ok, i realize not everyone is going to be interested in this, but enough people are (thank you for all of your comments!) that i figured i'd post about my experience at the pennyrich bra patch this evening.
first of all, here's their contact information, so you can go there yourself. you'll want to after you read this:
Pennyrich Bra Patch
(919) 876-8677
N. Market Drive, just off Old Wake Forest Road in Raleigh, next to Kanki
i've been to pennyrich once before, many years ago when i was looking for a strapless bra to wear with a bridesmaid dress. the most vivid memory i have of that experience is how quickly the owner sized me up, found a product that worked, and had me back out in the parking lot. they've changed locations since then, but the woman who runs the store is the same. she's been in the lingerie business for years and years, and -damn!- she knows her stuff.
when i arrived she was busy with a customer (an elderly woman who had a hard time walking, but was clearly very happy with her bra purchase as she stood at the counter), so another employee asked if i needed help. i told her i was looking for something industrial-strength.
she immediately lifted her shirt and started going on and on about the bra she was wearing. "i'm 69 years old, and look how high these boobs are! girl, you've gotta try one of these bras! they're amazing!!" she pulled out her bra's instruction manual (i shit you not) and she showed me the illustrations of how this miracle bra works. then she pointed to the owner (whose name i'm stupidly forgetting) and said, "she wears one, too! look at her breasts! aren't they amazing!??"
they were, indeed, amazing.
as soon as the elderly customer left, the owner custom fitted me for one of these bras. and i'll tell you what... the size she fitted me at was nowhere near the size bra i normally pick out for myself. nowhere near.
(this is partly due to the fact that this particular bra needs a specific custom fitting that doesn't match off-the-rack bra sizes... but still. i was waaaaaaaay off.)
she brought my size bra into the dressing room and the two salesladies and i got my boobs into this odd contraption that is a jeaunique bra.
i was instantly amazed.
it's hard to tell from that above link what's so special about this bra. this page doesn't do a whole lot better, though at least you can see a photo. suffice to say, there's is NO wire, but a kind of shelf support system... and my damn boobs are flyin' high in the sky! i am so stunned... when i got home i immediately took off my shirt to show ray.
i bought two of these bras. and they're not cheap. but i am SO happy.
and from now on i will only ever buy bras at pennyrich. i swear, those people are angels.
Posted by xta at October 20, 2004 07:12 PM | TrackBackWow. That place sounds amazing. Do you think they'd just let me hang out there?
Posted by: bwventril at October 20, 2004 08:29 PMCongrats on the very positive bra-fitting experience. I'm fitting-shy since adolescence, when I used to get my underthings from an store where actual older ladies would barge into the dressing room to manhandle me.
And I think the "bra patch" is just a hilarious name.
Posted by: pinky at October 20, 2004 09:57 PMI wonder if BWV has heard the "top ten things a guy shouldn't say in a Victoria's Secret store" list?
Congrats, Christa!
Posted by: Phil at October 21, 2004 02:38 AMSo, do you give the Pennyrich Bra Patch a rating of "two boobs up"?
Posted by: minty at October 21, 2004 09:51 AMgood lord, you guys are funny!
pinky, there was definitely ladyhandling going on. it didn't bother me, though, since they'd seen a million boobs in their lifetime. mine just aren't that special in the grand scheme of things.
Posted by: christa at October 21, 2004 12:55 PMPennyrich bras are the best I've ever seen. MANY years ago, when I was in junior high school, my mother started buying Pennyrich bras for me. They are a trip to get into. And they aren't cheap. Back then, oh, about 1970 or so, they cost about $60 a bra. But, they are worth every penny. They last forever. And they are the most comfortable, supportive bra I've ever had. I got away from them over the years. But, now that my bra size is around a 44G, I'm looking to get back into one.
Posted by: catfall at November 12, 2004 02:58 AMI would like to find a person or store who sells Pennyrich bras so I can be fitted for one. Been years since I had one and cannot remember my size.Is there one or someone near Kennett Mo. We are not far from Paragould, Jonesboro, and Poplar Bluff.
