It doesn't happen often, but sometimes there isn't a product made to fit a need.
A customer came in in August who had a lateral mastectomy (removal of one breast). I won't even go into my fury at hearing when she asked for both breasts to be removed, she was denied. I get really tired hearing about insurance companies making life much more difficult for women with breast cancer. But here we are.
Her remaining breast is a 32H and she has no desire for reconstruction or a prothesis. Her focus was finding a way to adequately support her breast while maintaining comfort on her surgical side which is very sensitive. She had found a bra in the UK to meet this need, but they do not ship to the US. In my research I couldn't find what she was looking for; a very supportive bra in an H cup with a flat right side. She was frustrated and I got mad. First, she had dealt with breast cancer and not being able to have the bilateral mastectomy she desired. Then, no product existed in the U.S. to meet her need. But my outrage wasn't doing her any good so I started to think.
I can sew but stretchy fabrics have always intimidated me. I like to make (basic) quilts and do some home sewing. Honestly, not much since we bought the store 5 1/2 years ago, but I enjoy it. There is a bra-making expert in Toronto who teaches a class and one day I plan on getting there to take it but our customer needed help now. I grabbed the bra that she liked most, the Fantasie Fusion in a British 32FF (US H cup) and got to work.
First, I pulled out the wire. Let me tell you, that wire was under LAYERS of soft fabric. It took me a bit to do it without damaging the fabric. Then I pulled apart the seams and started to try and do some stitching. I made a velvet sleeve to cover all the seams. Surgery and radiation make the skin extremely sensitive and I wanted this bra to be comfortable as well as supportive.
Our customer graciously came in for a trial fitting with Katherine. They made some adjustments and the velvet sleeve was bulky and unnecessary. I made the changes and attached a soft lining fabric. Even though the seams didn't bother her during the try-on, I wanted to make sure it would be comfortable to wear for the day. An ounce of prevention, right?
The final product is one I'm proud of. I'm proud that our little store in New England was able to step up and serve this customer. We all deserve to feel amazing.
Hey bra manufactures, take note. If our customer in New England isn't being served, there are certainly others. Women deserve more. Until we can get them on board, my substandard sewing skills will have to do. As I say often, I consider doing this job a privilege. I am grateful women come to us for help.
We're calling it The Perfect Bra, what do you think?
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