Original Bravado Bra |
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Styles and Features
Original Bravado bras are made from a blend of 92% cotton and 8% spandex that allows the cup to mold to a woman's breast and to support its changing shape all day long. The material stretches and contracts to fit the breast without becoming too tight if she is engorged. This reduces the risk of mastitis and allows room for breast pads without making the bra too tight. The sports bra style back provides excellent upper-middle back support and holds the shoulder straps in place even during nursing. It takes stress off of the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are adjustable for extra comfort, and really do open and close one-handed! They lie flat under close fitting clothing, both during pregnancy and while nursing. The cups drop fully away from the breast giving complete access for the baby. The under elastic is deliberately quite wide to give support under the breast and allows for even weight distribution. It does not ride up or slip. The pull-on styling means no more hooks to worry about.
There are three styles of the Bravado Original bra to best accomodate your needs. The Basic Style is for smaller cup sizes, the Plus Style is for medium size cups when you need a little more support and the Double Plus Style has a full front to give the maximum support needed by larger breasts. The Double Plus Style bra will fit up to a G cup. The main design differences between the styles are:
| Basic |
Seamless cups |
| Plus |
Double fabric side panel for extra support
Seams running to the side of the nipple to avoid potential irritation to this sensitive area |
| Double Plus |
Double fabric side panel for extra support
Wider shoulder straps and double snap closure, which stop the strap from twisting and give extra security for the heavier breast
Solid front, “bandeau” crop style accommodates various breast shapes, and gives coverage and support when worn to bed |
Size Chart
Determining your size is simple. Using the chart below, first determine your rib band size and then go across the row to find your cup size. This will tell you the style that is right for you. Please also see the helpful hints below the sizing chart. If you need a bra that offers more support then we recommend the Bravado Supreme Nursing Bra.
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32-36 |
Small (B) |
Small (C-D) |
Small (DD-F) |
36-40 |
Medium (B-C) |
Medium (D-DD)* |
Medium (DD-G) |
38-42 |
Large (C-D) |
Large (DD-E)* |
Large (DD-G) |
42-46 |
X-Large (C-D) |
X-Large (DD-E)* |
X-Large (E-G) |
*Those wearing a DD Cup and above may prefer the style and added support features of the Double Plus - especially for sleeping.
Sizing Tips
During pregnancy, most women will increase one full size or more in both the cup and the rib band (i.e. from a 36C - 38D).
Between 48 and 72 hours after birth, your breasts will increase at least one full cup size or more (i.e. from a D to a full DD or more), while your rib cage will gradually start shrinking back to your pre-pregnancy size (i.e. from a 38 to a 36).
Bravado Original bras come in 4 rib band sizes and 3 cup styles, each with specific support features. Because your breasts will change size throughout your pregnancy, and even during the day when you are nursing, all of the sizes overlap.
Helpful hints for choosing your rib band size:
The 4 rib band sizes overlap. The following tips will guide you to the right size. If you are at the larger end of a band size, consider moving up for comfort. Ask yourself these questions:
If you are pregnant, ask yourself:
- What size rib band did I wear before I got pregnant? Did it fit well?
- How many months pregnant am I? If you are using the bra for pregnancy, your ribs will expand as the pregnancy progresses. For nursing, your ribs will likely quickly reduce in size after giving birth.
- How high am I carrying (i.e. Is the baby tucked right up under your ribs, expanding your rib cage)?
- How much weight has my body put on during pregnancy?
- Is my current bra on the tightest or loosest hook? You may need more room in the rib-band - your body may have "graduated" into the next band size.
If you are breastfeeding, ask yourself:
- Compared to the end of my pregnancy, has my rib cage reduced in size? You may need a tighter band.
Helpful hints for determining your cup size:
If pregnant, ask yourself:
- What size bra did I wear before I got pregnant? Did it fit well?
- Would that bra fit me now (in my pregnancy)?
- If not, do I need more room in the cup?
If breastfeeding, ask yourself:
- What size bra did I wear at the end of pregnancy? Did it fit well or was I making do?
- Would that bra fit me comfortably now, all day - and still leave room for a breast pad?
- Do I need more room in the cup?
Colors
White |
Black |
Blush |
Butterscotch
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Leopard |
Polka Dot
(Limited Stock) |
Sky Blue New! |
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Care Instructions
Caring for a Bravado Original bra is easy. Machine wash using ordinary detergent. Line dry.
Testimonials
“God Bless Canada – those Maple-Leaf-Heads make the best maternity bra in the world.”
— Baby Bargains Book, USA
“It offers a fabulous fit! Not only does it give you support up front, but throughout your back as well. The spandex allows for consistent support all the way around. This is beneficial to every nursing mom. The variety of colors and patterns is such a welcome relief from the standard white that you often see out there.”
— Anne P. Mark, BSN, RN, IBCLC
“I never thought I would send fan mail for a nursing bra, but I love my Bravado bras!! I have recommended them to several people… I would like to go on wearing them even after my daughter weans. Thanks for a great product!”
— (e-mail)
“Oh Bravado, you have saved me from those standard nursing bras! I love these. I am forever yours.”
— Santa Monica, CA
“Thankyouthankyouthankyou for designing this wonderful bra! I was deliriously happy to discover Bravado nursing bras! They’re comfortable, pretty, let my skin breathe, are easy to get in & out of with one hand and best of all, give me the support I need without all those wires and armor plating!”
— North Grafton, ME
“Tremendous product you have! I wouldn’t even consider purchasing another brand of maternity/nursing bra!”
— Racine, WI
“I love it! I’m going to tell everyone about your company.”
— Spanaway, WA
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