Central Foundations

Did you know that you need a bra with a wedding dress? I had no idea. After all, my dress has an internal, bra-​like section that gets zipped followed by the exterior zipper for the dress. It was my tailor who recommended a bra. She explained that it would make things look just-​so. Naturally, I want to look my best. She recommended Central Foundations.
Central Foundations has been owned by women in a single family for four generations! Can you believe it? That’s powerful. And the mother-​daughter duo that currently runs it are friendly, quick, and experts.
You go into Central Foundations and it’s… How should I describe it? It’s old and hasn’t been updated in ages. The carpeting and furniture are worn. They have counters on each side and behind them are walls of shelves. Each shelf is neatly organized with bras in plastic bags. You don’t browse on your own. You sign in with the daughter at the register and then wait patiently for a fitting room.
The mother is sweet as pie and I absolutely adore her. Nothing could rattle her positive disposition even though there where loud-​talking, children chasing, attitude-​blazing customers. They came in groups and crowded the small space. It was horrible and definitely made me want to get in and get out. It took at LEAST 30 minutes to get in. M had time to leave, go to the grocery store and come back.
I explained my mission to the mother when it was my turn in the fitting room. She knew just what I should get. She gave me two corset-​like garments to try. She even had me lift and fit my boobies into the little triangles on top to make it proper. I’m thankful she did because I wouldn’t have known to do that. Anyway, she was perfectly modest and always had me covered every time I was in that room (even though the sheet door didn’t cover the entire entry). She knew just how these corset things should fit and quick as lighting sewed darts up the back to make it more snug. It was impressive that she could do that right on the spot. She explained that this garment would help my dress lay nicely over my torso. No bulges or belly-​button dimples for me!
Next, I tried two bras. I’m used to going into Victoria Secret where they insist on doing a bra fitting and then telling me that I need to special order my size from their website. I have no patience for that. So I’ve never had a proper fitting and I’ve never ever been able to walk into a store and buy a bra. But these two bras were COMFORTABLE! And they looked great! I didn’t realize that bras could be like that.
The corset and two bras were about $ 150. I think that’s entirely reasonable. It was a fairly positive experience and I will probably return! There are just a few areas of improvement:
— The hours. I understand that it’s a small-​time operation; however, it’s very difficult to get there before 5:00 PM during the week or on a Saturday.
— The staff. I adore the mother-​daughter duo, but the environment might be more peaceful if there were more staff to help move things along. Also, having another employee or two might allow them to have more accommodating hours.
— The décor. It has the potential to be just as cute as the mother and daughter who run the place. I’m thinking of a Parisian theme and maybe a few boutique-​y items (soaps, perfumes, garment tape?) to browse while waiting.

The service could not have been more fantastic! They have everything a lady could possibly need for foundation garments and tons of basic, high quality retro pieces. They have high waist panties, waist cinchers, bullet and non bullet bras, stay up and classic stockings, everything in lots of sizes. Most are in solid colors, making the emphasis on basic functional wear. This shop would appeal to a variety of ages as well, from mature women needing extra attention and craving styles of yore, the new retro diva, and those who simply need a way to fit into an evening gown. This little shop is a complete gem, and in my own community! I will be back again for burlesque and everyday pieces.

I was not excited to go shopping for undergarments\shape wear to wear under my wedding dress, but I’m so glad I came here first. The awesome lady, Sue, (who owns the place) was incredibly helpful, considerate and attentive. Prices are reasonable and she listened to my wants\needs and exceeded them both. I will definitely be back!

Brought my mother-​in-​law in to get fitted for some new bras. She didn’t like the fit and feel of her old ones. The service was outstanding. It was quick, yet very personal. The prices were what I would expect to find in a department store without a sale going on. The store may look a bit outdated, but do not let that deter you! I will be recommending this place to everyone I know.

Great service but not a large variety of brands or styles. Good for coverage but not for style. It was hard finding a «cute» bra but great for finding full coverage and support.

