GB2550025A

GB2550025A - An improved bra

Info

Publication number: GB2550025A
Application number: GB1703853.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rochon Melissa
Original assignee: Royal Brompton & Harefield Nhs Found Trust
Current assignee: Royal Brompton & Harefield Nhs Found Trust
Priority date: 2016-03-11
Filing date: 2017-03-10
Publication date: 2017-11-08
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-10
Also published as: EP3216360A1; GB2550025B; GB201703853D0; EP3216360B1

Abstract

A post-operative bra 10 for cardiac surgery patients comprises two cups 11, 12 for supporting both breasts of a patient and at least one strap 13 for attaching the bra to the patient's body. At least one cup comprises an inner portion 11a, 12a which is, in use, proximal to the patient's sternum, and an outer portion 11b, 12b which is proximal the patient's armpit. The outer portion of at least one cup incorporates a region of reinforcement 17, 18 which, in use, minimises or prevents movement of the patient's breast towards their armpit, when the patient is in the supine position. In preferred embodiments, the region of reinforcement may include a pocket 20 for receiving a flexible supporting member, wherein the pocket may be disposed between outer and inner surfaces of the bra cup. In a further preferred embodiment, a band connected to the bottom of the or both cups extends laterally around the users chest and includes a portion of reduced width in order that apparatus for draining a wound may be inserted between the bra and the users chest whilst minimising discomfort to the user.

Description

The indention relates generally to bras and more specifically to bras for postoperative eandiac surgery patients.

Background to the invention

Weariig a support, In partlcuiar a bra, fb|pwing cardiac surgery is proven to have a positive impact in women, particularly in reducing surgical infection rates. Wearing an appropriate support has been shown to reduce lateral tension on a wound, bemuse the weight of a woman's breasts is well supposed, which prevents rriechanicaldisruptlpn of the new wound bed. A support also tends to reduce skin on skin contact under a womanis bust, t© minirnise the risk of bacterlil growth. Hovwsver, Pt least in the United Kingdom, current $ supports are typically not suitable for larger-sized women, i.ev those with breasts that are >D cup and/or >50cm chest size (band). Current supports provided in the United States are also unsuitabiei

The closest prior art known to the applicant coUprises a front fastening bra Incorporating adjustable straps which is typically provided following an operation. Nowewer, whilst these bras have beef? ased aF?d have proven snccessfui with e large rsumber of women,, these bras are not suitable for those with larger breasts, resulting in discomfort to the patient and miniraal or non-effective support of the breasts. Moreover, existing bras cannot be straightforwardly up-scaied to fit larger women because of the increase in weight of breasts compared to srnailer-sized women and because of the implications this would have on access to the wound, e.g, for drainage at or near the sternum. Ihereforei a large number of female patients are not provided with suitable peri-post operative support-wear. The incorrect or non-existent support is disadvantageous for a number of reasons, including increasing the risk of infection and improper wound healing, and an increase in wound-heaimg time.

Given that female patients undergoing cardiac surgery often gain fluid weight post operatively and have breasts that increase in size to >D cup and/or >50cm chest size because of this gained fluid, there is a real need to provide a bra ‘which is more suitable for a larger sized woman to ensure that the risks noted above are minimised. Effective pp^-operative supports would also improve, long term, the financial costs of cardiac sur^e^ because a patient vvho does not develop a bacterial ihfidiiin and who heals effectively will be less likely to require further treatment.

