Let us be realistic; shopping lingerie is not an easy task, especially a bra, period.
I can swear on this fact because in my teenage years if there was something I was very reluctant in doing, that was going along with my mom to shop for lingerie! I was very adamant and always felt uncomfortable to go to a retail store that sells lingerie either by myself or in the company of someone else.
Till today the question, ‘Why do they have men at these stores?‘ haunts me like a ghost!
Frankly, I do not have any problem with men working at these stores, but sadly all my encounters with the stores I visited ended up like those scary horror stories that trouble my dreams. There wasn’t even a single encounter where I felt comfortable. It was vastly because of those shady glances I used to get by men who work there. There was this instance when I dared to visit a retail lingerie store along with Amma after a long gap. It was after a girly talk I had with my friend expressing my discomfort. As my friend suggested, I asked Amma if she can get me a Slip-on bra. To which Amma responded, ‘Why not? If it provides extra comfort, then you should definitely try it.’ And she added ‘In fact, why don’t you come along? Let’s go and buy now.’
Amma did all the talking. I was dead silent and was just gazing in any direction but where the salesman of the shop was standing. She asked him to show a Slip-on bra of a particular size. What happened after that literally shook me! He dared to share a giggle with a person(male) standing beside him, then turned towards me and lowered his gaze by 45° and answered, ‘Madam, I think that would be too small. Take this one (pointing at another bra size)…This would look really good…’ in a wicked tone.
Though Amma gave him an earful before we walked out from the store, after that incident, I felt so threatened that I stopped going to lingerie stores altogether, be it alone or in someone’s company. At times, when my mom shopped for me and the size didn’t fit me, I used to wear it without complaining. As a result of that, I had to face the worst days! I had to bear the side effect of rash for wearing a wrong size. Ah! What not? The struggles I faced were countless during that time.
Cut to present.
I feel glad that many online stores have emerged which specifically deal with women’s lingerie. I do not remember the last time I went to a retail store to purchase inner-wear. I am now free to select from a vast collection of 24 different bra sizes and over 70 different styles at the comfort of home; my safe haven! On top, there is no one to judge me; That’s the perk of it!
One of my favourite online stores that I frequently shop from is Zivame. One thing I love about this online store is the way they curated their products for the diverse needs of women, which is based on their core principle, that is;
‘A Women shouldn’t have to ‘fit into’ anything, be it lingerie or life.’
Not that I haven’t tried out products from other online stores, but, it is just that I always got back to this particular store online. Being curvy, it is a difficult task for me to find the right product and right size, but, this store solved all my problems! It has become my go-to for lingerie shopping without a second thought!
Life has become much more comfortable with the introduction of online shopping that, I do not have to face the discomfort of those dirty looks and lewd comments ever again!
Were you ever in such uncomfortable position as me? How did you deal with such lewd salesmen? It would be great to hear your experiences and learn from them. Also, don’t forget to mention your go-to when it comes to shopping for lingerie online in the comments.
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Hahha you should have looked at that right in the eye Keerthi and dared them to laugh. These days I find more women salesgirls in the stores so I never faced such an issue. Its a bit odd having men in these lingerie sections I would say
Keerthi, I enjoy your story telling style. It’s commendable how you have spun a personal life anecdote (one which many have faced) with so much ease and aplomb, along with this being a brand promotion post. Kudos.
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I know what you mean, Keerthi. Thankfully, I always find one store with women sales staff every time I go lingerie shopping and that definitely puts me at ease! Never bought lingerie online although I know they are good too. But, yes, I’d still prefer buying them online than walking into a store where men are selling them.
You’ve spoken for every woman out there Keerthi!
We’ve all been through this horror at sometimes in our lives. Loved the fun narrative style you chose, to share your experience.
I am so glad for online lingerie shopping options and Zivame is my preferred store as well. Love the variety and the ease of shopping, and no creepy salesmen!:))
I was at a Jockey store recently and the guy there looked at me with disgust and then proceeded to make sarcastic comments when I asked for slip and bra of my side… Don’t think we have your size madam.. I did not bow down but asked him to call your manager which is when he realised I would cause him pain if he dint behave.. shut up, gave me the bag and stayed quiet till I left . Such pricks some of em are..
So share your trauma of visiting a lingerie shop. I used to hate it and just would find it sooo difficult to communicate what exactly I was looking for. Most of the time, I would pick us what caught my eye first, pick it up, and run out as fast as I could. But thanks to online shopping, the comfort of shopping for lingerie is huge. I hardly have an issue these days.
Even women sales girls do that(gazing at 45 degree!) and that is also quite embarrassing…