FAQs

"Full bust" doesn't mean the same thing to everyone, but it can generally be defined as D cups and larger. Full bust and plus size are two separate concepts, although they can co-exist. In lingerie plus size is generally defined as a band size of 38 or larger.

A helpful way to think about this is that "full bust" is about cup sizes, while "plus size" is about band sizes. Broad's size range is 28-44 D-JJ. This means our range fits petite, straight size, and plus size full busts.

We understand that bra shopping can also be difficult for people with smaller busts. However, to best meet the needs of full busted folks, we believe that specialization is key. If you’re a smaller busted person having trouble finding a bra, feel free to contact us--we’re happy to provide recommendations for stores that stock smaller sizes.

Of course! We stock a range of options in 28, 30 and 32 bands.

Of course! We carry bras and underwear and swimwear in plus sizes.

Sure do! We know it can be tricky to find a good fit when your body is going through so much change, so we stock a range of nursing and maternity options.

Yes! We know that finding a swimsuit, tankini or bikini that fits is just as hard (or harder) than finding a bra!

As a new small business, we can’t carry absolutely everything we want to. We encourage customer feedback – and assure you that we have big plans for the future!

This depends on how many bras you have to rotate and how you take care of them. If you have at least three bras to rotate and you take proper care of them, most bras will last about a year. 

Lingerie can generally be divided into 4 categories: low end (under $50), mid-range ($60-$100), high end, and luxury.

Broad is a mid-range boutique. We’re not selling the bras that go for a few hundred dollars; our average price is around $80. This isn’t an accident. While Sam’s worked with pricier brands in the past (and still loves them!) it was important to her to make Broad more accessible. The brands and bras we stock are carefully chosen and they’re high quality – and they’re almost all between $60 and $150.

At Broad, a bra fitting is a collaboration between you and your fitter, where the fitter uses their expertise, experience and product knowledge to match you with styles best suited to your wants and needs.

The fitter will start by measuring under and across your bust and will use these measurements to calculate a starting size. You’ll try on a bra in this size for the fitter to assess and the fitter will explain how a bra should fit and why. Next, the fitter will select the bras best suited to your shape, size, and preferences, and you’ll work together to find the ones that you like best. Throughout the bra fitting you’ll be given tips and tricks on getting a comfortable fit.

Our customer service policy reflects our understanding that different people have different shopping styles. While our ideal service comes with a bra fitting, we understand if you prefer to shop on your own without a fitting. If your needs fall somewhere in between, that’s okay too!

*COVID-19 precautions: all in-store shopping is by appointment with the aid of a fitter (they don't have to fit you, but they're be on site to pull stock for you)

In our brick & mortar store, we keep most of our stock in the back, with a small selection of styles and sizes on display. This is the best way for us to keep our small space organized. That said, feel free to browse! If you'd like to see more or different styles than are currently on display, just let us know. We're happy to show you more options in your size!

In our online store we are always updating & adding new items! Check back frequently!

On average, we recommend setting aside at least half an hour. A bra fitting can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how many different styles you are looking for that day. If you’re just looking for a basic t-shirt bra, your fitting can be as short as 15 minutes. If you’re looking to purchase a new bra and swim wardrobe it will probably take an hour.

*COVID-19 precautions: We are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, by appointment only. We’ll have up to 6 appointment slots available each day, between 11am and 5pm. Each slot is 45 minutes, with a 15 minute gap between appointments to allow us to sanitize the shop.

Of course! If you prefer to have your bra fitting scheduled for a set time, you can book an appointment by phone or email. If you’re just passing by, we also take walk-ins. However, if it’s a busy day, there may be a brief wait for a fitting room. 

 *COVID-19 precautions: in-store bra fittings are by appointment only, or book a virtual fitting over Zoom!

Not unless you want us to! We always ask permission before entering the fitting room, and we leave you to change on your own unless you say otherwise.

It’s best to try the bras on without your own bra underneath. This gives us a true picture of the fit, without extra layers confusing things.

You can if you want to! We're here to help, not judge, and we've seen hundreds of other bodies before. It's easier for us to check the fit of a bra without a top, but your comfort comes first. If you’d rather wear a shirt, a stretchy tank top works best. 

