Image credit: Drawcard
Finding the perfect bra is not always as simple as walking into a lingerie department, choosing one from the rack and heading home.
For many women, entering a fitting room comes with a familiar sense of frustration and expected disappointment. But for more than a decade, one local lingerie boutique has been working to change that experience.
Known as Adelaide’s home of the “The French Big Boobs Expert”, Alexandra Lingerie helps women of different shapes and sizes find a fit that makes them feel supported, comfortable and confident.
The business was founded by French lingerie expert Alexandra Vaissiere, who has more than 15 years of industry experience and understands that frustration personally.
“For a long time, I was very frustrated because I didn’t have access to anything in my size. Once I could finally access those products, it was like, ‘Wow, finally,’” Alexandra said.
“It was both excitement and relief, because I could finally feel supported and pretty in my underwear.”
That same sense of excitement and possibility is what greets customers as they step inside Alexandra Lingerie’s newly expanded Adelaide Arcade boutique.
Visitors are welcomed with a warm “bonjour” before entering a space designed to feel more like a cosy Parisian apartment than a traditional lingerie retailer. French-inspired details fill the boutique, while rows of colourful lingerie reveal just how many styles and sizes are available.
“You immediately have the impression that you’re travelling to France,” Alexandra said.
Alexandra has always been passionate about beautiful, well-made lingerie and understands just how important quality and fit can be. Every product available in-store has been personally selected, worn and tested by Alexandra and her team.
For women who have spent years choosing from limited options or living with discomfort, seeing an entire collection available in their size can be overwhelming. It is not uncommon for customers to be moved to tears when they finally find a bra that fits properly.
“We’ve had women in their 70s and 80s who have never had a bra fit correctly until they’ve come to see us.”
“They never knew their true size until they stepped through our doors.”
The move into the upgraded store has allowed the team to expand both range and fitting facilities.
The boutique now features six fitting rooms, including pram and wheelchair-accessible facilities. Its collection of more than 130 cup sizes includes everyday, T-shirt, strapless, sports and maternity bras, along with lingerie and swimwear, catering for sizes 4 to 26 and cup sizes D to LL.
Whether a customer is searching for an everyday bra, maternity support, swimwear or something for a special occasion, the team guides her through the options rather than leaving her to navigate the racks alone.
“We recommend having a professional bra fitting every 12 months, or sooner if you’ve reached the tightest hooks on your bra or your body has changed,” Alexandra said.
While the business continues to grow, its mission remains focused on delivering knowledgeable service, trusted expertise and beautifully fitted lingerie that helps customers feel comfortable and confident.
Alexandra began her career in France at one of the leading boutiques before moving to Australia to share her expertise.
Education has always been the core of the fitting experience, with every complimentary fitting being about more than just finding the right size but teaching the customer how a bra should properly fit.
“Our bra fitting experience is unique because it’s about so much more than measuring,” says Alexandra.
Some customers have been visiting since the boutique first opened 11 years ago, while newcomers continue to become regulars after experiencing their first fitting.
“It’s very rewarding to know that we have a small impact on their lives and that we can finally make them feel confident, comfortable and happy,” Alexandra said.
For women who have spent years believing supportive lingerie could not also be beautiful, Alexandra hopes the expanded boutique gives them a reason to try again.
Alexandra Lingerie
Where: Shop 36 Adelaide Arcade, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA
For more info, click here.
