Boutique fills need for perfect fitting bras

     By Judy DeLoretta
     View staff writer
      Bernice Carlile, owner of Bra Boutique, won't let her customers leave the shop until their bra is the perfect fit.
      She has served Las Vegas women for more than 20 years and caters to customers who have undergone mastectomies, as well as to women who are extra-small, average and extra-large in size.
      She claims it's the only bra shop of its kind on the west side of town.
      "Bra fitting is a lost art," Carlile said. "I've been doing it 35 years, beginning fitting women in hospitals after their breast cancer surgery.
      "It was horrible for women back then. Forty years ago, a woman's choice was to wear bras fitted with pouches of bird seed and rice. Imagine how uncomfortable that was. We've come a long way."
      In those days, women were also too embarrassed to discuss their needs, so many went without a comfortable fit. No one talked about breast cancer and the results of surgery back then. Now, women come into the Bra Boutique, located at 2375 S. Jones Blvd., ready for the perfect fit. Nearly half of her business consists of breast surgery patients who know they have to find a comfortable and natural-looking bra.
      Women who have recently had surgery generally use mastectomy bras with soft padding. After complete recovery, however, they must have a prosthesis fitting with a pocket built into the bra.
      "The weight of the prosthesis is necessary to balance out the body," Carlile said. "Otherwise they'll have problems with their shoulders."
      Although mastectomy bras aren't very attractive, customers can choose a regular bra and Carlile can add the necessary pockets. Otherwise, the prostheses will slide around.
      Women have different levels of breast surgery. There aren't many cases of radical surgeries that protrude way into the chest wall, so just about everyone can have a perfect-fitting bra.
      Bra Boutique carries 15 different styles of prostheses, but can also custom-order special sizes or styles.
      "I deal with several manufacturers and I know how they're made," Carlile said.
      All women, whether they have had breast surgery or not, want their lingerie to look pretty. Manufacturers of larger- and smaller-size bras are answering the need. Although the materials haven't changed much over the years, the colors and designs are better. And black is the No. 1 choice.
      Bra Boutique carries lingerie, gowns, slips, panties, bras, hosiery and bathing suits in sizes ranging from small to extra-large.
      "And what we don't have, we can always order," Carlile said. "Customers can come in, go through our catalogs and order what they like. We still have customers who have been here since the first day we opened. Now they come in with their daughters."
      Bra Boutique is open late by appointment.