Brasmyth

I’d been in need of a good strapless bra, and when I happened past this shop, I took it as a sign to see what they had to offer. There were some robes in the front that made it appear to be an old lady store and racks stuffed with all kind of sized bras. It was overwhelming, so I asked for help. I told the associate my size and what I was looking for, but that maybe I’d need to be measured since it had been a while. She looked at me and said that I looked to be in the right size, and gave me some in the size I was currently wearing. I’m a 32D in Victoria’s Secret, VS Pink, Betsey Johnson, and Calvin Klein, and usually wear it on the loosest hook. Yet, I just couldn’t find a strapless to hold me up, even on the tightest hook. The associate helped me into a few and told me the problem was that my back was so narrow. I asked if a 30D would be better, but she said that the cups would be off. I’d have to get the back of one shortened, but that’s fine because they do free alterations. Made sense to me. I asked if she could show me the one I was trying on in black. Before I could say, «No, I’m really looking for something in solid black,» I realized that it was so pretty, so sexy, and maybe not 100% what I intended to buy but absolutely had to own. There was nothing old lady about it. Even better, it came with straps so I can wear it multiple ways.
The associate explained how it was going to be altered to give me the fit I needed. I told them it wasn’t really a rush, by the end of the week would be nice, and it was ready a day later. Wow! I’m very satisfied with my purchase, although I wish I’d gone for a bra with some push-​up for a strapless. That’s not on her, though, that’s on me. I took away one star because I really would’ve liked to have been measured, like I’d asked, rather than eyeballed, and given a few differently sized bras to try on to confirm the size.

The service was not good not was the selection or the atmosphere. The store looks like a grandma store that needed an update 20 years ago. It definitely does not give off the atmosphere that this is a higher end lingerie store that claims to do expert fittings. I recommend Journelle or Intimacy.
When I walked in, I was immediately put into a changing room with no time to look around. My size was identified by looking at me and was given 3 bras, 2 in a different size than the size I was told I was. When I went to another place, I was told a size that didn’t agree with either of the bras that I was given. When I went out to look at bras on my own I was given a hard time and I was also given a hard time when I said that the bra I was considering getting was too big and would like a smaller size. I was told by the other associate that the woman who helped me was an expert and knows what she is doing. Eventually, they came back and told me that they did not have the size I wanted. I was encouraged to buy bras that did not fit, when I tried one of the same bras at a different place I was given a smaller size and then was told that the straps would need to be altered and was recommended to not buy it. After, I was given the 3 bras it was determined I should buy I was left alone and never checked on. I gave the bras back and had difficulty communicating that I did not want them and then was told to come back in a few weeks when they had another size.

I had heard good things about Bra Smyth upon moving to NYC, so I walked in hoping to be fitted and leave with at least three new bras ones that would fit me properly after losing quite a bit of weight. I let the saleswoman know what I was looking for, and she gestured to a dressing room where I took off my top and let her examine the way my current bra was fitting. ‘Examine’ would actually be an overstatement – she checked the size of the bra I was wearing and then went off to select bras for me to try on. I’m a fan of Emprinte, so I asked if she could bring back anything from that brand to try in [whatever my new size is]. She responded that they had very few bras from that brand, but she would bring me a number of things to try on.
She returned, as promised, with a few selections. I first noticed that there was something wrong when I tried to clasp the first bra – the same style and brand I was already wearing, mind you. It felt small and tight and wildly uncomfortable, and when I finally managed to wedge myself into it, I asked her the size. «34D,» she responded, and I laughed – I haven’t been that size since ninth grade. The bra I walked in with was a 36E, and since I’d lost weight, I expected my band size to be smaller but for my cup size to remain an E or a DD in some styles – this wasn’t my first time at the fitting rodeo, and that’s generally how bra sizing works. Even if you’ve lost weight.
But the saleswoman responded emphatically that no, I am in fact a 34D, and to try on some of the other styles. So I did. Same results.
Perplexed, I asked her if she was absolutely positive that I was a 34D, considering that every single bra she had me try on squished my breasts, dug into my armpit flesh, wouldn’t lay flat on my chest, and created the dreaded back fat look where none existed before, and maybe she should go get a measuring tape just to confirm? I was informed that I’d been «wearing a bra that is too loose for too long so anything I give you is going to feel tight because you’re not used to having support, and we don’t use measuring tapes because every bra fits differently.»
Politely, I responded that it wasn’t just that the band was tight, but that the underwires were digging into my flesh (leaving red marks on my very fair skin) and that the gore wasn’t laying flat against my chest, the band was riding up, and the fabric on the cups was so small that it created a double-​breast effect. Geometry is not my strong suit, I’ll admit, and I suck at spatial relations, but even I know enough to know that these are not indicators of a well-​fitting bra. Neither was the fact that they were all really f*cking uncomfortable.
But lo, I was told again that I was ‘mistaken’ – the underwires weren’t ‘digging in’ and I was uncomfortable because I ‘wasn’t used to it yet.‘
When someone tells you that you are not feeling what you are feeling, it’s time to bounce. And so I did – right on over to Intimacy on 89^th and Madison, where I was fitted properly by the lovely, knowledgeable saleswomen there (Angela and Heather – kind, respectful, patient, and accommodating). I spent $ 810 on two pairs of underwear and four bras and it was worth every penny to have lingerie that actually fits – from brands I know and love, and new ones that were gorgeous and comfy. And my size, in case you were wondering?
32E.
Thanks anyway for the gaslighting, Bra Smyth!

