Just Not My Size
While I was still in Manila, back in the days when I had no idea I will end up in the US, my friend told me that one of the things filipina immigrants ask for pasalubongs from balikbayans were bras and Soen panties aside from Chippy, Chocnut, shampoos etc. That surprised me because I had thought that a filipina here would naturally prefer the "imported" brands over our local. Now I know the reason why. It's really about the size. It's hard to come by undies that would fit the filipina's petite size.
A size 44DD against a size 34A. DISCLAIMER: neither of them are the author's size.
I remember it was when I was shopping (hunting really) for "half-slips" that I had my first encounter with these 44DD cup sized bras in the lingerie section. Holy Guacamole! My jaw dropped to the ground and needed picking up. Hard to believe but these sizes and the like (40s above) were more in stock than my size and under. It was the opposite in the Philippines.
After going to 3 stores (with a not-so-patient husband in tow) I finally found my half-slips in an upscale store. I noticed it is in these stores that smaller sizes were readily available, but the prices can burn a hole in your pocket. One of the ironies in the US is that the obesity is more rampant in the "poor" sector (because of cheap bad food) than the "rich" (who can afford treatments, health clubs, gourmet food etc).
To the curious an inexpensive, nothing-fancy bra can cost around $26-$30, for panties $4-$8. So if you are used to wearing stylish undies, better stock up before coming over to the US or you're going to cost your husband a pretty penny.
"Just My Size" is a slogan for a clothing brand that caters to plus sized women here in the US. "Just NOT My Size", I figured, will be for the filipinas.
Something to think about:
...85% of women are wearing the wrong-size bra at this moment.
...The average women's bra size changes six times during her life-weight loss or gain, pregnancy, and age are all factors.
...buy three top-quality bras rather than a lot of cheapies. You need only one to wear, one to wash, and one in the drawer.
- Oprah Magazine, July 2005 issue
Currently listening to: Gwen Stefani's Rich Girl playing in my head
Currently reading: Child Of My Right Hand
Currently watching: none
Posted by geri at 10:31 PM | 3 thought balloons
geri
Rhebs (guest)
Rhebs (guest)
Ger, I remember back when I first got here in the States calling my sister in PI right away to send me 4 dozens of Soen panties and 2 dozens of Triumph bra.
See I left most of my stuff back home co’z my mother-in-law told me so. She said those stuff can easily be replaced once I get here in the States. She didn’t want me to go through all the hassles of retrieving my check-in luggage considering I have to change plane twice. Well, in a way MIL was right. Since most men abhorred shopping, MIL went with me to go shopping. DH gave me $800 for shopping spree. However, the very first time we went shopping for a new wardrobe for me I was like NO WAY I would spend that much money for it, Mother! I’d rather send the money back home and asked my sister to buy stuff for me but she insisted to buy some for me anyway with her own money ;-)
Ger, if you go to any petite section of the department store, you would actually find small and medium sizes from size 2-8. I like to shop in Petite Sophisticate, Victoria Secret, Nine West, Dillards, Sears, Belk and JC Penny and I always get good deals for just about anything. You really just have to spend time to look for bargains.