An olyect of the current invention i to provide a bra which seeks to alleviate at lealE the problems noted above.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect the invention provides a post-operative bra for cardiac surgery patients, the bra comprising two cups fer supportin| both breasts of a patient, arsd at least one strap for attaching the bra to the patient’s body; wherein the dr both cups comprise an inner portion which is; in use, proximal to the patient’s sternum, and an outer pprtipp VVhleh is proximal the patient's armpit; wherein the outer portion of at least one cup incorporates a region of reinforcement which) in use, minimises or prevents rnpvemelt of the patient's breast towards their armpit, when the patient is in the supine position.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a post-operative b.ra with a cup and band or strap size suitable for women having large breasts or backs, e.g. iaf^erthan D cup snd/or SOcmschest size. Ihe regioni©fsrei:niorcemept supports the patient's breasts from the ^ide to prevent gr at least rfrihimiip the rrsovernent of the breasts away from the sternum, Cardiao surgery often requires the opening of the chest cavity through the sternum. Preventing or minimising movement of the breasts away from the sternum therefore minimises the isk that a wound will re-open once an oplration has been completed. The risk of Infection at the v^und is therefore also minimised, as there are other issues associated with lateral tension on a wourid,

Preferabiy, the or each region Of reinforcement comprises a poci^t; wherein the pocket incorporates a suppoillng inseft for reinforcing said cup. The pocket and supporting insert reinforce the outer portion of the or both cups to prevent or minimise movement of a patient's breasts away from the sternum, thus reducing the risk of wound opening following surgery. This configuration is also advantageous because the .supporting insert can be comprised of a more rigid rnaferiai than the remainder of the bra and can be manufactured separaiely and then placed inside the pocket, if the pocket is not sealed and a separate insert is provided, the pocket and insert configuration also allows the bra to be washed separately from the insert. More preferably, the pocket is sealed and the insert is not removable from thegpocket.

Preferably, the pocket of the or both cups Is ized and located such that, in use, the said pocket extends alongside a patient's breast, from the front of the breast to the side of the ribcage and is so shaped as to cup the side of the patient^ breast. EKtendlngthe poeket alongside the breast from the front of the breast to the side of the chest ensures that each breast is adequately supported and prevented from moving outwards.

Optionally, the pocket of the or both cups comprise an openinfg and the supporting insert is removable from the pocket. The removaillly from the pociyi alliws replacement of the supporting insert. This is advantageous for deaning/sanitising the bra effectively and for rnodifying the bra for each paient, i,e. for different sized breasts.

Optionally, the or both cups comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the pocket is located between said inner and outer surfaces at the outer portion. Locating the pocket between the inner and outer surfaces minimises the overall size of the bra and therefore impfoves the comfert and pracicality of the; bi^ to the patient.

Optionaliy, the or both cups comprise an inner surface, an outer surface and a spacer layer; and wherein the prjcket is located between said outer surface and said spacer laylr. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it improves the strength and therefore lifespan of the bra. The spacer layer also provides additional padding to a patient Sp that the bra does not become uncomfortable. ©ptionallyi the or both eups comprise an inner surface, an outer surface and a spacer layer; and vvherein the pocket is located between said inner surface and said spacer layer. This configuration is also paricMl|rty advantageous because it improves the strength and therefore lifespan of the bra. The spacer layer also provides additional padding to a patieht so that the bra does not become uncomfortable.

Preferably, .said supporting insert comprises a flexible material. A flexible supporting insert can conform to the individual shape of a patient whilst still prov|iln| the sup|ort necessary for protecting a wound. Optionally, the insert comprises a fabric, washable in a standard washing machine, which is advantageous for patients who have left hospital.

Preferably, the bra comprises at least one band which is connected to a bottom edge of the or both cups and e>rtends laterally around the chesi of the patient: whifein thd frldth of a portion of the band proximal to said inner portion of the or both cups Is reduced compared to the remainder of said band. A reduced width in the vicinity of the sternum allows fer drains to be straightforwardly empk^'ed at a wound. The greater width of the remaining portion of the band improves the strength of the band and prevents the roiling up of the band, which would be uncomfoptaile for the wearer. preferably, said band compri.ses one or more fasteners: wherein at least one of said fasteners is located at the front of the bras Locating fasteners at the front of the bra allows the bra to be i|raightforwardly fitted to a patient by another peison following cardiac surgery and/or when the patient is supine and/or has restncted movemenL A front fastener also allows a patient to put the bra on without reaching behind their back, which would increase the lateral tension on a wound, and without turning the bra across an incision made during surgery, which would a^ravate the wound.