Posted by: Barbara Mitchell at November 16, 2004 01:48 PMHi,
I have been buying bras from a lady on Elmwood Ave. here in Buffalo Ny. Her name is Josephine Russo. Just wondered if I can purchase them on line?
Please advise;
Sincerely,
Joan
Where can I purchase a pennyrich bra? Last one I was able to find was in the mid 80's from a sales person doing home parties (similar to tupperware parties). I believe they were headquartered out of Phoenix, AZ.
Posted by: Frieda May at January 6, 2005 11:42 AMI am interested in a Pennyrich Bra. I have worn them for over 30 years. Please email me with information on how to buy the bra in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.
Posted by: Kay Merchant at January 23, 2005 06:50 PMI wore Pennyrich bras in the 70's and absolutely loved them. I didn't know they were still around until I typed in the name on the internet & found your website. I live in a small town in northeast TX. Could you possibly help me find a salesperson in this area?. My daughter and I both need the bras. They are the best bras ever. Thanks Pat
Posted by: Patricia Keene at February 11, 2005 08:49 PM
I need to know if there is a Penny Rich location in the greater Nashville area. If so,please advise. Thanks,
Nelda
Please let me know where I can buy a Penny Rich Bra. I live in San Angelo Texas. What's close to here.
Posted by: Debora at February 22, 2005 07:00 AMKnow of a dealer in the greater Kansas City area? My mom has been wanting a Pennyrich for years.
Posted by: Sandy at February 23, 2005 07:17 PMI've never heard of penny rich bras til yesterday. My husband's cousin who lives in Baton Rouge, La.
is trying to find a number to call to purchase one.
Said she's been wearing them for almost 50 years.
Would appreciate any info you have.
Bonnie
Pennyrich is the only bra I have ever worn. My wife says they compliment my bizarre figure.
Posted by: James at March 19, 2005 10:25 PMWhere can the Pennyrich bra be purchased from for people who live around the Brandon, Fl. area?
Posted by: Millie at April 2, 2005 01:27 AMI had some Pennyrich bras when I was in High school (early 90's). My mom took me to a home party at a neighbors, and I was so embarrassed to be fitted. They were the best bra I have ever owned, any ideas on how to find one in the Oklahama or Texas Panhandles?
Posted by: Kay Bea at April 12, 2005 02:48 PMHere is a website I found that offers Pennyrich bras over the internet.
http://www.twotexasbelles.com/pennyrich.html
Posted by: Kay Bea at April 12, 2005 02:52 PMTHANK YOU! Because of you I went to Pennyrich in Raleigh on Saturday 4/30. These two ladies are wonderful people, along with being custom fitters. What an enjoyable experience!!!
I may have to comment on the bra later - I have got to read the owner's manual again to make sure I have this thing on right! (HAHA)
Posted by: MamaKay at May 2, 2005 03:37 PMkay-
it sounds like you got a jeunique, yes? i was amazed that it came with an instruction pamphlet, too. ;-) hope you like yours as much as i like mine!
i am contemplating having some sort of party at the bra patch, and inviting all my friends to come get fitted properly for a bra. is that too weird??
last time i was in the store, the owner said, "are you the one who wrote about us on the internet??" apparently this post has driven a lot of customers their way. yay!!
Posted by: christa at May 3, 2005 12:28 AMahbras.com has a listing of dealers in various states/cities for the jeunique bras. Am trying to find the closest location to me so I too can enjoy the jeunique experience.Here in Texas they are located in Arlington & Dallas.
Posted by: Pat at May 23, 2005 10:18 AMI was a Pennyrich distributor in the 60's. What an uplifting experience!
I met Penny Rich, the gal who actually designed the bra. She was a real lady, but got some bad business advice. If not for that, they would be much more readily available.
We did sell through home parties, boutiques and I had a number of Merle Norman studios selling them.
