Lula Lu, exteriorMany women, whether big, medium or small, have trouble finding the right bra size. Small women, in particular, don’t like having to go through piles and piles of bras that aren’t their size to find one that might not even fit properly. Ellen Shing of San Mateo, California had an idea. Why not open a shop that just sells smaller sized bras? Ellen’s store, Lula Lu, sells bras from 30AA to 38A. She also carries some smaller B and C cups. Bras are typically sized on a 34B fit model and altered up or down for various cup sizes, making it especially difficult for small busted women, especially those who wear small A or AA cups to find properly fitted bras. To combat that, Ellen used AA cupped customers to better determine the fit. Currently, the photos are shots from vendors, but Ellen plans to use models for her own brand soon. Also, Ellen’s definition of petite is not of height, but frame. She has small-chested customers who are 6’ tall.
On bra sizing and the difference between her bras and other major brands:
Bras are like jeans so no two styles fit the same, even if they are from the same manufacturer. And, every brand grades their sizing a bit differently, depending on their fit model, so it's hard to compare the fit of one brand to another for bras. The Lula Lu collection was designed with what we believe to be more accurate AA cups and by that I mean we do not use heavy padding in order to make the cup fit AA cups well. We use a more accurate sizing, developed by working with our customers.
On why women often wear the incorrect bra size
A lot of women who come into our store just never bothered to get measured so they don't know their correct size and other women have had body changes, such as weight gain, but they resist getting measured and being told their size has changed so they prefer just to keep wearing the same ill fitting bras.
Lula Lu, interior On the best type of bra for smaller-chested women:
Like with anything to do with women's fashion, everyone has different tastes and perceptions as to what looks best on their body type. I haven't found one best bra that works for everyone (or is liked by everyone) and I don't think one exists and that's why I'm always trying to find new styles so people have a choice.
Lula Lu is located at 212 E. 3rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401. Store hours are Monday-Thursday from 11am to 6pm, Friday from 11am to 7pm and Saturday from 11am to 5pm.
P: 650-348-8858. Most styles can be purchased online. Lula Lu ships to Canada.