Why Bridget Kearney’s Belle Femme Lingerie is *the* Cork spot for bra fitting

Brought to you by Belle Femme Lingerie, Douglas.
Alright, gather ’round, here’s the truth…
The most radical act of self-care this Christmas might just be marching yourself into Belle Femme Lingerie and treating yourself to a new bra.
This Douglas boutique is celebrating one year of supplying Cork women with impeccably fitted, confidence-boosting bras, and a remarkable 13 years of doing the same at their first store in Kilkenny.
If you’ve never popped in, imagine a place where you’re greeted not by numbers and letters but by quality, durability and the certainty that you deserve something lovely and luxurious. These are bras that genuinely fit and make you feel good.
As a bonus, a well-fitting bra makes every item of clothing in your wardrobe look better, so you might even save yourself a few bob on Christmas party outfits.
It’s all down to Belle Femme owner Bridget Kearney, Cork’s most trusted name in underpinnings.

Bridget opened Belle Femme as the antidote to all those awkward changing room memories and it quickly became the most popular spot for bra fitting in Cork. Plus, you don’t even need a measuring tape to find your perfect fit.
“Consider the fact that the body is elastic, whereas a tape measure is static,” Bridget explains.
“A tape measure cannot measure volume, so anyone advising women on wearing the correct fitting bra must learn how to assess and fit, as we do, without a tape measure.”
It’s all about the fit
“I always say half a stone on or off can change your bra size and yes it’s about fabulous fabric and beautiful bras but it is very much about your fit. My boutique is all about the proper fitting bra and we are here to teach you that the bra size you have been wearing for the last few years is wrong.
“I sometimes say to people if you think you’re a 36C I can guarantee you’re nearer to a 34E or F. It is very important to really zone in on the proper fitting for your back, neck and shoulders.”
Belle Femme Lingerie is already a popular choice for women choosing their bridal lingerie, maternity bras, swimwear and exercise wear. However, women mostly return every six months for a bra fitting for their everyday underwear shapewear and other lingerie needs.
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Prices range from €30 upwards, but as we all know from experience, a good bra is like a good pair of shoes – it’s an investment.
“The lifespan of a bra is only six months and we shouldn’t have more than four or five bras in the drawer,” adds Bridget.
“We should wear them and replace them. Buy less but buy better.”
The Belle Femme fitting room is open by appointment (if you forget pop in and they will very likely be able to accommodate you). A thoughtful gift idea, you can pick up a Belle Femme Lingerie voucher to treat someone special or check out their gorgeous range of nightwear, slippers and accessories too.
You can book an appointment here or visit Belle Femme Lingerie, Village Green, Church Road, Douglas, Co. Cork (T12 EF1P) from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Give them a call on 021 2427167 for more information.

