A unique boutique located at 735 Main Street has known much success since its opening 4 years ago. Elle Mio originally started in Fredericton, NB, but after seeing so many people travelling from the Greater Moncton Area for the services they provide, owner Ronda Daigle knew it would a perfect location for a second store.
For those who are not familiar with Elle Mio, it is a size-inclusive bra fitting and mastectomy fitting boutique. The idea behind Elle Mio began when Ronda, who has been a bra fitting specialist for over 28 years, saw a need for mastectomy fittings. She started a small business in her home, specifically for mastectomy fittings. She later became a sales representative for Amoena, the world’s leading manufacturer of breast forms. She was travelling all around Canada as a sales representative when she came to the realization that all women need bra fittings.
“Often big brands like Victoria Secret, Additionnelle, [etc.,] showcase bras [in ads] that do not fit correctly. This has been going on for years in the bra industry. Women see these women with breasts spilling over the cup and they think that’s how bras are supposed to fit. Often, women will be wearing a cup too small, and a band too big. Eighty to nighty percent of women wear the wrong size bra.” – Katelyn Daigle, Elle Mio Moncton Manager.
Katelyn Daigle, Elle Mio Moncton Manager
This may come as a shock to some women, but Katelyn Daigle confirms that once women step into Elle Mio and experience first-hand what it is like to have a well-fitted bra, they will never purchase the wrong size again.
Personally, I can attest to this; I got fitted for the first time at Elle Mio in 2019. After having worn A and B cups since high school, I was hesitant to try on the bras suggested by the bra fitting specialist at Elle Mio. Especially when she held up a D cup bra.
After sharing this story with Katelyn Daigle, she responded, “People come in and they’re stuck in the size they think is correct. A lot of women do not realize that your bra size can change up to 7 times in your life. After a year or two, you should get measured again.”
When asked how long bras typically last, Katelyn gave a descriptive answer that again had some surprising information:
“Most women will keep bras for many, many years. However, if you purchase two bras and you rotate between the two, technically after a year, the material has stretched out, the bra will no longer be providing the same support as it did when you purchased them. When you purchase a bra, you start at the loosest [hook on the] band. Once you get to the tightest hook and it is a bit looser, it is likely time for a new bra. Ninety percent of the support in your bra comes from the band. Only 10% is on the straps.”
All of Elle Mio’s employees are trained bra fitting specialists, and they ensure a comfortable and professional experience while in-store. A fitting session does not require an appointment, and customers do not need to remove their bra while being fitted. The measurements are taken in a large private fitting room, with enough space for two people. The bra fitting specialist makes their measurements over the bra being worn, and then brings in some bras to try on.
Given that there are no standards in the bra industry, the expertise of the staff guarantees that you will receive the proper size, which may vary from one company to the other. The staff is aware of how certain brands will fit on certain body types, and they take that into consideration before bringing bras into the fitting room.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize they’re wearing the wrong size. We’re here to help women get a bra that fits, that is comfortable, that makes them feel confident, makes them feel good about themselves, and that won’t make them want to rip their bra off at the end of the day.”
Visit Elle Mio during their new hours of operation:
- Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m,
- Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
About the author :
Carmen LeBlanc is a local blogger here in Moncton, NB. She works as a content creator to help local businesses and brands to share their story and to make connections. Her blog Tiny Adventures Journey focuses on supporting local, minimalism, and sustainability. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to her blog by clicking here: www.tinyadventuresjourney.com
