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Finding bridal undergarments that fit you, suit your gown style, and aren’t so uncomfortable that they make you want to rip out your eyelashes just to focus the pain somewhere else, is… tricky.  My own gown is, by all stretches of the imagination, very simple.  But I still had a nightmare of a time trying to find a body shaper and the right bra for the dress.

And maybe you’d like to pick out some fancy new lacy lingerie to kick-start your marriage, or pick some out for an engaged pal’s lingerie shower.  What’s a DC bride to do?

Skip the chain stores and the online retailers and go local, of course!  Shopping for your bridal lingerie should be a special experience, and definitely one that requires your presence in person instead of ordering through a website.  Here are three local specialty shops that are experienced at handling bridal undergarments, lingerie, and bra fittings — one in DC, one in Virginia, and one in Maryland.  These ladies are experts, so use them!  If you’re able to bring in your dress, or at least a photo of it, so much the better.  They’ll solve your neckline/open back/body-skimming dress puzzles!

Coup de Foudre
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
(Corner of 11th and E Street)
Washington, DC 20004
202-393-0878

They specialize in bra fittings, they carry sizes 32A through 40G, and they offer bridal fittings as well as a selection of lingerie.  They also have a blog that features new collections, store events, and special offers.  You can even make an appointment for a fitting online.  Easy, peasy!

Trousseau
306 Maple Avenue West (
Vienna, VA 22180
703-255-3300

They specialize in bridal undergarments — in addition to shapewear, bras, and sleepwear, they also carry bridal accessories, jewelry, bath and body products, and even gourmet chocolates!  Talk about one-stop shopping!  They carry extended sizes, too — 30AA to 56K.

Bra La La
8180 Maple Lawn Boulevard
Fulton, MD 20759
301-776-6007

They carry a wide selection — bridal lingerie, accessories, shapewear, sleepwear, sports undergarments, maternity undergarments, even specialty bras for women who are post-mastectomy.  Again, you’ll find extended sizes here, from 28AA to 50K.  They even suggest making a day of your bridal outing by taking advantage of two day spas located in the Maple Lawn complex — The Pearl Spa, and Pura Vida.  Sounds like a fab day to me!