August 2022

Month: August 2022

My shopping experience

31 August 2022 / my shopping experience

Shopping for bras online. My little experiment was to ensure the best policies and customer experience for all Sunbird Lingerie customers. So, this is the story of my shopping experience.

Putting myself in my customers’ shoes!

To truly understand how it feels to shop for bras online, I need to be a customer myself.

So, I found three separate online bra shops. I just happen to know my bra size! Well, I thought I did! More to come on that topic.

The bra shops are all well-known brands that have been around for a very long time.

I decided on the bras I wanted to order. Three different shapes and three different colours.

Now I’m going to break down the three orders from my shopping experience into #A, #B and #C

Bra #A

Online ordering was easy. The shopping cart was user-friendly. Postage was added at the end.

The package arrived and I was excited! I haven’t ordered a bra for years. It was something quite different for me.

Disappointment set in when I opened my parcel. The bra had been folded and put into the Austalia Post bag with no tissue paper or wrapping around it. Just the bra. It didn’t feel very special at that point.

The colour was close to what I was expecting. It did feel a bit flimsy to me, but I am used to my bras which are not flimsy. That is one difference I had forgotten about. I use the best quality components in all of my lingerie. Large companies have to make as much profit as possible so every cent counts. And they are selling mega amounts, so any additional cost adds up to lots of dollars. If they can save on any component, they will as that is their business model. My business model is different so it’s a bit unfair to compare. But it was the experience of putting myself in customers’ shoes.

Next test- trying it on.

Being careful to leave all the tags on, I tried #A on.

That’s when I checked the returns policy.

Unfortunately, the band was way too big and rode up at the back. The underwires were so wide, they were poking into my armpits. The cups nearly fitted, but because the underwires were not my size, they pulled the cup so it couldn’t give shape and support.

Bitter disappointment.

I emailed this brand to ask for help. I was given the returns address and the returns policy.

No assistance in finding a bra that might fit.

This produced fear for my next two bras, yet to arrive.

Bra #B

Again the ordering and checkout were seamless. Postage was added to my order.

This bra arrived in the post.

It was wrapped in tissue paper inside a post-pack.

That’s a better start.

The bra looked considerably different to the photo online. The colour was a lot more beige than the photo looked to me. I do not make beige underwear for a reason. I intensely dislike beige!

Not a great start.

This bra was slightly more successful when I tried it on, but still too big. The band was slightly big. It felt loose in sections. It was the way it was shaped. Again, I am used to my custom bras which I put a lot more shaping in for a better fit. And again, an unfair comparison as this bra is half the price of mine. The cup was slightly big, which even slightly big just doesn’t work.

It was a good shape and had very nice shape bra straps. Loved that part.

I emailed the shop for assistance. It’s been a couple of days and I haven’t had a reply. That”s okay. People do get busy and there were a lot of sicknesses around at the time, sadly.

Bra #C

So, is this the lucky last bra? Nearly.

Ordering online was again super easy. Free shipping, at last!

When the package arrived the bra was wrapped in tissue paper inside a post-pack.

The colour was a little bit paler than I expected but pretty good.

It felt flimsy to me. Not a fair comparison again. I am just not used to handling flimsy bras. Even my sheer bras feel not as flimsy.

I was full of hope when I tried this one on.

It”s so close. If I had never worn custom bras, I would have considered this one a good fit. The shape is supportive and gives good forward projection. That’s what a bra is supposed to do!

I’m going to wear this one to test its durability and ongoing comfort.

What I’ve learnt from being the customer.

I have learnt a lot from my shopping experience.

I felt anticipation, disappointment and a little bit of fear!

A good returns policy is so important when shopping online. That’s why I offer a 100% love-it guarantee. I want customers who just can’t wait to see the next fabrics or collections. The fit, comfort and quality are the highest priorities for me. I know I use the best quality in everything. But it all starts with the fit. The extra questions I ask and the extra fitting I do makes such a difference. This experience was slightly unfair as the bras I ordered were around half the price of my bras. I was using this as a test to come up with problems or concerns that may exist, so I can overcome these for my customers.

The packaging didn’t make the bras feel very special. They felt a bit uncared for.

