5 questions for Raymonde Tranchemontagne, head designer at WonderBra

Raymonde Tranchemontagne, a designer at WonderBra since 1969, kindly accepted to answer our questions in order to give us an insider’s look at the iconic Canadian brand of undergarments.

Raymonde, can you tell us about your position? What exactly is your role?

As director of design, I’m responsible for innovation and the creation of new products. One part of my work is dedicated to searching for new fabrics, as much for their aesthetic as for the technical qualities.

Keeping in mind the latest market trends, I supervise the creation of new collections; follow up on adjustments, fittings, pattern grading as well as managing all the communication and information necessary to put different styles into production.

What are the different steps in the fabrication of a given model of bra? And How long does it take to get from the design table to the store shelf?

I’ve divided the work into three major steps:

The first part includes design and creativity, consisting of researching fabrics and aesthetics, as well as all the tests for the quality and durability of the fabric before a collection can be created.

Secondly, the most technical part includes fitting of the basic sizes (for example, 34 or 38, B, C, D or DD) on women of differing body types. This is how the garments are tried and measured. Then we modify the patterns and give them back to the sample room to have the garment sewn until we get the fit we’re looking for. All this is followed by “wash & wear” to ensure the comfort and the quality of the garments.

Finally, we grade all the sizes and establish sewing methods that will allow us to reproduce bra samples on a production line.

In summary, over a period of 10 to 12 months, we have designers, pattern-makers and engineers working on dozens of small modifications in order to make the production samples, this ensures for the best fit and maximum comfort.

What have you learned about women through your work with WonderBra?

Women love lingerie. Some of them like to wear lace everyday or for special occasions. Others prefer more classic styles that cling like second skin and are invisible under clothing. For some, comfort is everything, while others are ready to sacrifice comfort in favour of a feminine touch.

However, shopping and trying on intimate apparel to find the right bra size can be difficult for some. In order to help women with their decision making, we recommend getting properly fitted before selecting bra styles that address their current needs. Once in the changing room they should properly adjust their bra and look at their profile to judge their appearance and most importantly, to try on the bra while wearing normal clothing.

What would be your all-time favourite WonderBra model?

A seamless bra which creates a natural silhouette and that can be found in a variety of colours and fabrics, starting from micro fibres to laces. (Styles include: 2483, 3351, 3451, 7409, 7483 and in WonderBra Plus 1983.)

And finally, how has the WonderBra brand evolved over the years?
Since the push-up bra, which really made the WonderBra name, several factors have contributed to its evolution, such as the new technologies used to make seamless bras in Non-stretch or multifibre fabric. The integration of newer better performing fabrics, into our creations, has allowed us to offer consumers a greater variety of under garments that respond more closely to their expectations in terms of comfort, performance and appearance.