Fitter's Product Notes
Our corsetry notes can help you choose the right lymphoedema bra.
But you’re not alone. You can always call the STUDIO to talk to a Fitter or organise a Virtual Bra Fitting. PHONE (08) 9361 1300.
If you’re in WA, you’re welcome to drop-in for a STUDIO Fitting.
Choosing the Right Lymphoedema Bra
Anita product description …After breast surgery, during the healing phase...immobilisation of the operated breast…reduces pressure marks and tissue irritation through individual fit and skin friendliness…relief of lymphatic drainage pathways…promotes better scar healing…seamless pre-formed cups…’
This what we’ve learnt from fitting corsetry to treat and manage lymphoedema .
First, we ask if you’re seeing an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist and if they’ve nominated a lymphoedema compression bra as part of their treatment program.
Measuring comes next because we find fashion bra sizing is too inconsistent to rely on. If a bra hasn’t been nominated, we then look at bra style. Is a higher cleavage needed for breast compression or is a higher underarm shape better for targeting underarm (axilla) swelling? Do the straps and the other parts of the bra suit your body shape? And then, which colour?
This is what we’ve done to help you make better bra choices on our Australian ONLINE Fitting STUDIO .
To make it easier to find a lymphoedema bra with the shape and parts that suit your lymphoedema treatment or management plan, we put each of our bras on a mannequin, made side-by-side comparisons, then rated the outcomes. The shape and parts ratings for the Anita Leeds Lymphoedema Bra are described below.
To aid your choice we cropped our product images because research suggests we make better choices when the eye is not distracted by the model and we show all the bra colours on the one product page so you can see them side-by-side.
To help you get the size right, our Fitter’s Size Guide explains how we do it in the STUDIO.
And don’t forget to check if you can claim for a lymphoedema compression bra on Private Health Insurance.
How Does Bra Shape Affect Fit?
As lymphoedema bra specialists, we’ve learnt that what a bra looks like on a model isn’t a very reliable way to tell if the Fitted Shape is right for your lymphoedema treatment and management needs.
To make it easier to compare lymphoedema bras, regardless of brand, this is how the shape of the Anita Leeds Lymphoedema Bra compares with our other bras. The Fitted Shape description at the top of the page gives you a quick guide when browsing.
Cup Type & Shape Seamless moulded cup creates a more rounded breast shape, can provide more even pressure around the breast and reduces the risk of compression marks. The additional external support layer to the side of the cup provides compression around the breast and holds the breast without leaving compression marks.
Cleavage The medium cleavage encapsulates the breast, provides more even compression and reduces up and down breast movement for improved wear comfort. It also allows a Massage Pad to be positioned on and/or around the breast for targeted compression.
Underbust Band The wide, soft band reduces the risk of localised pressure under the breast and around chest.
Underarm Band The medium/high underarm provides compression to the side of the breast and chest. It usually covers underarm incisions, avoiding irritation caused by the top of the band sitting over an incision. The underarm is usually high enough when targeted compression to the axilla is needed.
Back Band The very wide back band improves wear comfort by distributing compression more evenly around the chest and across the back.
Straps The wider adjustable shoulder straps improve wear comfort and fit.
What Parts of a Bra Affect Fit?
When fitting lymphoedema compression bras we’ve found the following parts of the Anita Leeds Lymphoedema Bra can play an important role in achieving a good fit needed to treat and manage lymphoedema.
Non-underwire The wire free seam around the bottom of the cup reduces the risk of localised pressure around the breast
Cup Pocket Non pocketed cup. We stock the 3D raised node Leeds Bra Pockets. After a mastectomy we can fit the pocket(s) in the bra cup to hold a breast form. After Breast Reconstruction, if swelling results in an uneven breast size, a Partial Form can be fitted into the pocketed cup to balance breast shape.
Fastener Front clips.
Band Adjustment The double row of clips to the front fastener allows for some adjustment. The clip gauge matches standard bra extenders, allowing an extender to be fitted into the full length of the fastener.
Strap Adjustment Straps are openable and adjustable. The neat Velcro adjustment tab provides more adjustment flexibility, can be more stable than a clip fastener and has more feminine look.
Why Question Bra Performance?
Why question supplier product performance and certification claims? Because we’ve learnt that marketing statements are not always verified. This is what we know about the Anita Leeds Lymphoedema Bra.
Swelling Reduction Claim: The 3D raised dot inner surface massages the skin to promote lymph flow. When asked, Anita provided research to support this claim. Fitting Room observations suggest lymphoedema treatment and management is likely to be more successful when frequent lymphoedema bra wear is combined with massage, exercise and care in choosing fashion and sports bras that do not restrict lymph flow. Talking to an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist is a better way to determine the type of bra and frequency of wear that is appropriate for your circumstances.