The fit was not surprising. It is so difficult to figure out sizing across brands. I used each brand’s bra calculator and came up with such different sizing I decided to stick with what I knew my size was. But that’s in true to size. The cups can’t do their job if the band and/or the underwires don’t fit like a glove! The cups don’t stand a chance.

Probably the biggest point I got from this is to be contactable if something goes wrong. Most people want a good outcome. Not always a refund, but that needs to be an available option if wanted.

So, that was my shopping experience.

Happy shopping xx

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Product Guarantee 100% LOVE IT!

29 August 2022 / Product Guarantee

Product Guarantee 100% love it, takes all the worry out of shopping online for your lingerie.

Our product guarantees 100% LOVE IT!, this means we promise you will love your Sunbird Lingerie from the moment it lands at your front door. As we say, your Sunbird has landed!

I want to put a smile on your face every time you relive the moment you knew your order had arrived.

If, for any reason, you don’t fall in love with any item, just let me know, I will replace or refund it.

Your happiness is my priority. I endeavour to ensure my customers are thrilled with every item from Sunbird Lingerie.

I have the very best photographer.❣ So surprisingly, I think the garments are even better in real life. That’s because you get to touch the fabrics. And see the quality in every piece it takes to make the garment.

Everything is better in real life. Especially when they come with a 100% LOVE IT guarantee!

Fits like a glove guarantee.

The second half of our Product Guarantee ( 100% love it)

Our 30-day fits like a glove guarantee gives you enough time to wear your lingerie, ensuring the fit is perfect. Just like a glove!

If for any reason, you are not 100% happy, with any garment, I will replace or refund it.

It can be daunting ordering bras and undies online. It can even feel like a bit of a risk. Different brands have slightly different sizing, so ensuring they have a foolproof product guarantee is essential in customer confidence to purchase. Knowing any problem will be rectified. No risk is what customers deserve.

That’s exactly what you get with Sunbird Lingerie. No risk shopping.

Free Shipping Australia Wide

What do we all want when shopping online?

FREE SHIPPING!

Isn’t it annoying when you shop online, and carefully add all the items you would like to purchase, only to discover the rather large shipping charge added to your shopping cart?

Free shipping keeps it simple. You know you are being charged for the items in your cart and nothing else. No unwanted surprises after all of that time and effort.

Feel confident, and valued as a customer, every time you shop online with Sunbird Lingerie.

Product Guarantee 100% Love It!

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Bra V Bralette

22 August 2022 / Bra V Bralette

When to wear a bra versus when to wear a bralette.

When to wear a bra versus when to wear a bralette, giving options can be life-changing. Once you understand the basics for making this decision, you will get much more out of your lingerie wardrobe.

Your cup size will be a determining factor, along with what you are planning on wearing, and where you will be.

Bralettes- what features to look for and how to wear them.

Wearing a bralette when relaxing at home, is a great option for a fuller bust or a bust that feels more comfortable with a bit of support, as opposed to wearing no form of bust support at all. This is also a good option in hot, humid weather. The bralette will assist the bust in being lifted, so your bust won’t be sitting against the skin creating unnecessary heat and moisture!

You’re best to choose a bralette that offers cup sizes, preferably either a lined cup or padded cup. This will create a better fit and more support, but still with the comfort of a bralette.

Bralettes work well in summer under loose or full dresses. This is unstructured dressing, so a bra is not necessarily the look required. They also can be a good option under a chunky knit jumper in winter. Again, unstructured dressing, so the choice is yours.

Bras- when to wear a bra.

A well-fitting bra gives you support and shape. A more controlled, structured look. This may sound severe, but, as we know, a bra that fits you perfectly is often more comfortable than not wearing a bra at all.

Wearing a bra minimises bounce, and creates a fuller look to the bust as it supports. Wearing a bra will give a great shape under both a soft garment, like a t-shirt, knitted top or dress, or a more structured garment. A fitted dress or top would be an example of this. Any more tailored item of clothing will usually give the best shape and fit, wearing a bra.

A smaller or firmer bust will be able to have more options on which to wear. Still, a general rule is for a more structured look or shape, choose a bra over a bralette.

