Last week, I paid a visit to Susan Hunter Lingerie in Westbury Mall, Dublin, and had such a wonderful experience that I just had to share it. I was looked after by the lovely Daina, who took the time to walk me through everything the boutique has to offer and expertly measured me to find the perfect fit. As someone with a bigger bust, it can often feel like a challenge to find supportive and stylish pieces—but this visit completely changed that for me.
Let’s be honest – most women don’t walk into a lingerie shop feeling completely confident. Body insecurities are something everyone deals with, in the world of filters and AI images – body self loathing is endemic in society for women in 2026 – so when I spoke with Daina she put me at ease straightaway. Sarah Hunter Lingerie offers Bras from size 30-50 inches and A to M cup and amazing shapewear and solutions, tapes and waist wasps lots of solutions to under wear.
Not only did I leave feeling confident and well looked after, but Daina also shared some fantastic tips, especially for brides and mothers of the bride-to-be. From practical advice like choosing outfits that work with thicker strap bras, to thoughtful insights for your wedding day, it was full of helpful takeaways. It’s safe to say I’ll be approaching lingerie shopping very differently from now on!
Can you guide me through your process when meeting a bride-to-be or mother of the bride?
Absolutely, when a bride comes in first we determine if she has a dress, what it is like and what are her lingerie needs to suit the dress. From there on we have a quick fitting and determine what are the best solutions to make her as comfortable and confident on the big day as possible.
What services do you provide?
We offer full fitting services with no appointments necessary. Whether it is for a solution wear under the dress or something more intimate for after the big day, you can try it on and make sure you are comfortable, feel confident and know that everything will fit just as it should on the day. So we kind of play a personal shopper as well, with our vast relegation of silk slips, robes, pyjamas and more.
How did you break into the industry?
Back in the day when we started in 1984, there were no bra fittings! We didn’t even start fitting for another 10 years, which seems uncomprehensive today. But we have always been know for the quality. Whether it is the service that we offer or the product, we make sure it is the best out there. That’s the beauty of shopping in a small boutique – if we don’t have something, we will always do our best to source it for you with one of our suppliers. You just can’t get that in a department store.
What is your favourite part of your job?
The people! I love hearing their stories. I love being able to help them. It is especially rewarding when someone comes in for the first time, after a lifetime of ill fitting bras that lead to body consciousness and all kinds of issues. And to have her leave a changed woman! Proud to wear whatever the size she is, standing up taller and more confident, and loving her body again. That is what makes me love my job.
What’s one snippet of advice you’d give to a bride?
If you have a larger bust, it is a good idea to have the lingerie picked out before shopping for a dress, lets face it- some of us can’t get away with a backless strapless option without having the ladies supported as well! Be realistic on what the dressmaker can actually achieve.
Dress shopping is a day when you bring your family and friends with you to choose the right look that suits you. Shopping for lingerie under that outfit is a much more personal and sensitive topic. I suggest, come into us on your own, so you can feel comfortable, nobody else needs to know what you’re buying for under the outfit – or honeymoon! That stays between me and you and the person you are marrying.
If you have a larger bust, it is a good idea to have the lingerie picked out before shopping for a dress, lets face it- some of us can’t get away with a backless strapless option without having the ladies supported as well! Be realistic on what the dressmaker can actually achieve.
When choosing the lingerie or your pjs, or the robe – focus on the fabric, choose something that you are in love with, rather than what will look good in the pictures. If you choose a piece or two that you absolutely love, you will wear it over and over again, reminding yourself of the fabulous day you had. If the piece is of great quality it will last you for years and might even become an heirloom, not just a piece for one day. Isn’t that what marriage is about.
Susan Hunter Lingerie – off 13 Westbury Mall, Grafton St, Dublin2
tel 01 6791271
Instagram @susanhunterlingerie
Website www.sarahhunter.ie