Very disappointing experience. They had practically nothing in my size (which is a perfectly normal size) and there were 3 salespeople standing around yet they still just stood there while my daughter and I scrambled around in their racks looking for our sizes. I expected that when I told the saleslady I was looking for minimizer bras in a certain size she would bring me some. Instead, she just pointed to the racks. I did try a few on and found them all flimsy and ill-​fitting. So I went up a few blocks to the Town Shop. What a difference – I was immediately escorted to a fitting room by a woman who identified herself as a senior bra fitter, and she brought me many styles and advised as to which ones fit and were flattering. This is exactly what I had expected and wanted at Bra Smyth – but they were incapable of delivering. From now on I will only shop at the Town Shop. And honest, I do not work for the Town Shop. This is my honest experience.

After a disappointing stop at La Perla, I walked just a few short blocks to Brasmyth in hopes of finding a 32A bustier for my wedding dress. I was literally in and out in 10 minutes! They were amazing! To the ladies that helped me: thank you for such a good experience; you couldn’t have made it any easier for me. I will most definitely be back.

Wow! The inventory and items sold are absolutely beautiful with great quality, the employees are lovely and helpful, and the store is inviting and hip. I love Bra Smyth, I recommend it to all of my friends and family, and have never heard a complaint!

My band size is 28 (which is actually not that small, you are not supposed to add 6 inches to your ribcage for your band size. It’s supposed to be the same size as your ribcage. And I should technically be in a 26, which nobody makes). I can never friend bras anywhere, so I like to walk into bra shops and ask if they have 28 bands. I walked in here and asked if they have 28s here. The lady said, «No, but you are a 32.» I said, «No, I know my size.» She said, «You have to add 6 inches.» A bra boutique should know how to properly fit bras, not subscribe to the Victoria’s Secret method of shitty fit. She tried to get me to try on a 32A. I wear a cup size far larger than an A cup. I laughed and walked out of the store.

This place was a huge disappointment. They woman who fit me was rude and obnoxious. She narrowed my bra options down to two types and when I told her they were uncomfortable, she told me that was too bad because for my size these were my only options [I am not a mutant, a small petite woman with curves). I would have to live in discomfort. Right…
I will not darken their door again!

A friend recommended this place, and I looked at their web site to see their selection. I went to the Madison Avenue location to purchase 4 bra and panty sets of Aubade Bahia in black and white, 6 new Hanro hipsters, 6 Hanro bikinis, and 6 Hanro thongs. In addition, I wrote a list of exactly 24 different bras that I had seen on the web site that I was interested in. First I requested the hanro panties. All they had were midi briefs. They kept telling me (lying) that they were really bikinis and that they didn’t look so big if I tried them on. So I did as they instructed. They were the type of granny panties that could have covered an adult diaper. I showed them the thin, satin waistband on the hanro panties that I was wearing when I came in, and told them I wanted more of the same (not a thick waistband with a high rise). They kept pushing the granny panties on me, and I told them I wasn’t interested. A matronly european woman rolled her eyes at me and a thin Asian woman, who appeared to be from the Philippines. The Asian woman then gestured at me, to go into the dressing room and remove my shirt. There was a poster in the dressing room of the Bahia bra sets that I came for, but they didn’t even stock what they had on the poster. So she brought me 2 garish demi cups in hot orange and fuschia, telling me that these would please my boyfriend (that they had never met). I tried them on just to get an idea of Aubades sizing. I came out of the room with the items in my hand, and told them it didn’t work for me. The portly European woman began laughing. She said, «It seems like our lady here ees VERY confused! Hahaha!» I looked at the Asian woman to understand what was so funny, and to understand what ‘lady’ they were referring to. She was shaking her head at me, and said, «I showed you every bra on your list!». But In fact I hadn’t even shown her the list yet, I had only told her about it. So I began to read off of the list. Every bra that I mentioned inspired their snickers, and comments like, «That is old fashioned, no one wears those these days». Then why do they list it on their web site? I went through a list of 24 bras that I had jotted down from their web site, and they either did not carry it or they were not willing to show it to me. So, being ever-​so patient with their condescending and bullying behavior, I described to them the type of bra that I wanted to purchase, and I hoped they would know of something in their stock that might be similar.
The Asian woman, while I was speaking to her, turned her back to me to whisper to her associate. They both turned to look at me and started laughing. I immediately went back to the dressing room to gather my belongings to leave. The Asian woman started pounding on the door. I told her I have lived and shopped in Manhattan for over 27 years and I have never encountered such ugly behavior by a salesperson. Even though I thought the bra smyth reps from the catalogue were very nice and very helpful (they had recommended some of the bras on my list), I don’t think I will ever purchase from them again if these are the type of people that they want representing their business. I think I will take the advice of a previous post, and shop at Bloomingdales, or maybe I will shop through bare necessities, on line. If you are a masochist, and enjoy being disrespected by people poking around at your naked body, and want saleswomen who makes used car salesmen look like nice people, then shop at bra smyth. I felt violated.

