Sofia Balconette Set

Sizing

Every style in every brand we stock fits somewhat differently, which is part of why we are so happy to work with customers individually to find the perfect fit. Below is a set of guidelines that help determine sizing, but should you have any questions or hesitations regarding what size would fit best, please do not hesitate to contact us - we are here to help! 

Please note: while band size is an easy starting place to determine the best size to fit you, cup size is also a factor. If you are above a D cup, you may want to size up to accomodate your bust. Given the delicate nature of our items, we recommend choosing sizing for the fullest part of your body.

How to Measure Yourself for a Bra

A well-fitted bra is something every woman deserves. A bra that fits correctly should never pinch or bind, and should provide support and shape without sacrificing comfort. Sizing can change radically over time; many women even fluctuate between sizes within the month. Please, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions regarding fit.

Unfortunately, standards of bra sizing are each quite unique, and every bra fits differently. The guide below will help you find a “base” size, but there will be variations in fit between brands and styles. The language of the bra is mysterious indeed! Your size may need adjustment depending on the placement and allocation of your breast tissue; you may also find your size is different between demi-cups and styles with fuller coverage. If ever we notice that a particular piece runs unusually small or large, we will note this in the item's description, and we are always happy to address any questions you may have. No method of bra fitting is foolproof, but the below should give you a starting point for a well-fitted bra.

Band Size: Using a fabric measuring tape, measure directly under your bust and around your ribcage. Be sure the tape is snug, but not so much so that you are unable to take a breath. As the band of the bra is the part that provides all the support, it is very important that it fit closely. For this reason, we advocate a more snug method of bra fitting than many. If the measurement around your ribcage is an odd number, add 3” to find your band size. If your measurement is an even number, add 2” for your band size (ex: 30” measurement = 32 band, 33” measure = 36 band).

Cup Size: Using a fabric measuring tape, measure from directly under the breast to the fullest part of the breast (typically at the nipple). This is best performed while wearing an unshaped (no padding or molding) bra with an underwire. For each inch on the measuring tape between the underbust and nipple, you gain a cup size. (ex: 1” for an A cup, 4” for a D).

Fit Tips

THE BAND AND STRAPS:

Always start with the band on the loosest hook: it should be snug and straight against your back. You should be able to slip fingers beneath the band without trouble, but not enough to pull it away from your back. If the band lifts in the back, the band size is too big.

Try lifting your arms above your head. Does the bra shift dramatically up? Do your breasts slip out of the bottom? This means the band is too big.

Straps should be snug, but not too tight – the support of a bra should come from the band, not the straps.

THE WIRES:

The underwires at the front of the bra should sit flat on your sternum. If the wires are standing away from your chest, the cup size you are wearing is too small.

The underwires at the side of the cup should extend to the edge of your breast tissue, without digging in. If you appear to be spilling out the sides of the cup or can see a “dimple” from your underwire, your cup size is too small.

THE CUPS:

Make sure all your breast tissue is pulled into the cup (an easy way to do this is to learn forward as you put the bra on, or pull the tissue into the cup).

Turn to the side and look at the edge where the bra meets your breast tissue. Is it digging in? Are you spilling out? The cup size is too small.

Is there puckering or excess fabric in the cup, especially at the top or at the seams? The cup size is too big or too deep.

You will find that there is a lot of variation in fit between demi bras and fuller cups, and your sizing may need to be different depending on which kind you are buying. There are also differences with every piece in how far apart the cups are spaced, and how wide the “u” of the underwire is – these can also affect the sizing and fit of the bra.

Care & Use

The garments we offer are like little works of art: each piece is made from high-quality, but often delicate, materials. The more gently you care for your treasures, the longer you will maintain their beauty.

Please read the care tags on each item, and follow the manufacturer’s suggestions.

We highly recommend hand-washing lingerie in cool water using a gentle detergent formulated for lingerie. Please be aware that some colors, especially in silks, may bleed. Line dry, do not wring or twist, and avoid direct sunlight.

Store flat whenever possible, avoiding rough surfaces. 

All orders within the US are shipped Monday-Friday via USPS Priority Mail with insurance. If you prefer a different carrier or need to expedite your shipment to arrive on a specific date, please send us a message via our contact page – we are happy to accommodate you.  Standard shipping within the US should arrive within 7-10 business days, expedited shipping within 3-5 business days. Jane’s Vanity is not liable for lost or stolen packages or unexpected shipping delays. If your package goes missing, we will contact our shipping carrier to track the delivery information and do our best to work with you, but we cannot be held responsible if an order shows confirmed delivery to the address you’ve provided.

International shipments are also shipped via USPS Priority Mail, which will transfer to the recipient's postal system upon arrival in their country. All customs duties and other import charges are the responsibility of the purchaser. International shipments should arrive within 10+ business days, depending on their destination & time spent in customs. We have no control over the timeline for delivery on international shipments, nor the cost of import duties. 

All purchases from Jane’s Vanity are shipped fully gift-wrapped, because we believe that unwrapping a gift is one of life’s simple pleasures. We are also happy to include a gift message in your shipment: please enter this message at checkout. If you would prefer that your items are not gift wrapped, please let us know.

Unsure of the size or style that’s right for you? We’re here to help. Given the fluctuations in fit across designers and styles, sizes do not necessarily remain true, and the correct size can be very difficult to determine on your own. If, at any point in the shopping process, you have questions or would like input, please send us a message via the contact page. One of our expertly-trained team members will be in touch promptly to assist you.

Here at Jane's Vanity, we scour the globe for the most beautiful, high-quality lingerie to fill your drawers. However, we understand that occasionally an item is purchased that requires adjustment in size or style. We want you to love the lingerie as much as we do: for this reason, we are happy to accept returns for exchange or refund.

In order to exchange or receive a refund from Jane's Vanity, items must be received within 14 (fourteen) days of purchase, with receipt. Items received after this time will not be accepted, and will be returned to the buyer at the buyer's expense.

The cost of return shipping is the responsibility of the buyer, as is proper packaging of any inventory being sent. Items damaged in shipment will not be accepted, and will be returned to the buyer at the buyer’s expense. For this reason, we suggest that all items be appropriately wrapped & returned in a box. Additional charges made after purchase, such as customs duties, can not be refunded to the buyer. 

Jane’s Vanity is not liable for lost or stolen packages. If your package goes missing, we will contact our shipping carrier to track the delivery information and do our best to work with you, but we cannot be held responsible if an order shows confirmed delivery to the address you’ve provided.

Items must be in their original pristine condition with tags attached, and cannot show any indication of being worn, washed, or dry cleaned.

In order to maintain basic standards of hygiene, panties being exchanged must only have been tried on over the buyer's own. For similar reasons, we do not accept ANY exchanges on hosiery, socks, or pasties.

ALL sale items are final sale, and may not be returned under any circumstance.

Facilitating Your Return

Should you need to return/exchange an item, please fill out the information found at this link. You will be prompted to include your name, email address, the reason for your return, and the original order number. Please indicate whether you would like to exchange for something else you see on the site or would prefer a refund. We will respond with confirmation of receipt & the mailing address for your return, and advise as to availability of any desired substitution.

Again, ALL returns must be received within 14 (fourteen) days of purchase for store credit or exchange, and must include a receipt. Please keep this in mind when shipping, as shipments received after this date will not be accepted, and will be returned to the buyer at the buyer's expense. 

You will receive prompt confirmation of your request for a refund or exchange upon our receipt of your shipped items.