from the online photos, and probably would have sent back the original style I liked because of an ill fit. Luckily I went into the store, and got a personalised chat, letting me know how their bras would work for my bust. Just goes to show that good as a virtual fitting can be, nothing beats the face to face, experiences. So for any of you working in the city, or looking for a treat head on to Beija, it will be well worth the visit.
Thank you Anita, for making the mundane lunch break a little rainbow in the grey city skies.
Hammôck 