Our Mission
Believe it or not, it is estimated that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra! Our mission is to reduce that number, and we’ve been working tirelessly for over 20 years.
Inside Story Lingerie and Swim is an inclusive boutique located in the heart of downtown Oakville, easily accessible for GTA and Southern Ontario residents. Our beautiful, warm, welcoming space is a ✨judgment-free✨ zone. The goal is to create an uplifting environment where women can feel as comfortable as possible at what would otherwise be a vulnerable moment.
Our Approach to Fitting...
Lingerie and undergarments are the foundation of the wardrobe. Therefore, it is imperative that we put you in the most suitable pieces for your beautiful shape so that you can maximize the rest of your carefully cultivated wardrobe.
⭐️ At Inside Story, Lida and her staff are expert fitters who apply the “Accurate Art of Breastimation” - a four-step approach to fitting sans measuring tape that works like a charm, every time.
👑 There is no simple formula or tool to assign a size - if your fitter brings a tape measure into the dressing room, chances are that it may feel awkward with an incorrect measurement. Our combination of years of fitting experience and intimate product knowledge allow us to put you in something that will be both functional and flattering.
💖 A perfectly-fit bra is a fundamental way to boost confidence, giving women the opportunity to be their best selves and shine as radiantly as possible.
The Inside HerStory
In the early 2000’s, Lida Lisney was working for a national airline, tending the friendly skies as an experienced flight attendant.
She traveled the world, sharpened her linguistic skills (Lida can perform your bra-fitting in English, Ukrainian, French, Italian, or Spanish!), and maybe did a teensy bit of shopping… 🛍️
In between flights, Lida began to pick up part time shifts at Inside Story Fine Lingerie. She loved the ability to work with women and help them leave the boutique with a smile. Her keen knack for fitting and innate customer care instincts caught the eye of the owners, who were planning for retirement. One stray remark led to serious discussions, and in November 2003, Lida Lisney became the owner of Inside Story Fine Lingerie!
Since then, Lida has grown the store and its following in an amazing way.
The Reynolds location was renovated and expanded multiple times and an outlet location was opened in Mississauga, until operations were ultimately consolidated in a beautiful, spacious new location just around the corner at 334 Church St.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Inside Story firsthand, experiencing the unparalleled customer service💕 and the exquisite, unique space, this is your sign…. what are you waiting for?
Our Brands
While our big box competitors may fancy themselves as angels, the fit of their bras is devilishly poor.
💫 Over its time in business, Inside Story has meticulously curated a collection of brands and designers from Europe and North America that uphold our vision.
👙 We only carry lines with the highest level of quality, the widest range of sizing, and commitment to selling confidence and strength over sex. Further, we carry only bra-sized swimwear, because if it is covering the same areas, why should the sizing be different?
🙋♀️ Finally, where possible, we support small, Canadian, woman-owned businesses.
Our Impact
Our work does not end in the dressing room - we have been in the Oakville community for 20+ years, and are passionate about making it a better place for residents and visitors alike.
🌻 In 2023 the community helped us to raise money for a gorgeous sunflower mural in support of Ukraine. The mural raised $20,000 towards the cost of the mural and $16,000 going to purchasing and sending medical packs and hand warmers to the soldiers fighting in Ukraine. As an added benefit, we have truly beautified a corner of our fine town!
👙 Every October, we run a bra drive in support of local Oakville women’s shelters. Bras and undergarments are woefully under-donated to women’s shelters, and there is a great need. Customers are asked to bring in gently used bras, which are then sorted and donated.
💃 In the past we have collaborated with local businesses to put on fashion shows in support of local foundations.
Our Furry Friends
On a given day, if you visit us, you may have the pleasure of meeting our two least productive employees, Sammy and Lucy🐈🐱
They may not be expert fitters (Lucy is in training), but they do bring the workplace a certain je ne sais quoi… Don’t hesitate to ask to meet them!