I've seen large breasted women actually cry. First time ever they didn't have bra straps cutting into their shoulders.
Get a few A & B cup ladies together at a party and they would be squealing and giggling back in the fitting room (bedroom). Found out that they too could have boobs. The smaller bras force flesh from the side of the ribs into the cups, giving the appearance of larger breasts.
But it is really the larger ladies who get the most benefit.
Posted by: pete at May 25, 2005 11:22 AMI started wearing the Pennyrich bras in the 60's, and have switched to Jenique which I prefer. They both are fantastic bras. Although I am only a petite 5'2", I am very large busted, and I find these to be the best fitting bras I have ever worn. I am now in my 60's, but my bust is held up firmly which gives a much more youthful appearance. Other bras just don't do it for me!
Posted by: Linda at June 22, 2005 01:21 PMFor information on proper bra fitting, or to buy Pennyrich or Jeunique bras, you can visit. http://www.twotexasbelles.com.
The best to all,
Posted by: Mickey Anderson at August 24, 2005 12:09 PMI hadn't heard of PennyRich bras in years until I found this website. I was actually telling my friends at work about the "bra parties" my girlfriends & I used to host and they laughed at me, I don't think they believed me. But I had several parties myself and went to several others. We had them at our houses and the distributor used us as the model. we actually stood in front of our guests and got pulled & stuffed into the bras (all curtains drawn, etc.) It was actually hilarious. Then each guest would be taken into a bedroom or the bathroom and be fitted. One girl I remember in particular was as flat as a pancake, and she came out thrilled to death with her new found cleavage. They were expensive, especially since we were all stay at home moms back in those days. We could usually only afford one, and we washed them so carefully. Anyway, I was surprised to find out that they are still available, and have enjoyed reading all these posts.
Posted by: Linda at August 26, 2005 10:11 AMWhen I wore a B cup(Many years ago) Pennyrich was great. Now I have the opposite problem. The Shop has closed and I need one close to home. Anyone in the Jacksonville, Florida area distribute them? Thank you..
Posted by: Mary Abbruzzese at September 11, 2005 08:14 PMI have worn jeaunique bras before. While they are rather pricey, even compared to other bras in my size range (40 I, yeah...hard to find on a good day and a nightmare on a bad day), I found that if I had two to three of them so I could always have one clean and dry that they all lasted at least five years!
With other bra brands I have neck, back, shoulder pain and near constant head aches, with this brand that pain goes away. From the first time I wore one, the pain diminished immediately and was totally gone before the end of the week!
And it is TRUE...not one wire anywhere!!! And the jeaunique is also nursing compatable since it does have the drop down top!
I also found that the dug in strap trenches went away rather quickly.
The only issues I have is finding a dealer in DFW close enough and affording at least three... not that they are not worth what they ask.
I find that most bras over a DD cup want to squish your breasts flat...aka "minimize". My question is if so many A cups are getting augmentation...why should I want to hide what I have???
Posted by: LyrahTx at November 3, 2005 01:22 AMNext time you go, take me with you! I have big ole 38 DDs (and I suspect actually bigger as I overflow some of my bras) and my bras only last about 6 months until the strain of trying to hold up my boobs takes it's toll
Posted by: marianne at November 4, 2005 06:53 AMI have a store in Tampa, my mom sold them for 33 years and now it's my turn. I love making women feel supported. If you want to be fitted via phone/online you will need 3 measurements It is better to find a store to get an actual fitting, since the measurements are the starting point for sizing. Best of luck ladies.
Posted by: Donna at January 6, 2006 10:57 AMI began wearing Pennyrich bras almost 20 years ago. There's nothing like a Pennyrich and after wearing this brand no other bra can compare. I'm so uncomfortable in every bra I've purchased after wearing the Pennyrich line. I now live in the Clermont,Florida area ( outside Orlando) and have tried to locate a source locally but the closest I can find is in Tampa. If anyone has knowledge of a distributor in my area please contact me via e mail. Thank you....Glenna
Posted by: Glenna at January 6, 2006 11:45 PMJeunique has a new Satin and Lace bra out that is not as pricey - only this is it only comes in white. I got mine from that Two Texas Belles site someone listed here - they were great at fitting me right. I love this bra - will never go back to department store bras again.
