I sat on this review for a while, but finally decided to pull the trigger. Went to this shop with high hopes to treat myself about a month ago. I know my correct size, did not want a lot of unwarranted comments about "How I don't LOOK that big". Was told several times to try on bras that were way too small, and made to feel as though I was trying to show off or something. Ended up buying a bralette, even though saleslady still tried to get to buy a ridiculously small size. I will not be back. I know my own body and no not appreciate the undermining comments. read more

I walked into the Hope Chest with my 2 twenty something daughters. The two women working immediately started engaging with my daughters right away, showing them things and walking around the store with them. They didn't say anything to me nor did they ask me if I needed any help. I felt completely invisible and was left on my own to find what I was looking for. I called my daughters over to help me. The shop keepers finally spoke to me when I ended up buying something. read more

As the previous reviewer notes, this store has been around for a number of years (even before the Bellevue, it was out in Skippack, and, for a short time, they had a second store in Ardmore in the Chuck Thayer Salon in Suburban Square) before landing in Haverford Square. This store isn't for everyone - the high quality and specialty lines are not for those looking for just everyday underwear or (for those men shopping for women) the Victoria Secret (or worse) look. Also, in this economy to have an expectation that a small business would carry in stock a huge supply of many varieties just isn't realistic. Someone scanning the web for shopping probably is not going to walk away satisfied, as this store is a different type of experience from the usual fare of everything being available at the click of a mouse. As one of the gender opposite from the one that this store serves, I truly appreciate the help that you get in picking something that is for one's better half and not just something that is, shall we say, merely for me. Also, while there are plenty of items pleasant on the eye, they carry many high quality practical items, like the pajamas. I got my wife a set well over ten years ago that she still keeps for cold winter nights. Further, if you see something you like, and the size doesn't fit, they are more than happy to order it if you would like (and a tip for the men out there on this, although you may want it to be a surprise, she might be happier with the gift if it includes a personal fitting at the store, instead of you guessing). All in all, between the collection of items, the different lines, and comfortable atmosphere of the store itself, the Hope Chest is a store that has well earned its reputation (and through that sustained its existence) for quality and service. read more

I came here with my aunt who had a double mastectomy. She was having trouble finding a cami that was pretty and functional. The woman who helped us was SO nice, sensitive and willing to go the extra mile. Once we found something that worked, she called around to find it in different colors. It was a really special day, it was fun, it felt good, and we appreciated the help so much. read more

I couldn't be more thrilled with my (many) experiences at the Hope Chest -- which is why I keep coming back. The quality of the items in the store is unparalleled. Donna, the owner, clearly meticulously selects only the best items for her customers. From cozy Ugg cover ups and robes to luxury lingerie, the Hope Chest should be your go-to place to treat yourself or for gifts to your most deserving friends. It's worth every penny -- not to mention you can get THE BEST (and most fun) bra fitting you've ever had. I have thrown out all bras and underwear from anywhere else and solely relied on the Hope Chest for my orders -- long-lasting, well-fitting, and high-quality materials is hard to find elsewhere. They even have an online shop now for when I'm out of town. I will never go elsewhere. read more

Wow, super disappointing. I stopped by to look at strapless bras and the young woman working here was extremely dismissive and didn't seem very interested in helping me (I was the only one in the store). After a few awkward minutes of me asking questions about different options and getting a standard "ummmm...no, sorry" without the salesgirl offering any kind of alternatives or suggestions or checking to see if something was in my size, I just kind of left. She also was obviously unclear on how sister sizing works. I was ready to spend some major $$$ so it's a shame I was treated this way! I hope others have a better experience. read more

I really wanted to like this place. I'd had a poor fitting at Nordstrom a few weeks ago and decided that I should use it as an opportunity to visit a few speciality shops that specialized in bras of all sizes and fittings. A quick flip on the internet brought me to Hope Chest, which had wonderful reviews. So I drove the 90 minutes into the Philly surburbs to take a visit. I had no clue that this place was so small. Two employees plus two customers equals a crowd. I browsed for a few minutes before one of the two employees decided to ask me if they could help. I explained my fitting at Nordstrom, she had a "tsk tsk" face, and then proceeded to measure me over my shirt. And just a band measurement. She then determined my size, and handed me two bras - one lined, one padded. They might have had two other bras in my exact size, so there was definitely not a lot of selection. The lined one wasn't quite right, and the padded one was a style that I currently own but threw out because it didn't hold up. I asked about other options, and the lady looked at me like I was crazy. She swore that they only carried one style of one brand in a push up bras. This is a bra store?!?! How in the world does that work?!?! Then she decided that perhaps I really was a different size, and handed me the same band size in a smaller cup, and a smaller band size with the same cup. I really liked the second one but it was a bit snug. I took it out and mentioned "hey, this is the right amount of padding - I thought you said you didn't carry anything in between" and she just kind of shrugged. Asked about a 34A in it - shrug. Didn't offer to order me the correct size - just told me that they would probably restock over the next few weeks and I could come back in. That was a pretty disappointing response when I told her that I had driven 1.5 hours to visit. I'm not going to drive back down in hopes that you have something. Their site says that they offer 32AA-40DDD and will order items as well - beware that they had very limited stock on smaller sizes when I was there. When I was browsing, they literally had one 32AA and one 34AA. I'd call before you go and verify how much inventory they have. I maybe wouldn't have left so aggravated if they would have offered to order me what I was looking for. They did have a quite beautiful selection of lingerie but I was pretty miffed about the poor bra fitting experience and their lack of customer service and just skipped it. Voting with dollars, I suppose. Maybe if you are a more average size, or don't need any help, this would be a good option? But I thought the whole point of a bra fitting lingerie shop was that they were good at these things... read more

