So, I am really gearing up now for the Spring 2011 line. Solidifying what is really possible to manufacture, on what scale, in what colors and ESPECIALLY in what sizes! It's looking like this season I will be focusing only on the girdles for production and wholesale. Bras, full body shapers, etc. will still be available on a custom order basis. Still, that does not mean that the research does not continue into the mysterious world of bra sizing -- oh, on the contrary! Today, I stumbled across the website of an extraordinary gentleman: Edward Pechter, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Now, being as I am all about supporting a woman's love of her body as is, embracing what you've been given and using natural methods to flatter and perfect female curves, I was at first a little snuffy reading that he was a plastic surgeon. But it didn't take more than a few second to read on about all the wonderful things he has actual done in his field.
From his bio:
"He received the award for excellence in clinical teaching for plastic surgery residents at UCLA in 2005 and was part of a medical team that traveled to China and performed free palate repairs for children there."
But most importantly for me, and why I am devoting a blog to this man, is his epiphany work on BRA SIZING!!
"Many women express their goals for breast surgery in terms of bra size yet bra size is rarely discussed among plastic surgeons. When I decided to learn bra size measurement ten years ago I discovered that the traditional method of bra sizing was confusing and inaccurate, with few lingerie saleswomen able to explain how the system worked. I began measuring my patients before, during, and after breast surgery, asking what size bra fit them the best, and having them try on bras from a stock I purchased for my office.
After several years I discovered a relationship between underbust circumference, breast width, and bra size and these findings were published in September 1998 in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. After many more measurements and breast operations over the following years I revised my measuring system to reflect the fact that cup size varies with band size. That is, for example, the "C" cup of a size 36 bra is larger than the "C" cup of a size 34 bra but smaller than the "C" cup of a size 38 bra. This information forms the basis of the Size Me Up! slide-chart, which I hope will help women of all ages, shapes, and sizes find a comfortable, well-fitting brassiere."
And, thus, the Size Me Up! was born! Following his instructions purportedly reveals the "correct" bra size 90% of the time!
Much of that may seem like a "duh" to me and perhaps some of you, but even with the knowledge of knowing what *doesn't* work, and how everything is sort of relative in cup sizing, I was still having a hell of a time finding an way to pinpoint then exactly what *would* work. I don't know why his method is not more widely known, and I hope that what seems to be more women on the quest for proper bra sizing these days, that this will soon change. It seems his sizing chart was for sale on his website at some point, but it is not currently in stock. I have written an inquiry hoping to make sure these are soon replenished, only to find news of his passing directly after sending. Not only that, but there is a memorial service TODAY in his honor, held at the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt, Valencia at 6 p.m. PDT. Oopsies!
Anyway, I feel it is only honoring and giving the most respect for a man who made great attempts at untangling the giant web that has become modern bra sizing issues and I hope my email is read and appreciated by whomever is carrying on his business. Besides, a portion of all proceeds from his system go to the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, so it's all for a good cause to boot!
P.S. He also spent 30 years of his practice in Chicago.....JUST SAYIN'!!
Anyway, I have plenty more to say on the topic of sizing and fit issues, as well as a TON of photos and such to post from the incredible awesomeness of my recent events, but this will all have to wait for another day!!
XOXO,
Stephanie!
Dottie's Delights!
