Newark's Janice Holmes opens new bra fitting company

It's often quoted that 80% of women wear a bra that does not fit properly.

Being professionally measured and fitted for a bra can make a huge difference to how a woman looks and feels, so it’s important to go to an expert fitter regularly.

But for many women, it’s not that easy. Age, illness, infirmity or simply circumstances can prevent them from visiting a store to be properly measured and fitted.

One woman who is determined to change that for others in and around Newark is Janice Holmes, who describes herself as a sensitive underwear specialist.

Janice, 54, has had a 34-year career with a major retailer, and is a trained and experienced bra fitter.

“My passion has always been working in the lingerie department because I just love to be able to help people feel nice,” she said.

Building on that passion, she has now started her own business, Janice Rose Lingerie, based at her home in Balderton.

Her light bulb moment came when she fitted a bra for a customer who was about to go into a care home and who said she wished Janice could continue to measure her there.

“I just thought, oh my word, there must be so many ladies just like her,” she said.

Janice Rose Lingerie is now up and running, and it will be her full-time business from April next year, when she takes early retirement.

Rose is a family name that Janice thought fitted well with the image she wanted to create.

The conservatory of her home has been transformed into a discreet showroom and fitting area, where women can go to be measured and fitted in comfort and privacy.

But Janice’s main aim in starting Janice Rose Lingerie was to create a mobile service for women who were unable to visit a store or a fitter in person.

Janice has had experience in fitting women and girls for everything from a first bra to maternity and nursing bras, post-surgery bras, and bras for later life, so she knew exactly what she was looking for when it came to launching her own business.

She went to a lingerie show, where all the major manufacturers were showcasing their designs.

“I was looking for non-wired bras that offered comfort and support,” she said.

Janice said that wired bras had become the norm, with many women believing that they have to have underwires for support.

“But if the wire is not fitting properly, then it’s not doing its job,” she said. “For an everyday bra a lot of ladies will find a non-wired bra a lot more comfortable.”

Everyday bras are what Janice strives to offer, but not at the expense of style, quality or choice.

“I have a really good variety, from A to F or G cup, in lots of different styles,” Janice said.

Prices are competitive, with most bras falling within the £13.95 to £29.95 range, and they come in a variety of useful, neutral shades.

Janice has a particular understanding of the need for women to have pretty and comfortable lingerie after surgery.

”When I was 19 I had a lumpectomy, so although I have not had breast cancer I have had breast surgery, and I have got an awful lot of empathy because I know how it feels.”

Janice has already been in touch with many nursing and care homes to gauge their interest and has been overwhelmed by their positive response.

She has visited a number already and found it very satisfying to fit women with comfortable and suitable bras.

“I have had such lovely feedback and some wonderful comments,” she said.

“I love my job so much because no two people are the same and I can help them all.”