Hopechest helps you look and feel good. Upon my visit to the Hopechest, I learned that my whole life I've been wearing the wrong bra size. That would explain the digging into my bag and uncomfortable bras that pretty much cut off my circulation. The lovely ladies of the Hopechest assisted me into finding the perfect bra for me in the right size. They're so helpful and attentive, and the merchandise they carry is absolutely beautiful. Go there and treat yourself to an amazing new underwear wardrobe. Revamp yourself with a new pair of Only Hearts leggings or treat yourself to some PJ Salvage comfy pajamas to curl up in. Would recommend the Hopechest to anybody who just needs some help with their underwear repertoire for a total makeover. Look and feel good kinda place. read more

When I arrived the staff was friendly, but while I was in the fitting room another customer entered and they stopping attending to me. They indicated they would check my bra for fit after I put it on but I was ignored from that point on. I would not recommend this store. read more

I was assisted by Amy. Other reviewers are correct that this store is quite small and the stock is limited but extremely high quality. I'm a pretty average size and had a lot of bras to choose from. I was pleased with my fitting experience and left with 3 every day bras that I'm really happy with (all between $80-100). I also wanted to get some special lingerie but the selection in that area wasn't fantastic and the cost was prohibitive for me (not spending $45+ on skimpy panties). Overall I'd suggest you give it a try, either here or at the Chestnut St location. It's worth it to shop higher quality and support a local business. read more

Ladies, if you are in need of really great bras (or other under-things)...and you are, whether you know it or not...most of us don't even know how comfortable bras CAN and should be because we settle for what we find in regular stores, do yourself a favor and check out Hope Chest...go there if you're close or check them out online if you're not. Donna, the owner of Hope Chest, is ABSOLUTELY BEYOND FABULOUS to work with. She is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and kind. She's an absolute pleasure to deal with. My husband gave me a Hope Chest gift certificate after years of listening to me complain that I couldn't find a good bra. Well, A YEAR after he gave it to me, I hadn't worked up the nerve to go for a fitting. I contacted Donna thru the website actually begging for the money spent on the gift certificate to be refunded to my husband. I felt terrible that I hadn't and "wouldn't" use the gift he put so much thought into. Obviously, NO ONE gives refunds on year old gift certificates...it was a dumb question and I knew going in that it was not a realistic request. Well, I ended up corresponding with Donna at length and explained that I hadn't used the gift not because I didn't need good bras but because I was too self conscious to come for the fitting. She was so understanding of my anxieties and so helpful. She worked with me to teach me the right way to measure and what a fit should be like...and then shipped me bras she thought best fit my needs. AND SHE WAS SO RIGHT ON. So, I now have a collection of really awesome bras that fit amazingly well and someone I trust to help me find those types of things in the future. I cannot recommend Hope Chest enthusiastically enough. Do this for yourselves ladies...go check them out. You will definitely not be sorry. read more

This gorgeous store has been around for many years, first in Philadelphia city center in Bellevue and now has relocated to Haverford. I have been to both stores many times and always regretted that I am small chested since they have such amazing, gorgeous bras. The truth is, it is near impossible to find something perfect for a flat chested person so if you are AA or A, you may as well go get that Victoria's secret wireless-padded-triangles or get a sports bra. It really isn't the store's fault that a size AA and A is difficult to fit. Hope chest has a bunch of different items and was first to carry Hanky Panky thongs that everyone thereafter has discovered, Hope Chest is full of PJs and gorgeous upscale sleepwear, robes and slippers perfect for romantic evenings and honeymoon at four seasons somewhere. They used to carry Wolford and many beautiful shirts and corsets. It is a boutique store and you will only find hand picked pieces, often one in each size but the store takes special orders. I always shop here for PJs and drool over their amazing lingerie. Totally worth visiting if you love boutique stores. read more