I was very excited when I first heard of a catalouge and online shop that has a large selection of quality bras for the D Cup+ set. But after being told that my items were being put on back order twice, I decided to cancel my order. After sending out an email to cancel my order, I assumed I would get a confirmation of stop payment. That didn’t happen what I did receive was the bra, over a month later and a charge on my credit card. I contacted the company several times by phone and email to request a return slip, I refused to pay for the shipping to return an item I should have never received. They denied my claim twice. Bra Smyth wants me to pay for the shipping and return cost for this item which they may or may not refund.
In the days of great online shops there is no room for this old school business that scams their customers. Visit Bloomingdale’s they have the same selection and actually value and reward their customers.

My ladies have never been properly exhibited given I wouldn’t say they were particularly prominent. As I was in need of a boost, I decided to pop by per a friend’s recommendation.
The salesladies there were no-​nonsense and to the point. For the modest, yes, this means taking off your shirt to demonstrate that you have, indeed, been wearing an incorrect size since you took your first trip to VS with your mother. After sizing you up, the knowledgeable staff will then bring whatever you have asked for (t-​shirt, strapless, lacy, etc) and give you suggestions as to how to best showcase your girls.
You can spend as little or as much time as you need here, but I assure you that you will leave with a spring in your step and a little extra oomph! Yes, you may feel lighter because your wallet has been significantly lightened, but would you really put a price tag to the value add to your now best assets? I didn’t think so.

Yes, they can fit you with their eyes. I ended up getting bullied into buying a few bras, none of which I have worn more than once. The saleswoman argued with me over the style of bra that I like as well as «the look» I preferred for my boobs. Which is rounded and padded despite their naturally full state. That whole Madonna cone shaped thing has been over since 1989, thank Jesus.
I was most disappointed in the lack of young/​sexy styles. If I wanted thick strapped, oddly seamed bras, I would have spent 12 dollars at target on one of those hideous Bali 18 hour monstrosities that middle aged ladies advertise on TV. Alas, I’m 25 (and was about 23 when I visited this place) and would prefer my tits to look the same age (or younger — heh).
If your agenda differs from theirs, prepare to be frustrated and berated. Noooo thanks.

When I first walked in there and the nice French lady asked «how meh I hep you,» I replied, «I might need to be measured again. I haven’t been since 2001.» She very politely ignored this request and flew off to look through the racks and pull a gajillion bras in my size.
First, the t-​shirt bra. I had been avoiding this kind for years. Why? Padding. Padding is my natural enemy because, um, my guns are big enough by themselves and need no help. «Non, non, dey weel juss holl you een and geeve shep to zee breasts. Zees one has only verrry light padding. See?» So I tried it on, and I loved it instantly. There was also Wacoal, Aubade, Le Mystere, most brands except those boring and flimsy. But I loved this Simone Perele t-​shirt bra so much, nothing else mattered. Seriously. The lady fidgeted with the straps a little for fit and was otherwise helpful and attentive, except for that first request, but methinks she just knew better anyway. I bought two more of the Simone Pereles in nude and black, and since they didn’t have them in the store, they ordered them without question. I should have them in my greedy… hands…by next week. Everything in the store was 20% off that day, and I expressed worry that the ordered bras would not be discounted. They assured me that they would, and they were.
My mom went a little crazy in there too, and when it came time to pay, we requested that there be two separate charges on the same card so I would know what to pay back later on. The lady who rung us up was quite stubborn and insisted that it should not be done that way and wanted to put everything together. Apparently, she could not grasp our reasoning. But guess what? «None of her fucking business,» as mommy told me later that evening (have I mentioned I love my mom?). After all, lady is in the customer service business, and if we wanted to put every single bra on a different card, by God, she should’ve done it without a peep. She did eventually get her way with one item. I bought a bottle of fine washable detergent, and she put it in with my mom’s stuff, saying «What’s an 8 dollar bottle of detergent to buy for her daughter?» I’m surprised my mom managed to forfeit her Latinicity for that moment and stay quiet.
Overall, Brasmyth is a great place to go for unmentionables. The store is very well organized and the offerings are beautiful, and they’ll make you feel beautiful too. Not one ordinary-​looking bra, pantie, pajama or nightgown in the house. The French salesladies are very nice. Stick with them. Just hold on to your wallets! You’ll want to buy 99.9% of the store, and unmentionables don’t come cheap these days. And whatever is not in the store, they will order it for you, or you can buy through the catalogue or website.

I walked down Madison and passed Brasmyth, I had been thinking that I was in need of a new bra. I walked in, the store is non-​descript, plain and in no way luxurious. Pauline, a petite French woman walked up to me cupped my breasts then hugged me with both arms and declared my proper size. She then put me in a dressing room and brought me 5 bras, all of them fit perfectly and I left with two. They’re my favorite now.
Highly recommend, it was a unique experience!