Absolutely. Just ask and we’ll jump in wherever you need us.

Yes! Our door frame is wide enough for most wheelchairs (and strollers), and our fitting rooms are quite spacious. 

Yes! And if we mess up, please tell us. Right now Broad is entirely queer owned and operated, but that doesn’t mean we’re perfect at this stuff. We always want you to feel safe and comfortable with us.

Feel free to bring your kid to your fitting! We recommend taking very young ones into the room with you, or bringing another adult to watch them in the waiting area. Our store is kid-friendly, but not kid-proof

*COVID-19 precautions: Fittings are a solo activity for now. Normally we love it when you bring a crew, but for safety reasons we need to minimize the number of people in the store at any one time. Please do not bring anyone with you. There are a couple of exceptions to this: 1) if you require an interpreter or support person, or 2) if you don’t have childcare. Please note that if you bring your child(ren) they must remain with you, in the fitting room, at all times.

Sure! However, we prefer your partner to relax in our waiting area. While our rooms are bigger than most, three’s still a crowd.

It can feel awkward to talk about money with a stranger, but we’ve had these conversations before – from both sides – and we get it. Tell us what you’re working with and we’ll respect it.

That's up to your kid! Our top priority is that every client feels as comfortable as possible during their fitting. If they feel better with you in the room, we're happy to accommodate.

One note: Sometimes it’s easier for kids to talk to a fitter when their parent isn’t in the room. And communication is a really important part of bra fitting! This is also a chance to empower your kid. When you don’t have control over what your body’s up to, it can be comforting and grounding to have control over what you put on it.

This really depends on what you want! Our motto is to give you as much help as you need. If you:

• Are confident in your knowledge of bra fit and sizing;
• Are familiar with the styles we carry;
• Don't mind a bit of trial-and-error;
• Or are just looking to re-purchase a style and size that you already know works for you...

Then shopping online might be perfect for you. But if you:

• Aren't sure how to tell if a bra fits;
• Have never heard of these brands or sizes;
• Don't want to worry about exchanges;
• Want access to a wide range of styles and colours;
• Want an expert to walk you through it all...

Then shopping in person, with a fitter, is probably best. We understand that online shopping is more convenient for many people, but we're a bra-fitting boutique. In our heart of hearts, we really believe that most folks are best served by a fitting!

We strongly believe that the best way to buy a bra is in person - but we understand that's not always possible or convenient for everyone. We want online bra shopping to be as hassle-free as possible. The bras we stock online are tried, tested and true options that fit a wide range of shapes and sizes.

These bras are also basic styles. In the lingerie world, "basic" means a style that's a permanent part of a brand's collection. The opposite of this is a "fashion" style, which is usually a seasonal offering made in a limited quantity. Our online store features basic styles because they're easy for us to get to you--we can re-order from the brand any time! Fashion styles come and go, and once we sell out, we often can't re-order them. They're also often styles that we don't know as well, which means a riskier purchase when you're not fitted in person.

Our online store is carefully curated to bring you just our tried and true basics and bestsellers. When you visit our brick and mortar store (or our Instagram!) you'll see many more styles and colours. Here's why:

We want online bra shopping to be as hassle-free as possible. The bras we stock online were selected because they fit a wide range of shapes and sizes. These bras are also basic styles. In the lingerie world, "basic" means a style that's a permanent part of a brand's collection. The opposite of this is a "fashion" style, which is usually a seasonal offering made in a limited quantity. Our online store features basic styles because they're easy for us to get to you--we can re-order from the brand any time! Fashion styles come and go, and once we sell out, we often can't re-order them. They're also often styles that we don't know as well, which means a riskier purchase when you're not fitted in person.

Most lingerie brands work within a set size range. Some specialize in core sizes, some in plus sizes, and others in full bust sizes. It's very rare for a company to cover all of these categories. (This is mainly because it's very expensive to do so - it requires a ton more research and development, not to mention the manufacturing costs!)

So, if we don't have a particular bra in your size, it's often because the brand didn't make it. Sometimes, though, we don't have it because we've chosen not to make it part of our regular stock. It could be that it's a style that doesn't sell well in that size, or perhaps we're not happy with the way it fits in some sizes. If you have your heart set on something and can't find your size, let us know and we'll be happy to help!