Optifit Bras Using 3-D Bra Measurement System

BAAPS and BAPRAS Member, Consultant Plastic Surgeon Atul Khanna, also Medical Director of Optifit, says;
“The breast is actually one of the hardest organs to assess objectively: it varies in volume, width, height, projection, tissue density, composition, shape and position on the chest. As a plastic surgeon, we have to take a wide range of measurements to ensure satisfactory outcomes, whether for reduction surgery, reconstruction or aesthetic enlargement. We have to consider where the nipple and the breast folds sit, breast height and width, chest wall, ptosis (or ‘droop’), elasticity and skeletal conditions. It has been established that around 80% of women wear the wrong size bra – but no matter what brands they buy or how much they spend, the correct size simply doesn’t exist, because the traditional industry measuring system is uni-dimensional and not enough parameters have ever been taken into account to make these garments comfortable, effective and most of all healthy for women regardless of their shape.”

“A woman’s breast could be compared with a gel-filled balloon, it can be moulded into any shape with little initial discomfort. The breast has no internal muscle structure and relies totally on skin tension and genetic characteristics for their shape. The conventional bra, however, is a symmetrical garment with sizing based on just two measurements. These arbitrary formulas trace back to ‘statistically average’ mass production surveys for the ready-made clothing industry and the male chest circumference, so women may present identical sizes but actually be quite different shapes: one could have a narrow back with a larger volume of breast tissue, in another this may be the reverse. However both would be assigned to the same commercial bra size. The fashion industry doesn’t recognise three-dimensional volume – it’s no wonder thousands of women can’t find bras that fit!”

Regardless of shop or brand as most women know, a conventional bra fitting involves taking two measurements: one around the ribcage under the bust, and another around the fullest part of the breasts. Crucially, the Optifit is based on three measurements taken with a patented elastic strap using colour, letter and number combinations to define frame, depth and volume, and fitting can be adjusted for even minimal asymmetry. It does not require an underwire and the back sits low, in line with physical principles (as most of the weight it supports is at the front), elevating the breast and projecting the nipple upwards, promoting better posture and a slimmer profile by eliminating unpleasant bulges/rolls caused by too-tight traditional bras riding up the wearer’s back.

Utilising information from a 2010 presentation on ‘Building an Interface between Surgery and the Lingerie Industry’ given by a plastic surgeon at the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry (ABSCI), Sue McDonald continued to refine her 3D elevation bra design, which she had been perfecting for well over a decade. When she previewed the range at last year’s Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), she was surprised to meet a kindred spirit and fellow bra health ‘evangelist’ - Atul Khanna; the surgeon himself who had spoken at ABSCI. Unsurprisingly, they decided to join forces and launch the Optifit together.

An independent survey carried out on Optifit users found that 83% reported improved posture and 72% felt it had helped with functional problems such as pain, discomfort or restricted movement. Nine out of ten (90%) found the fitting to be excellent and 93% would buy the product again as well as recommend it to friends. Over 10,000 bras have been sold.

Specific measurements must be taken by the wearer first with a patented measuring strap (priced at £4 but redeemable against the first purchase of a bra) – instructional videos on taking the measurements and fitting the bra are available online.