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The Australian connection to Eucalan

22 August 2022 / eucalan

Hand washing your lingerie in Eucalan Delicate Wash is what I recommend. Globally renowned, Eucalan, is one of the best lingerie-washing products available. This is the story of the Australian connection to Eucalan.

The Australian connection in the creation of Eucalan

Mary Ellen Edgar is the founder of Eucalan. Her inspiring story began with visiting a friend in Australia. Mrs Edgar learnt very quickly, that water was not to be wasted when she visited during a drought. After testing a Ministry of Agriculture home remedy no-rinse laundry product for woollens, Mrs Edgar was amazed at the results. Encouraged and enthusiastic, Mrs Edgar proceeded to produce a new product on a commercial level.

This is the birth of Eucalan!

The Eucalan name: another connection to its Australian beginnings

The name, Eucalan, is the combination of two prominent ingredients from the original formula- eucalyptus and lanolin.

Eucalan is now available in a variety of fragrances including the original eucalyptus, which we all love. The fragrant lavender, like the eucalyptus, has moth-inhibiting qualities. Fresh fragranced grapefruit-scented Eucalan has natural disinfectant properties. Jasmine is just pretty!

Scent-sensitive skin can use the non-scented option.

Eucalan can be used for hand-washing, as well as both front and top-loading washing machines.

The pods of Eucalan are ideal to take travelling, to basin wash your delicates.

How to handwash your precious lingerie in Eucalan

Follow the Eucalan recommendation for washing bras and undies, which I have listed below.

The Basics

How To Use Eucalan

Eucalan Delicate Wash is perfectly suited to many items.

Hand Wash:

Fill a basin with tepid water (room temperature water, not hot and not cold)
Add Eucalan to the basin.
Insert article to be washed and soak for 15 min. (minimum).
Squeeze the article gently to incorporate water and soap through fibres.
Rinsing is not necessary. You can if you want to use the extra water.
Pull the article out of the water and gently squeeze out excess water. Do not twist or ring.
Follow the drying instructions below.

Machine Wash:

NB: I do not recommend machine washing for your precious lingerie.

Front Load Machine:

Select Rinse and Spin or Hand Wash/Delicate cycle. Cold or tepid water.
Add Eucalan to the softener drawer.
Load articles into the machine and start the cycle.
Follow the drying instructions below.

Top Load Machine:

Select gentle cycle and add cold water.
Add 2 or 3 capfuls of Eucalan to the machine.
Stop machine. Load washables and squeeze gently to saturate.
Allow soaking for 15 – 30 min. (minimum).
Gently squeeze articles again.
By-pass rinse cycle.
Spin water out.
Follow the drying instructions below.

*Use 5ml per 4L of water (more for heavily soiled items)

**Use 15-30mL per load (adjust the amount based on the size of the load)

Drying:

Dry all items out of direct heat and sunlight.

Lay delicate articles flat on a clean dry towel. Roll the article in a towel to remove excess moisture. Lay flat to dry on a drying rack or clean dry towel.

Lingerie

The word LINGERIE encompasses a lot of different items, including bras, camis, hosiery, medical hosiery, shapewear, costumes and panties to name a few. Eucalan’s gentle no-rinse formula is delicate enough to care for all your lingerie. Choose calming lavender or energizing grapefruit scents with the bonus that these essential oils have antiseptic properties, which are beneficial for garments that lie close to the skin. You may want to try the intoxicating scent of Jasmine!

Bras:

Bras should be washed after every wear to keep them clean and help them maintain their shape. Washing does not deteriorate bras: body oils, lotions and potions, and simply wearing your bra contributes to fibre wear and tear. Washing keeps fibres clean and helps elastic maintain its original tension.

Follow directions for hand washing. If you choose to machine wash, ensure fasteners are closed and place any bras in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to help protect them from other garments.

Follow the handwashing instructions from Eucalan. I highly recommend it.

Your precious lingerie will thank you! And the environment.

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Why buy custom-made undies?

18 August 2022 / custom-made undies

Why buy custom-made undies when you can buy undies off the rack for less?

We have all bought undies off the rack. So, why buy custom-made undies? They are made to fit a specific size, usually starting at size 10. Bad luck if you are petite and need a size 6 or size 8. A size 10 will come up to your ribcage! There are just as many problems at the other end of the scale if you don’t fit into the size options available.

