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From Banking To Bras: Larchmont Mom Changes Her Focus

LARCHMONT, N.Y. -- A former banker with an eye for style has turned her passion to a part-time bra fitting business.

Certified Bra Fit Expert Laura Burke in her Larchmont office.

Certified Bra Fit Expert Laura Burke in her Larchmont office.

Photo Credit: Submitted

By day, Laura Burke is the director of customer care for Stuart Weitzman, but by night the Larchmont resident is an intimate apparel consultant, helping women find their perfect bra fit.

Burke admits that for the first 10 years of her career, her goal was to be named one of the “top women in banking." Her priorities shifted after her son was born six years ago. That's when she finally fulfilled a lifelong dream -- and moved into the fashion/apparel industry.

Her bra obsession came during a stint as the Customer Service Director at Bare Necessities. It was there, in 2012, that she created and launched their Certified Fit Expert Program, which fits thousands of women every month via phone and live chat.

During her time there, she was certified by Ali Cudbys’ FabFit Academy, the first global program focused on the art and science of bra fitting. 

"She taught me that finding a bra that fits means working directly with a woman’s self-image," said Burke, now a mom of two.

Her goal, she said, is to pass on her knowledge so women can confidently shop for bras and get the perfect fit for their bodies. 

Burke does in-person fittings in her home studio. Sessions are normally 60 to 90 minutes and include an assessment of current fit and bra wardrobe. She also educates on how a bra should fit (the band, the cups, the gore, the straps) and then works with clients on what brands, styles, etc will work best for them.

So, what are a bra expert's favorite brands? Burke likes Chantelle and Prima Donna, but said she's not tied to any specific line. It's very individual, she explained, working to find what works for every person's body type and keeping in mind that can shift over time.

Here are her top three bra tips:

  • Get fitted. Take ownership of your fit and seek to find the perfect fit. Remember your body changes with age, babies, etc, so it’s important to continue assessing your fit, no one is the same size for their whole life. Always take the steps to find the best bra for your body.
  • Don’t get caught up in size. You can be a different size brand to brand and bra to bra. The size doesn’t matter, what matters is how you feel in the bra. A good fitting bra you don’t even remember it’s on. The band, cups, gore, and straps are the elements of a bra and all need to work harmoniously together to get the right fit.
  • Find a store/website with a large range of sizes. Unfortunately, most of the common places women shop for bras offer a narrow assortment, meaning women are often forced into sizes that don’t work for them. The most common being wearing a bra that is too large in the band and too small in the cup, causing underwires to dig and the band to ride up. Woman are astonished to hear that bras are offered in a 28AAA to 56N. There truly is a fit for everyone.

To schedule an appointment, contact fitbyburke@gmail.com.

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