Came here for the first time today based on word of mouth and the excellent Unilocal reviews. I was fed up with buying bras that «fit», only to have fit issues pop up after wearing them for a short time and tossing them (and my money!) in the trash.
Let me say this: if you have ever gone into a Victoria’s Secret and had them scoff at your bra size, or bring you the wrong size because «there’s no way you’re that size», then you need to go here!
Sue is great at figuring out what size you need based on how the bra fits, not just by numbers. After a whirlwind 20 minute session of trying on at least 8 different bras, we finally settled on the perfect one and I am confident that this one will last! Of course it’s more expensive than if you went to a big box store, but pretty comparable to department store prices — and the service is worth the extra cost!

Okay, how about a guys perspective? My wife has gone the 25 years, since kids, trying to get «things» under control.
Well, yesterday she solved the problem by a visit to Berwyn! Who would have thunkit? She is all smiles.

«Once you know — you’ll go» to Central Foundations in Berwyn. I reacquainted myself with this quaint and wonderful «old school» shop last Saturday. The lovely owner (daughter of the lovely lady who ran C.F. previously) fitted me in a shocking 38 G! and in an uncanny way came in with 3 styles (one what I call a t-​shirt bra, not the material it’s made of — but one you can wear under a t-​shirt with no seams showing) I bought two bras in my new correct size and wore them alternately all week to see if the magic lasted… well I’m here to say I can’t wait to get my other different-​colored bra that’s on order. The prices are reasonable — in fact «priceless» when I compare an unflattering photo of a month ago with my current profile. So-​now you know-​please if you are large busted GO to Central Foundations and get correctly fitted. Forget about the letter of your size and look and feel beautiful!

I WISH I could give them zero stars… I came here one Sunday to see about getting sized and the owner actually SNAPPED at me like I (a NEW customer) would KNOW that she schedules all her fittings and does NOT do walk in fittings… That’s okay she lost MY business for good. She should learn the meaning of customer service!

Yes this place is old and in need of a facelift but knowing it makes it easier to enter. Sue did a great job at the bra fitting. There were several to try but they were all very basic brands availabe at any department store. Neither bra I liked was in stock in any color but black. Sue told me she’d order them and one would be in within two days and one in about two weeks. When I didn’t hear anything, I assumed each was taking longer. Two weeks to the day later Sue called and said both were in. While the first had come in quickly, she didn’t call to give me the opportunity to pick it up. Instead she decided for me to wait for both to be in stock. Sue then asked if I wanted to pick the bras up or have her mail them. It is 14 miles round trip to get there and I was commited to babysitting at my daughter’s starting that afternoon and for the next 2 days. Sue assured me I’d have the bras the next day. After waiting 5 days I called and left a mesage. When my call wasn’t returned, I called Sue and she said she’d have to check with the post office. Then she called back to ask if I had talked to her the day the bras arrived! I reminded her she had promised to mail them that day. She said they were sitting there on her counter! I was livid and said I was on my way. When I arrived she asked how I was and I responded, «angry.» At no time did she say she was sorry, or she had made a mistake or what could she do to make amends. I am a small business owner and this is no way to win or retain clients. Shame on Sue. I would go braless before I’d ever set foot in this place again.

I finally decided to stop in and check this place out. Central Foundations has a large stock of bras. Don’t let the size of this business fool you– I went in «knowing» that I would come out empty handed but I wrong– even my two sisters walked out with a bra each!
I have fairly large breasts and a small figure and I have always had trouble finding bras that fit and/​or lift. I have a ton of bras from Victoria’s Secret that range from $ 48 to $ 55 each and they do their job quite well but won’t hold without straps. I went to various VS stores in search of a strapless corset but none fit the way they were supposed to.
At Central Foundations, I tried on a strapless corset that didn’t quite hug my waist but the very nice lady in charge made modifications to make it fit perfect. She’s fast with a sewing machine and won’t let you leave if you’re not satisfied with the way your bra fits. The prices are appropriate and customer service is great.
I can finally say goodbye to those black straps that never blend in with my black dresses and goodbye to you ugly «clear» straps that always show.

