Question
Every time I try to wear a bra with underwires, they end up poking and pinching me and the bra ends up in the back of my dresser drawer. And yet it seems to be the wired bras that offer the more interesting styles. Is there any help for me?
Answer
There most certainly is! During the measuring consultation for a made to measure bra, you will be specifically fitted for the size of underwires that fit you. When the wires are correctly fitted, you will then be able to wear an underwired bra and not even know that the wires are there.
Question
My straps keep falling down!!! This is frustrating as well as occasionally embarrassing. How can I keep them in place?
Answer
When bra straps keep falling down as we go about our daily activities, this is indicative of the need to have them join the back band closer to your centre back. A custom made bra rectifies this annoying problem.
Question
My breasts are two different sizes, something that I am self-conscious about. Can having a custom bra made make the size difference less noticeable?
Answer
Yes! Because each person has a bra pattern drafted specifically for them, size differences can be accommodated. If the difference is noticeable, or in your case if you are self-conscious about the difference, that will be taken into consideration when the bra is made so there will appear to be little or no difference in the cup sizes.
Question
Whenever I go to buy a bra, I notice that the same size doesn’t always fit. I know it’s not weight gain, so what’s going on?
Answer
Chances are you’re trying on bras produced by different manufacturers. Since there is no ‘standard’ sizing, a 34B from one manufacturer will not necessarily fit the same as that size from another manufacturer.
Question
What are the elements of a poorly fitted bra?
Answer
1. The back rides up.
2. Straps either fall off or dig into the shoulder causing grooves.
3. Breasts “overflow” the cups
4. Breasts don’t fill the cups.
5. There is a very wide gap between the chest and the bridge (cup connector) of the bra.
6. Wires either break or poke and are generally uncomfortable.
7. You can’t wait to take your bra off or you just don’t wear it because it’s so uncomfortable.
Question
What are some common mistakes made when buying a bra?
Answer
1. Repeatedly buying the same size & design without trying on to recheck fit.
2. Choosing pretty style, colours and fabric over fit.
3. Settling for “close enough” after hours of trying on different bras.
4. Choosing inexpensive, accepting that it won’t fit anyway.
5. Choosing very expensive, assuming it will fit.
Question
Why is it so important to have a properly fitted bra?
Answer
1. Our breasts are complex structures that require blood and lymphatic circulation for their physiological health. Cups and/or wires that constrict may lead to poor circulation and possibly poor breast health.
2. Support for the breast should come primarily from the band, not the straps. If you have a bra that relies on the strap for support eventually headaches and back problems may become a problem.
3. When there isn’t enough fabric between the breast and chest wall, rubbing of skin on skin may result in heat rashes or infections. A fairly simple remedy for those who are unable to get a properly fitted bra is to fold a soft piece of fabric like flannel and place between your breast and chest wall. This will give some comfort until the rash and/or infection clears up.
4. For those sensitive to latex, you may have to get your bras made by a professional who uses latex free materials.
Question
They’ve discontinued my favourite bra – WHAT DO I DO?
Answer
A professional bra maker can clone or copy the original, designing a custom made bra that’s better than the original.
Question
What if I don’t want an underwire?
Answer
The pattern I use requires the use of a wire for sizes up to a 40 band size. 42 band size and up have the option to use a wire. As your weight around your chest at breast height increases, so does the curviness of your body. Therefore an underwire, which rises straight up after curving under your breast, may not fit you well and may poke into your tissue in your arm or your body under your arm. The wire just can’t curve to match the curves of your body. The option is one that you can try just before the last step of the bra making process, so you can wear the bra with and without the wire and decide which is more comfortable. Remember, this bra fits so well and is so supportive that you may not need the wires that you rely on usually. Many smaller breasted women tell me that they do not need wires but non-wired bras always have a band of elastic that circles the chest under the breasts. For short-waisted women, this band, especially if it is wide, can actually be less comfortable when moving than having a thin wire under the breasts.
Question
What happens if I gain/lose weight?
Answer
If you are local, I will be happy to re-measure you and provide a new pattern at a reduced cost. If you are in a city I have visited, you can take your new measurements and send them to me. Again, I will provide you with a pattern and I will work with you online, by phone, or by mail if you need further help with alterations. I support all my pattern sales with help if any changes are needed to the pattern.
Question
I have “trenches” on my shoulders – or shall I say ‘in’ my shoulders!! – that are unslightly. I’ve heard that these are caused by my bra straps. Is this true and is there anything that I can do about this?
Answer
Yes! and Yes! Those trenches are caused by your bra straps, but only because your bra is ‘dead’, meaning that the elastic in the bra band isn’t doing its job of supporting you. Once a band loses its supporting qualities, either because it is old or perhaps wasn’t strong enough even when it was new, it is definitely time to replace that bra!