So numerous undies are purchased, off the rack, trying to find the ones that fit the best and are comfortable to wear. Even more need to be purchased for specific occasions or outfits. Plus the attempt to find the perfect NVPL!

We are all guilty of this. We don’t feel good about throwing out an item that has not or hardly been worn. Have a look at the very back corner of your undies drawer. Some are hiding there you may not even remember buying!

Nice undies, off the rack, cost anything from $20 -ish to $90 -ish. We don’t mind paying, especially when we suddenly need undies for a specific outfit or need to replenish the underwear wardrobe. They all seem to need throwing out at the same time, don’t they?

They cost more initially, but you know each pair of undies is made especially for you, your measurements, your body shape, and your specific requirements. Not to mention the quality of each component, and good for the environment with no waste.

No wasting time going out searching…(again!)…. or buying something that wasn’t made for you.

Slow fashion, custom-made, for you. Predictable outcome every time.

Bonus benefit: Having your custom sizing on file with Sunbird Lingerie makes it super easy for friends to order a special gift for you. I find dropping hints helps too! Don’t forget the Gift Card option.

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Flattering undies for your body shape

17 August 2022 / flattering undies for your body shape

Flattering undies for your body shape. Sounds easy! The best way to find flattering undies is to have them made to your measurements. And a couple of general recommendations.

Find your size: How to measure for undies to create Flattering undies for your body shape

You need to set yourself up with the tools required to measure correctly.

You will need a new tape measure, not an old one that may be stretched, a piece of thin elastic, 3-5mm, and a pen and paper to record your measurements.

Three measurements are required.

They are the natural waist, hips and crutch depth.

To find your natural waist: Tie the elastic around your waist, comfortably not tight, then wiggle around or wear it for a while. It will settle on your natural waist. Measure snugly and record this measurement.

For your hip measurement, stand with your feet together, and work the tape measure until it is over the fullest part of your bottom or hip area. Measure snugly and record this measurement.

To find your crutch depth, place the end of the tape measure at the centre of your back where the elastic is marking your natural waist. Bring the tape measure under, through your legs and to the front, up to the elastic at your natural waist. Record your measurement.

Rules to follow to flatter your body shape

After you’ve taken your measurements, I always ask a few questions. Like, what size would you normally buy? What is your favourite size, brand and style and why? Anything you would change about them? What are you planning to wear with these undies? Dress, jeans, workwear, specific outfit?

Often more questions, depending on your answers. The more information, the better I can make your best undies.

I have just 2 rules to follow:

If you have a bit of a tummy, go low or go high.

Mid-rise is not your friend. They will most likely roll down or cut into your tummy. A nice low and cute bikini or a sleek to the-waist style will be most flattering and comfortable for you.

If you have chunky legs ( apologies for the description) a slightly higher cut leg will be more flattering and comfortable than a low leg line or boy leg. The low leg can cut in or roll. Most of my leg lines are cut slightly higher as this is generally more flattering anyway. Even my comfy G has flattering shaping at the front and the back. The more straight across at the back style is too square for the feminine shape. We are better with curved shaping.

Hourglass, petite, pear, apple? What shape are you? How to choose flattering undies for your body shape

It doesn’t matter what shape you think you fit into. With your measurements and some information, your individually cut undies will fit you like a glove! They will be flattering and comfortable.

Bikini, briefs, undies, knickers!

Which ones should you try? We have a wardrobe of clothing, so we need a wardrobe of underwear.

Did you know the average woman has 34 pairs of undies in her lingerie drawer? That seems like a lot, doesn’t it?

Well, we need two pairs of undies every 24 hours, for 7-10 days. That could be 20 already. Plus sports or exercise or gardening undies. Not to mention nice undies and date night undies. Yes, 34 would seem reasonable.

Do you have 34 pairs of flattering, comfortable undies?

Do they flatter your body shape?

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Bra Fitting Checklist

14 August 2022 / Bra fitting checklist

Bra fitting checklist:

Here is a simple 5-step bra fitting checklist you can do at home to check each bra you own. The bras that tick all the boxes are the ones you should be wearing.

