Lingerie buying guide

Bras for larger cup sizes have enhanced features to support the bust:

• The underband is usually wider, as this is where most of the bra’s support comes from.

• Hook and eye straps are usually deeper to reduce pressure on shoulders.

• Straps tend to be slightly wider to distribute weight on the shoulders more evenly and comfortably. 

• Underwire will feel firmer; the cup may be constructed using a multi-panel design for better support.

We also offer a range of non-wired bras in larger cup sizes which provide a more relaxed fit with a good level of support.

We offer a selection of soft, non-wired bras which are recommended for younger customers to protect their delicate breast tissue as it grows. As the bust can develop quickly at this age, regular fittings are recommended. Our professional fitters can measure over T-shirts and customers are welcome to bring a female family member or friend with them to the fitting.

During pregnancy you’ll need extra support as your breasts grow and your ribcage expands. We advise having a fitting each trimester, with a final fitting scheduled at around 30 weeks. At this point we can fit you for a nursing bra, if needed, and offer guidance for the months ahead.

Nursing bras have clips on each strap that are easy to open with one hand, allowing quick access when breastfeeding. Cups are more spacious to allow room for breast pads and for fluctuations in breast size.

We also offer a range of non-wired bras which offer comfort and support during the night or in between feeds.

Immediately after treatment you may experience reduced movement and swelling, meaning a well-fitting bra is essential to your comfort. We recommend:

• Bras that are seam free and non-wired to avoid irritating sensitive areas.

• Front fastening bras or bras with drop cups for ease of dressing.

• Stretchy, supportive and breathable fabrics which can assist with your healing.

• Styles that come up high under the arm and deep below the bust to provide a secure, comfortable fit.

The effects of surgery and treatment can take some time to settle. You might be given a temporary cotton prosthesis until you’re ready for a permanent one. Permanent prostheses are measured by weight rather than cup size and are available in a range of shapes and weights. You can also get specialist prostheses for strapless bras and swimwear. When being fitted for a prosthesis, we suggest wearing a non-padded bra to allow your consultant to accurately assess your shape.

After your operation, it’s recommended that you continue to wear non-wired, soft bras, preferably without seams, until any swelling and scarring has healed. We offer a range of post-surgery bras from Royce that are specially adapted. They have pockets, deep under bands and wings, and wider straps.

Even after your scarring has healed and swelling has reduced, you may wish to continue wearing non-wired or specialist bras. Everyone is different, and as long as your natural breast and prosthesis are well supported you can wear any style you choose. In general, full cup bras can help cover scarring and bras with stretch lace, elastic or trims are good for supporting a prosthesis.

If you feel ready to wear an underwired bra, opt for one that is fitted to the natural breast. You may also wish to consider styles with soft wires, which are more flexible and can move with the body. Where possible, try to avoid seams or firm joins, which can rub on sensitive scar tissue and may cause discomfort.

Being fitted following surgery is similar to other fittings; we offer this service in all of our shops (except for John Lewis at Home shops). Our expert fitters are specially trained to put you at ease. We’ll start by asking what type of surgery you’ve had and what advice you’ve been given by your breast cancer nurse. We’ll then measure you and assess your size to help you find a bra that is supportive and comfortable. You can book an appointment online, via the phone or by visiting us in-store; one of our experienced fitting Partners will be happy to assist you. Below we’ve provided answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long will it take?

The fitting may take a little longer than normal as we’re committed to finding the right bra for you.

When can you fit me?

We can fit you for a bra immediately after surgery and in the first few months of your recovery, before you’re fitted for a prosthesis.

How will it feel?

Non-wired post-surgery bras will feel firmer than wired styles because the material used to make them needs to provide you with robust support. You may be a different cup or band size than you're used to as each bra style and brand fits slightly differently.

How will you measure me?

We will always fit the bra to your natural breast to ensure you’re well supported. If you’ve had a double mastectomy we’ll fit the bra to your underband measurement and the prosthesis. If you’ve had reconstruction surgery, we’ll fit to the larger breast. We can measure and assess your size with your bra on or off - our priority is to make you feel as comfortable as possible. If you have limited mobility due to the type of surgery you’ve had, our Partners are there to help.

Do you have private changing rooms?

Our shops have individual, private fitting rooms; some shops also have discreet, larger fitting rooms specifically for post-surgery appointments. Please ask one of our lingerie Partners in your local shop about the fitting facilities.

If you’ve had a mastectomy or partial mastectomy, you’re eligible for VAT exemption on the cost of any product specifically manufactured as mastectomy wear.  

• All pocketed post-surgery bras, such as the Royce range, are automatically exempt from VAT.

• If you choose a standard bra and have a pocket fitted for a prosthesis, you can claim back VAT by completing a VAT Exemption form.

• The cost of having a pocket created is also exempt from VAT.

• Please note, if you choose to buy a standard non-wired bra and do not have it altered in any way, the product will not be exempt from VAT.  

If you purchase a bra from us in store, our Partners can guide you through the process of claiming VAT back. If you buy from us online, please contact our Customer Services team on 03456 100 344.