Janie
Posted by: Janie at January 17, 2006 03:32 PMI get my Jeunique bras from www.twotexasbelles.com. Just purchased three of the new Jeunique "satin and lace" bras from there and I LUV EM. If you have any sizing questions - just email Mickey at: customfitbras@twobelles.com - she really helped me get the exact fit - don't know how, cause all I did was send her my measurements and a couple of emails back and forth - and I got a great fit. They have Pennyrich bras tooooo!
Please let me know where I may buy Pennyrich bras in the Tyler, Texas area. Thank you.
Posted by: Petra at April 3, 2006 12:58 PMIs there a location in Dallas for these miracle bras?
Posted by: MaMa Jan at April 11, 2006 10:41 AMSo! I keep seeing questions as to where these bras can be found,but,no answers. Would someone care to give us an actual,address,phone number,etc. My lady would be very grateful.........
Posted by: Jimbo! at April 17, 2006 08:00 PMI once wore a Pennyrich but could not purchase but the one. I kept the sales papers. Now I am looking to replace it with the Sculptrous brand because it has the more rounded cup. (Sorry Madonna)! Where can I purchase them in North Central Indiana. How will a 30GG translate from Pennyrich to Sculptrous---I understand they are manufactured by the same company?
Posted by: Violet at June 7, 2006 01:45 PMCould someone please research these bras, email me the results and pay for a couple? I live in Malibu, Arkansas, and I comment on blogs to get answers.
Posted by: lastewie at June 8, 2006 04:42 PMMy Mother had Pennyrich bra's years ago. I need to know where to go to purchase them for her. She said that they were the best bra's she ever had. Also do they come in a demi bra, size 34DDD? Can anyone help me out? I am in Mississippi. I keep seeing questions where to purchase them, but no replys? Is anyone out there?
Posted by: Lisa at June 30, 2006 01:20 PMDear people who keep posting bra questions here:
This is a blog entry from October 2004 on a personal weblog. It is not the webpage of a bra store, nor is it a helpful bra research website where anyone is going to answer your questions or reply to you to help you find that special bra you're looking for.
May I suggest Google? If you got here courtesy of Google, may I suggest you go back to your search results and keep looking?
Posted by: minty at June 30, 2006 04:12 PMMinty is spot on. The owner of this blog has a busy and fulfilling life, and bras occupy but a fraction of her time and interest - might I suggest checking out this link, where you can submit your breasts to it's wizard:
http://home.flash.net/~bras/index.htm
From blog owner's friend
Posted by: marianne at June 30, 2006 05:58 PMI encourage random people to continue to post requests and questions about bras here - it is extremely entertaining!
Posted by: pinky at July 1, 2006 02:57 PMI sale Pennyrich Bras, I ship anywhere!
Pauline Breaux,
409-794-1829
I sell the Jeunique bras in Windsor,Ontario. Come on over someday, and I'll be happy to fit you. If you have been sized for these bras, I will gladly ship it to you. YOU WILL LOVE THEM! They have MAJOR bounce control. Protheses NEVER move! Get "Perky" again! This bra is the most amazing bra you will ever try on! Hope to see you sometime.
Laurie @
519-999-0475
I purchased 5 of the fabulous vintage PennyRich Miracle bras today, and do not have a clue how to determine what would be equivalent to todays standard sizing. I have the following sizes:
Style: 324, size 30D
Style: 327 , size 28E
Style: 324, size 28C
Style: 324, size 30C
Style: 327, size 30CC
Any help would be greatly appreciated:)
Looking for a dealer or store of Pennyrich bras,
I have not had one in years, I loved it then, But
I need more Supportn now.
I need a Good Bra, anything in Abilene, Lubbock or Austin
Thanks
Debora