Bra fitting checklist

Step #1

The most important starting step: is the band.

The band should be firm, not tight. It should be parallel to the floor, not ride up at the back.

The band accounts for 80% of the support in your bra.

Step #2

The next step is the bridge or the centre front of your bra that sits in between your breasts. This needs to be sitting flat against your body. The height of the bridge is also important. If it’s not the correct height it won’t sit flat. We are all such different shapes, even if the tape measure says we are the same.

Step #3

THE UNDERWIRE!!!

This is the most important part, next to the band, that, apart from being the correct fit, will make the bra uncomfortable if it’s not your correct size and shape. A crucial step in your bra fitting checklist.

The underwire needs to be sitting directly up against your breast root. This is where your breast tissue joins your chest wall. It should not dig in at any point. It should not push down to sit on your ribs or poke anywhere.

So, I’m sure you are starting to see the importance of each part fitting correctly. If one part doesn’t do its job, it will “pull” the other parts away from being able to do their job. This is why bra fitting is complex and not an exact science. We, as humans, are complex.

Bra fitting checklist

Step #4

The cup.

The cup should contain the breast. There should be no overflow or excess in the cup fabric. It should support the breasts in the upward and forward positions. Not down or off to the sides.

Pro tip: If you have one breast larger than the other, always fit the larger breast as you can add to the cup of the smaller side to build up and make them equal.

Step #5

The straps.

They shouldn’t dig in. You should also be able to release the straps from your shoulds as the final check. Your bra should stay in place without the support of the bra straps. The support should not come from the straps. It’s all the other steps in our bra fitting checklist.

How many bras have you been wearing that didn’t tick all the boxes?

Don’t you wish you had a bra fitting checklist before buying the ones that don’t fit?

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Signature Ruched Bottom Undies

13 August 2022 / signature ruched bottom undies

Signature Ruched Bottom Undies: are they your favourite undies?

Signature Ruched Bottom Undies: Our most popular undies

Our Signature Ruched Bottom Undies are cute and comfortable. They work well under fitted or loose clothing.

No sagging.

No bagging.

Unless you have a mono-bottom, these are for you!

Fun fact: Your gluteus maximus, the large muscle that makes up most of your bottom, is the largest, most powerful muscle to work against gravity.

The signature ruched bottom makes these undies super comfy and so cute! It’s difficult to wear undies without a ruched bottom after you have worn these. I see photographs of models in regular-style undies and I just want to fix the sagging in the back. It’s not attractive, nor is it comfortable.

Apart from comfort, we are looking for a great shape created by our underwear. These undies most certainly create an attractive shape.

How to wear our signature ruched bottom undies.

Our signature ruched bottom undies work underneath just about any clothing. Loose or fitted. Dresses, jeans, shorts. They wouldn’t work with skin-tight clothing as they usually have elastic around the waist and the leg. Our comfy G or our Nearly NVPL would probably work better with this style of clothing. If you had a very clingy dress, you could try them. It would depend on the fall of the dress.

The front of these undies can vary, according to the design, fabric used to coordinate with the matching bra and personal preference.

The front has unlimited variations available. The back has a few. I will usually use a fabric with stretch through the bottom. For comfort, mainly. So a stretch organic bamboo, a recycled polyester stretch, or other stretch fabrics would suit the front fabrics. However, sometimes I will use a non-stretch fabric for the entire set. The signature ruched bottom will still work with the correct fabric. This is usually a cotton lawn or something along those lines.

This favourite style, also works perfectly with an all-over stretch, like our organic bamboo, or sheer stretch fabric.

How many of our signature ruched bottom undies do you have?

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Women’s Bamboo Underwear

10 August 2022 / women's bamboo underwear

Bamboo is one of the best fabrics for women’s underwear. It feels like butter against your skin!

Even better, it keeps the skin cool and dry. The fancy name for this is Thermoregulating. Ideal to wear in hot or humid climates or conditions.

It is also described as moisture wicking. This means it draws moisture and dries rapidly. Perfect!

Bamboo is not only breathable, but it is also naturally anti-bacterial. A natural odour preventer. What more could you ask for?

