Via Shutterstock.

While the idea of having another person measure an area of the body deemed so scandalous that it must be covered by two layers of clothing may seem uncomfortable, it can actually make a difference in your quality of life.

“Nine out of ten people come in wearing the wrong bra size,” says Stephanie Jacek, owner of Le Bustiere Boutique, one of DCist’s selections for best bra fitters in the D.C. area. “One of the most important things about wearing a good-fitted bra is support and comfort,” she said, adding that band size is key, especially for women who wear a bra with an underwire. Correct cup size, which must be adjusted with band size, is needed for support and a good lift. Women should also be fitted after a body change, like having a baby.

“A lot of people come in and once they’re fitted … they’re like, ‘Wow! Oh my god.’ Immediately they start to caress their breasts,” Jacek continued. “I always know I hit the mark when ladies start to caress their breasts.”

Convinced that you should spend more than $10 on a bra at Target? Here are some of the lingerie shops in the area (not including department stores!) with the best bra-fitting reputations.

LE BUSTIERE BOUTIQUE: Le Bustiere Boutique is new on the scene, but already has established a reputation for having some of the finest lingerie in town. From Yelp: “I guess I’ve never really been fitted for a bra before despite being 32 years old. Well Stephanie asked to give me a free fitting and it turns out I was wearing a bra that was like 3 sizes wrong! The fitting totally rocked my world — no more ill-fitting bras for me!!”

Le Bustiere Boutique is located at 1744 Columbia Road NW, Ste. 2.

COUP DE FOUDRE LINGERIE: Since 2004, local business Coup de Foudre Lingerie has specialized in fitting women with European bras and is probably the most well-respected D.C. spot for bra fitting today. From Yelp: “The bras were pricey, especially with the matching panties, but so worth it. I walked out of there with three bra sets that make me feel incredible. It was probably one of the best retail experiences I’ve ever had. I absolutely recommend this place.”

Coup de Foudre Lingerie is located at 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

TROUSSEAU: While it’s located all the way out in Vienna, Trousseau is worth the trip, especially if you’re harder to fit. The Virginia shop, which carries bras in sizes from 30AA to 56N, does complementary alterations on-site. From Yelp: “Trousseau is a life changing experience that like Lasik’s I wonder why I waited so long to take advantage of. Coming here is seriously one of the better things I have ever done for myself.”

Trousseau is located at 306 Maple Ave W, Vienna, Va.

INTIMACY: If you prefer your bra fittings to be Oprah approved, there’s Intimacy in Tysons Corner, one of Susan Nethero’s several locations around the country. For Yelp: “The bra fittings are amazing. The specialists here teach how to properly wear and care for your new (and expensive) underthings.”

Intimacy is located at 8054 Tysons Corner Center, McLean, Va.

SYLENE: For women who have undergone surgery, whether it be for a medical or cosmetic reason, Sylene carries post-surgical bras and will fit them to your body. From Yelp: “I went to the store with an appointment for a fitting, for a post-mastectomy temporary prosthesis. They were pleasant, incredibly empatheic and extremely professional. I was in and out amazingly fast. For when my challenges are over, incidentally they have an amazing selection of top-of-the-line, sexy, quality items.”

Sylene is located at 4407 S. Park Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md.