The Magic Bra Shop of NYC

There are a lot of places I could tell you to go to in New York City if you’re planning a visit. But if you have cans, ta-tas, bee-stings, melons or boobies, I have one place you absolutely must visit.

When you walk into Orchard Corset, you might be a little taken aback by the lack of flash. I know, I know you might be used to La Senza or Victoria’s Secret but it’s time to leave that all behind now. You’ve now entered a magical place. Think Harry Potter’s Wand Shop. A long narrow store, with boxes lining the walls from floor to ceiling. And as you might expect from such a magical place, you don’t choose the bra, the bra chooses you.

The owner, Peggy, takes you behind a curtain and you show her the goods. With only a brief look and without a tape measure she grabs a box from the wall as if it summoned her and, et voilà, the next thing you know, she’s tucking your girls in to the best fitting bra they’ve seen in, well, maybe forever.

I had heard about Orchard Corset from the hilarious Emma Waverman while in NYC for BlogHer. Then I kept hearing other women I knew rave about this place that was part bra shop, part experience and part fun. As a *ahem* hard to fit girl, I knew I had to visit.

First, if you get uptight about getting naked in front of a stranger. Get over it. Peggy has seen them all, including I might add Madonna’s and the cast of Mad Men. Second, if you then feel like your breasts can’t compare to “famous” boobs, don’t let that bother you either. Peggy is probably just as non-chalant around them too. When my girlfriend said to her, “It must be so cool helping Madonna and her dancers”, Peggy replied, “No cooler than helping you.” Finally, if you think this place might be out of your price range, think again. I bought two “everyday” bras, a bra for when I want to indulge the girls and a pair of for-my-husbands-eyes-only underwear for $150.

Now, of course, I feel the need to schedule regular visits to New York, so that I can keep my breasts happy. That’s an excuse, right?

Orchard Corset
Address: 157 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002-2214
Phone: 212-674-0786 or Toll Free: 1-877-267-2427
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., Sun. 10:00am-6pm; Fri 10:00am-3pm; Closed Saturday
Subway Stops: F, V at Lower East Side-Second Ave.