Properties of Bamboo for Underwear

Women’s bamboo underwear is just as good for the environment as it is for you.

Bamboo fabric is eco-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable. I use as many organic fabrics as possible. So the bamboo fabric I use is organic, just like a lot of my cotton fabrics are organic. Along with the environmental benefit, most organic fabrics are super soft, so perfect for lingerie. Nothing gets closer to your skin!

Fun Fact: Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world! Bamboo crops can generate up to 35% more oxygen than the same amount of trees.

How to wear Women’s Bamboo Underwear

I use organic bamboo fabric in most of my gussets. Sometimes, just because of my colour choice (no boring gussets here!) I will use organic cotton instead. The organic bamboo fabric has a good amount of stretch, making it ideal for lingerie, undies particularly. Often in my gussets, the bamboo has more stretch than the outer gusset fabric. So I reduce the bamboo gusset accordingly. This stops bunching in the inner gusset area. It may look a bit “unique” when looking at them, but once you wear them, you’ll understand.

How much bamboo is too much?

Haha! You can’t have too much bamboo in your undies!

Again, mainly depending on styling and colours, I don’t necessarily use organic bamboo in the main body of every pair of undies I make. This is purely a design choice. But, I can! So if you are very sensitive, or work in a hot or humid environment, just contact me, and I will make your undies all bamboo. You will stay dry and be odour free. Undies made entirely from bamboo are ideal for sport, hiking, and long hot days out and about! They are also perfect to wear under synthetic clothing. Often uniforms or work wear are made from synthetic fabric. Even in air conditioning, if you are covered in synthetic fabric, you will perspire. This will cause discomfort and odour. Two things we can do without in our busy day.

Caring for your bamboo underwear

Organic bamboo is amazingly durable. But, like all good underwear, you need to take care of it.

Click on the link for my blog on how to wash your lingerie.https://sunbirdlingerie.com.au/how-to-care-for-your-lingerie/

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Bra size has increased.

9 August 2022 / bra size has increased

Bra size has increased! Do you know the average cup size?

Over the past two decades, the average bra size has increased from a “B” cup to a “DD” cup.

This is a considerable increase in cup volume.

Ironically, the sales of underwired bras have decreased while the sales of bralettes have increased. The very best bralette can’t give the support of a well-fitting underwire bra.

We don’t buy slippers because we can’t find comfortable shoes that fit and support our feet!

FUN FACT: The left breast is often larger than the right!

I think this change is most likely due to the perception that a wired bra is uncomfortable to wear. Well, it is! That is if it doesn’t fit correctly! Over 80% of women will tell you they are wearing the wrong size bra. It’s difficult to buy a bra, off the rack, that will fit you perfectly. Find an experienced bra fitter, along with a large range of makes and models to choose from, this would be required to find the best possible one for you. But yet, it still isn’t made to fit you. It’s made with a lot of very clever design features to create more “give”, to fit the masses.

Annual fittings are recommended

Our bodies are in a constant state of change. Our diets change our hormones change, and our lifestyle changes. Bras need to be replaced every 9 to 12 months, this is industry standard, due to loss of elasticity in the bra, along with possible body changes in the wearer. So it’s a good idea to set an annual date to recheck your bra fitting. Make it an easy date to remember, like a week before your birthday, the first Saturday in Spring, whatever works for you. Remember, the bras you are wearing will have “given” a little as any item with any elasticated will, so your new bras may feel firm to start.

A great-fitting band is the beginning of a great-fitting bra. Next is the underwire. Manufactured bras have to use the industry standard underwire for that bra. The culprits for creating most of the discomfort can be the underwires, as they may not be the best fit for your size and shape. Two different shapes and/or sizes may be the best for you. The next part to fit is the cups. Most brands use fabrics or moulded cups that have “give”. This will allow a wider variety of customers who can then fit into that cup. Next are the straps. All are adjustable, but are they in the best position, front and back, for you?

Why choose Sunbird Lingerie custom-made bras?

When you order a bra from Sunbird Lingerie, we ask questions! I recommend a fitting check every 12 months. Use our fitting checklist as it’s the easiest option, along with our fitting kit. It gives you everything you need for your best-fitting bra.

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