What happens during a made-to-measure bra order
Made-to-measure sounds complicated, but the process is straightforward if you know what to expect at each stage. This is a plain account of what happens from the moment you submit an enquiry to the moment the bra arrives.
Step one: the enquiry and measurement guide
You submit an enquiry through the form on the site. Within two business days we reply with a confirmation and a PDF measurement guide. The guide asks for four measurements: underbust, full bust, cup projection, and shoulder-to-shoulder across the back. It also asks whether you prefer a tighter or looser band fit.
You do not need to visit us in person. All measurements are taken at home with a soft tape measure. The guide includes photographs showing exactly where to place the tape for each measurement.
Step two: pattern cutting and sampling
We cut the pattern from your measurements using the base block for your band size, then adjust the cup depth and projection to match your numbers. For most customers this is a straightforward adjustment. For customers with a significant difference between their cup volume and projection, it may require a modified cup shape.
We do not make a toile (a test garment in cheap fabric) for standard made-to-measure orders. The pattern adjustments are precise enough that the first cut is the final cut in most cases. If your measurements are unusual in a way that makes us uncertain, we will tell you before cutting and may ask for an additional measurement.
Step three: finishing and dispatch
Once the bra is cut, the underwire channels and waistband are finished by hand. This takes one to two days depending on the complexity of the lace pattern. The finished bra is checked against the measurements before packing.
Total lead time from confirmed order to dispatch is ten to fourteen days. We send a dispatch notification with a tracking number. If the fit is not right when it arrives, we offer one free alteration.
The made-to-measure service is open year-round. Lead times can extend during the winter bridal season, so if you are ordering for a specific date, mention it in the enquiry and we will confirm whether the timeline is achievable.