I am the type of person that if I find something that works for me, I will stick with it for a long. long time. So 4 years ago I purchased a bra at VS and I was told my size is a 38DD, of course I was measured. I believed the sales clerk and happily purchased my new bra. I wore this bra at least 3 – 4 times a week for a long, long time. However, I can’t afford to purchase a bra like that on a regular. I was told about JCP because I needed a strapless bra for my best friend wedding. I went to JCP, I was measured and I was told I needed a 38 D. so again, I believed the sales clerk and happily purchased 2 bras. The bras looked nice, I was happy, (so I thought) but as time went on, my girls would smash into each other and the girls was runneth over my cup… not sexy. I don’t need that type of extra attention.
Fast forward, my sister-​in-​law told me about central foundation, at least 8 months ago. I decided to go on Unilocal to see what other folks were saying about C.F. I was reading the reviews and I was surprise to see a review from one of my coworkers. She gave the place 5 stars (a few days later I saw her at work and we talked about C. F and she bragged about the place) and was very happy with her purchase.
Present day, I visited the shop ⁶⁄₂₀₁₂ and when I walked into the store, I was a little surprise to see the interior outdated, the store did not meet the image I created in my head, however two women I trust, love this place and they purchased items from this store, so I did not let my idea image stop me.
The first person to greet me was pleasant and friendly. Of course, I thought it would be like the fitting at VS or JCP and then I would be assigned a new bra number and cup size. Sue came in, measured me quickly, to quick I thought and brought me back two bras in a size 36G… please understand I had to review my alphabet table because I thought to myself, with a confusing look on my face and my hands in the air… I wear a 38 D or 36DD (depends on who make the bra… as you can tell I needed help) not a G, I have been wearing some form D. size bras for at least 10 – 12 years. So with hesitation, I took the bra and placed it over my girls, and I thought, lets see if this lady knows what she is doing. The cups covered the girls, so I inserted my arms into each of the openings…
Well, I be damn… she was like 99% right, I needed a 34G. I was shocked. and in awe. The material felt so good on my body. there was no spillage on the side, in the front, the bottom and the girls did not sag. I purchased two bras and a bustier from this wonderful shop. Sue was kind and patient, I did not feel like she was trying to «handle me.» you know, make me feel like I had to purchase the bras. I couldn’t wait to wear my new bras. I finally have the right bra that works for me and allow my girls to be all they can be. Thank You C. F…and yes I will be back.
Psst…they also have a lay-​away plan for at least 30 days… how cool is that… I didn’t have time to investigate it fully… but I will.

I have always dreaded shopping for a bra! It has always been a daunting task that either left me feeling completely and utterly confused or wondering how all that fat moved from my ass to my boobs and back area!
See, I come from the land of Victoria’s Secret and Hookers of Hollywood… whoops! I mean, Frederick’s of Hollywood — where most of the bras there are meant to be worn for about 5 minutes (if u know what i’m sayin, ladies) and not meant for every day use.
Who knew my Christmas vacation to Chicago would yield me two of the most comfortable, supportive and sexy boulder-​holders… Ever!
Sue, the shop owner is amazing! She made me feel incredibly comfortable and was extremely respectful. I am sort of an exhibitionist at times so I think I might have freaked Sue out a little bit… But she was super sweet and was spot on with my measurements and choices of bras. It was almost like she was my personal shopper!
You can also order from central foundations online… Thank goodness, considering i’m all the way in san fran and plane tickets these days are ridiculous. But seriously, that is how much I love this place. I would actually consider buying a plane ticket to chicago for a bra! Who does that??? If you have ever had trouble finding a bra — you can feel my pain! Thank you Sue!

I actually found this store via Unilocal.I read a review and it gave the store top rankings.
I was in search of a strapless bra for a wedding I am attending in Oct. I’m very top heavy and had a hard time finding bras to fit. She measured me and I found out I had been wearing the wrong size all alone.
The staff was very friendly and helpful. The stores keeps details notes about your purchases and will inform you when things come into the store that you may like. I really enjoyed my experience at Central Foundation. I have already told all my friends about this store. This store has become my favorite place.
You know you have a great bra on when your friends ask if you have had surgery!

