The Chest Collective
86 joy street, studio 9
somerville, ma 02143



an appointment-based, fit-focused bra shop


***


i think about bras 
and transform bra-blems 
so you don’t have to
because

you’ve got more important sh*t to do

 i feel freer 
when my bras fit and function
all genders, all ages, all bodiesmay we all live free




                                                                                                                                                        
 bra-ntiquity, greece, artist nikita*


current bra-ffering

custom-made bralettes for all chests
with Rue du Paradis Lingerie
size: yours

initial measurements and materials selection appointment
takes up to 30 minutes 
includes tea and a cookie
a +1 bystander is welcome to join you

$195 
custom pieces typically require multiple 
free follow-up alteration appointments

book initial appointment


weekly open fiber arts studio

mondays 6:30 - 9pm

$10
start your week with some joy-full fiberhood
use the studio to inspire action on your projects 
and to connect with other makers

bring your own materials and tools/machines for 
sewing, knitting, crocheting, or whatever fibrous art you’re up to 
also, byob and snacks 

i’ve got cutting + ironing stations, thread + other notions, 
electricity, a slop sink, camaraderie and tea    

text me when you arrive so i can let you in to 
the main entrance of the joy street studios

617-294-9428
red tent series

permission to look: an all-nude figure drawing communion for women

this isn't primarily about drawing.
this is about stripping down 
to reclaim love of self and sister 
through intimate proximity to and creative exploration of difference
difference as real, as necessary, as vulnerable, as glorious
when we draw close to our differences
--in a safe and creative space, together--
we actively move into belonging. 

this is a radical move. 

thursday, april 24th
6:30 - 9pm

$35

register here

workshops

make your own bralette
with french leavers lace

upcoming workshops tba

10:30 - 3:30pm

all levels, all chests

$150

make your own panties
with french leavers lace
start from scratch
or
make a pair to match your bralette

upcoming workshops tba

10:30 - 2pm

all levels, all bodies

$130


***

coming soon

an expansive ready-to-wear inventory 
of d+ bras of all types, including binders
also underwear,  bra-sized swimwear, 
sleepwear, and bra accessories

***


education is central to my mission

9 out of 10 bra-wearers 
are in the wrong size
this means it is highly probable 
that you are too
i look forward to getting you equipped 
ie, informed and properly fit
ie, footloose and fancy-free

because my ready-to-wear inventory 
is for d-cups and up
i want to start by sharing a little re-education 
about what “d cups” can actually look like
these photos are of a friend who wears a 30d
d is not
synoynmous with full bustd is not
a size if divorced from a band size

     


***


i also use my joy street studio to gather 
to resource, rest, play, create, resist, transform

reach out with ideas for collaborations, art submissions,
and private events

currently showing @underpinningswithmimi:





***


bring me your gently used or unworn bras
i donate 
bring me your bras that are worn out 
i recycle


***


accessibility
there are 6 stairs to the front door 
of the joy street studios
and two flights of stairs or an industrial elevator 
up to studio 9 on the 2nd floor


***


“i” am olivia lopes, msw, bra fitter

i’ve opened the chest collective because 
i’ve got big breast volume on a small ribcage
and i didn’t have a properly fitting bra
until i found a great bra fitter myself
i know i’m not alone
and how consequential this issue can be
my shingle is up
i can’t wait to assist you

olivia@chest.love
617-294-9428