Free of Harmful Chemicals (Latex) OEKO-TEX Ready-to-Wear Product Certificate 98.0.1439.
Australian Therapeutic Drug Administration (TGA) Approval ARTG 372573.
Material 56% Polyamide, 39% Elastane, 5% Polyester.
Compression Claim: Evenly dosed (distributed) compression pressure). No data found.
Moisture No claim made.
Life of a Lymphoedema Compression Bra Our research suggests that, with frequent wear, the medical efficacy (performance life) of lymphoedema compression bras is likely to be 6-12 months. Our observations suggest that appropriate care can extend the life of your lymphoedema bra.
Brand & Manufacture German brand. Made by Anita in the Czech Republic.
Wherever you are in Australia, if you’d like to talk about a product, your size or how it might fit, call the STUDIO (08) 9361 1300.
If you're in WA, drop-in for a Fitting. Our STUDIO is centrally located in the Perth suburb of Burswood.
If you're flying into Perth, our STUDIO is on the way from the Airport to the City.
Measure & Size Notes
When treating or managing lymphoedema, a bra that’s too tight can do more harm and a bra that’s too loose might not give you any benefit.
For lymphoedema bras, sizing can be more difficult when swelling results in an uneven breast size, or a massage pad is needed to treat localised swelling.
Our lymphoedema bra sizing and measurement notes can help you get the size and fit right.
But you’re not alone. You can always call the STUDIO to talk to a Fitter or organise a Virtual Bra Fitting. PHONE (08) 9361 1300.
If you’re in WA, you’re welcome to drop-in for a STUDIO Fitting.
Your Leeds Bra Size
The Anita Leeds Lymphoedema Bra complies with accepted International Bra Sizing, so we’ve converted the European (EU) sizing to Australian (AU) to make selection a bit easier (the product label shows EU sizing).
Note If you have an existing Anita Bra, use the Bra Size Conversion Chart above to convert the EU label size to an AU Size.
To help you get the size right, our Australian ONLINE Fitting STUDIO provides you with a where to measure illustration, an Australian Bra Sizing Chart, a using the Sizing Chart Example and an Inches to Centimetre Conversion Chart.
If you recently purchased the Anita Leeds Lymphoedema Bra and it’s a good fit, then use the size you’re wearing. If it’s been a while, the bra may have stretched and your swelling may have changed, so measuring and using our Australian (AU) Bra Sizing Chart is the better option.
As shown on our Australian Bra Sizing Chart Example, when you look down the band size column, if the Bust measurement is within one of the measurement ranges, the bra Band & Cup size shown on the right-hand side is likely to be a good fit.
If the Bust measurement is on the border of two sizes, the smaller size is usually the better option because it can provide the firmer fit needed for even compression around the breast.
If your breasts are a different size, the larger breast is used to calculate the Bust measurement (see Measuring Tips below). To stop the bra cup puckering (wrinkling) over the smaller breast, a Cup Pad can balance a less noticeable difference in breast size and a Partial Form can balance more noticeable differences in breast size.
If there is localised swelling, a Massage Pad can be fitted under the bra for targeted compression. Depending on the location of swelling and the thickness of the massage pad, the Band and/or Cup Size may need to increase.
Bra Measuring Tips
In the Fitting Room we use a flexible cloth tape and measure to the nearest centimetre.
If you don’t have a cloth tape, use non-stretch fabric or a belt, mark the size and then measure the length with a metal tape or ruler. Avoid string because it presses into the skin and flexible metal tapes because they wrap unevenly.
We find having someone else measure is quicker and more accurate. If self-measuring, use a mirror to check that the tape is level and wrapped firmly (but not tightly) around the body. When measuring, stand still and upright, relax, breathe out, then measure.
Bust measurements are taken over the breast whilst only wearing a fashion bra and the Underbust measurement is taken over the skin, just under the bra band.
If there is a difference in breast size, measure over the larger breast in the bra as shown in the Half Bust x 2 illustration above, then calculate the Bust measurement.
After a unilateral mastectomy (one breast removed), measure the natural breast in the bra as shown in the Half Bust x 2 illustration above, then calculate the Bust measurement.
After a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed), measure the Underbust, then use the Sizing Chart to select your preferred Cup Size
Wherever you are in Australia, if you’d like to talk about a product, your size or how it might fit, call the STUDIO (08) 9361 1300.
If you're in WA, drop-in for a Fitting. Our STUDIO is centrally located in the Perth suburb of Burswood.
If you're flying into Perth, our STUDIO is on the way from the Airport to the City.