I got my training bras here thirty years ago… and I’m STILL shopping at Central Foundations. It’s the place to go to if you have an unusual bra size, your girls don’t match in cup size, or you need odd foundation wear for a strapless, backless… whatever dress.
I went in to CF once… and asked them to help fit me with a good «sports» bra. The saleswoman looked me straight in the eye and told me that there «is no such thing. ANY well fitted supportive bra should hold you up during sports.» There’s no reason to have a uni-​boob while working out. They sold me three «Goddess» bras… and I’ve been wearing that style ever since.
Yes…unlike Vicky’s…this place does NOT look like you’re walking into some sort of mass-​market bordello. Plain and unassuming… family run… with fitting rooms and on-​site tailoring. I’d take one CF over a hundred frilly mall lingerie stores that sell more honey dust than underwear.

Good support is hard to find.
I have been a dedicated customer at this fine little establishment for over 5 years. (They have literally mailed me bras to my dorm at NIU.) As a well-​endowed young woman, I used to hate not being able to find my size at VS or pretty much ANY retail store. This left my girls to fend for themselves. Well, not literally. They were supported, just not nearly how they should have been. A friend told me about this shop and I am SO thankful. The staff is always friendly, accommodating and professional! A winning combination for sure. I have fluctuated weights, and thus bra/​cup sizes, but they keep excellent records for each of their clients and can easily measure you if needed.
I was just in the store last weekend because I needed a strapless bra to wear with a spaghetti-​strap shirt. They were particularly busy this Saturday morning but they worked with each customer at a time and the wait was not too bad. (They have chairs where you can sit while you wait.) When it was finally my turn, I told (Sue?) that I’d lost 30lbs since my last visit so she was able to quickly bring me a few options in strapless bras from me to choose.
They now have matching panties to go with some of their bras. This is a great little addition. I also tried on some regular bras but they did not fit particularly well, so she said she’d order them for me and let me know when they came in. About a week later, I got a letter in the mail from Central Foundations. It threw me off at first, but she explained in the letter that they were unable to reach me via phone, so she was writing to let me know that the matching bra/​panty sets I’d wanted were in stock. This is what you call ‘Grade-​A’ customer service.
Spending 45 – 50 bucks on a bra is not that bad considering what I said in the beginning. If you want great support, look NO further.

this store is a fantastic resource for women who wear esoteric sizes and for unique vintage lingerie pieces. i wear a 32 e, so i was pretty floored that the shop-​owner was able to find a wide array of beautiful garments for me. even more importantly, she seemed really excited to help and was happy to answer all my questions, search through her stock, and order anything she didn’t have at hand. i picked out a vintage girdle garter belt that was a bit too wide in the waist, and she altered it for me in just five minutes before i left the shop. i can’t recommend this place highly enough.

The only reason this place does not get a full 5 stars is because the shop appears to need a remodel and a decorator; and if fake wood paneling, mom&pop-type places freak you out, this is not the place for you.
But if you need _​expert_​bra fitting or shapewear, or if you are notoriously between bra sizes, this is the place to go. This is a 3^rd generation (!) ladies’ foundation wear shop and they will customize your fit. Let me repeat that. Customized bra fit. They also are a certified mastectomy wear resource.
I needed a long-​line bra (aka bustier) for a strapless dress, and I knew I needed a very good fit to keep those suckers in the right place and not give my future in-​laws a free show. My regular shop has been suffering mightily in the current recession, and to their credit they told me about this place.
I called about the color and size I needed, and immediately they set one aside for me. So I zip over there and try a few things — again these are multi-​generational experts at getting your girls to do what they’re supposed to – I mentioned I wanted the bra to be smidge tighter to make sure it would help hold up the strapless dress. Sue stepped into her sewing corner and while I waited (!) she customized my fit with these little ¼″ inverted darts — and like magic, a customized bra just for me. She also carried many styles of shapewear bottoms, and I picked up one of those too.
If you’re only used to VS and Macy’s or Nordstroms for foundation wear, not kidding, this place will look run-​down. Don’t be alarmed. And good stuff is not cheap. You should know that by now. Sue and Judy were the nicest ladies and their customer service was the best I have experienced in ages. I only wished I actually needed a couple of regular bras to be able to give them a bigger sale! Next time!