On Saturday 30th September, I headed into Soho to visit the Lara Intimates studio for a ‘fit party’. Buying lingerie online can be tricky, and Lara founders Faith and Cindy know that getting measured and trying on bras in person is the best way to get a perfect fit, so they invited fans of the brand to “join us in the Lara studio, get your boobies measured, have drinks and shop the collection IRL”. Bras, drinks and a chat? How could I possibly resist?
I got a bit lost on the way, so sent an Instagram message in the hope that someone would be checking, and got a reply straight away from Cindy with some helpful directions. As I walked up the stairs to the studio, I could hear low music and friendly chatter, so I knew I was in the right place. Cindy and Faith welcomed me into Lara Intimates’ wonderful new home with a glass of prosecco and were available to answer any questions on he brand’s products, but I started off with a quick browse through the rail of lingerie next to the fitting room.
Although shopping for clothes online means that we now have access to far more brands and sizes than we ever thought possible, the problem with buying bras online is that it can be tricky to get a good fit. When I backed the Lara Intimates Kickstarter campaign, I chose a set and used their online Find My Size tool to work out which Lara size to order. Although I trusted their size calculator (as it came back with a size that already features in my lingerie drawer), I have to admit that I intentionally selected a style that I thought was going to be the most likely to fit me. Delilah is underwired with wide adjustable straps, and I knew that it would probably give me the support I needed whilst also allowing me to shorten the straps to fit. However, going along to the fit party meant that I could try on other styles to see how they fit too.
After being measured by Faith, I tried on a couple of non-wired styles that I liked the look of – Coral and Wren. Having a non-wired bra to wear around the house on weekends has been on my wishlist for a while, but I hadn’t yet found one I liked the look of which also fit me, so I was keen to try these two styles on. They both looked lovely and were amazingly supportive, thanks to clever pattern cutting and a double layer of soft but strong mesh. The straps of the Wren aren’t adjustable, which is why I’d discounted this style previously but, when you order from a fit party, adjustments can be agreed with Faith so that your bra is made to fit you perfectly. So, I’ve put in an order for one in hot pink with slightly shorter straps. Review coming soon!
If you’re interested in being measured and trying on some of the lovely Lara Intimates styles in a relaxed friendly environment, I’d highly recommend going along to one of their fit parties. They’re taking place every Wednesday night at the studio in Soho. For more information, and to book your place, check out the Lara Intimates website.