Preferably, said band comprises three or more fasteners teGated atsfehe front of the bra. The Applicant has found that providing three or more fasteners, which are arranged either veri'calty or horizontally, is advantageous because the use of three or more fasteners improves the fit of the bra (one or more of the fasteners cart be left: undone without compromising the attachment of bra parts). Preferably, the faltenera are arranged vertically. Three fasteners is optimum because this configuration improves the fit of the bra compared to the use of one or fastehefs. This configuration also allows for negative pressure therapy and dressings to be more straightforwardly applied. The df three or more fasteners itso reduces the risk of disturbing the healing of a wound because the force is spread across all three fasteners. Also^ one or two of the button hodks could be left untdone if it is located above a particularly setisitive part of a wound, without impairing the efficacy of the bra.

Preferably, the bra corhpnses one or more straps, the or each strap extending oyer the shoulder of the patient between one of said cups and said band; wherein at least one of the straps comprises rneans for adjusting the fit of the bra. The adjusting means allows the bra to be modified for different sized patients.

Preferably, said means for adjusting the fit of the bra comprises a .series of hook and eye fastenings. Hook and eye fastenings provide a straightforward means for adjusting the length of the .straps.

Preferably, said one or more straps comprise an elasticated material. Providing eiast.icgi.ed straps improves the fit and eorhfpft pf the bra and minimises the risk that the straps will dig in and cau.9e discomfort or harm to the patient. Ela.stieated material also makes it easier for a he|tthcare |rofessiohal to fit the bra to a patient followiri| surgery, particularly if the patient: iSilying on their baGk.;:A:n elasticated material also allows for fluid gain. Bunhg the post-operative period, it is normal for patients to gain weighty especially if they have had valves or required certain medicitlpng. Weight gain typically ranges between S to 10 kitograms but It is not uncommon for patients gain 15 kilograms. The elasticated material allows the bra to accommodate these wei|ht fluctuations.

Preferably, the bra is constructed such that all seams are fermed on an outer suiace of the bra. Providing ail seams on an outer surface of the bra minimises the risk of discomfort to the patient through rubbing.

Preferably, the bra is constructed such that any searh which is formed between two joined parts of the bra is formed along one of said cups, locating seams vertically over or along tie cups of the bra avoids aggravatirig the wQuih| at the sternum and/or rubbm|:lhe breast or nipple of the patient, or putting pressure on the patient’s skin. This coniguralon also minimises any discomfort to a patient, which rnlght occur if the seams are located along a strap or other part of the bra. Even more preferably* all seams are fat seams td feduce rubbing and aggravation to the patient

BriefDescrj.pti.on..Qi.ths.Dr.9wing5

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a front view of a bra of a preferred embodiment

Figure 2 shows a perspective front three-quarter view of a bra of a preferred embodiment Figure 3 shows a view from the right hand side of a bra of a preferred embodiment*

Figure 4 shows a view of the outer surface of an open bra of a preferred erribodiiment Figure S shows a view from the side of a section of a bra of a preferred embodiment Detailed Description oLtbe Embodimegts A preferred embodiment of a post-operative bra, suitable for use with cardiac surgery patients (typically those with median sternotomy wounds], is shown in Figure 1 and ss referenced generally as 10. The bfei 10 comprises two cups 11.12 for supporting the, either OF both breasts of a patient (not shown). The bra 10 further comprises at least one band 13 for fitting the bra 10 around the patient's body, in the preferred embodiment of Figure 1 the bra comprises two cups 11,12 and band 13, and two straps 14,15: wherein the band 13 extends [«teraiiy around the chest of a patieiit and which Is joined te each of the eups 11,12 and two straps 14,15 which extend one from eph cup, over the shoulder of the patient, to the band 13. In aiternative erohodiments, a lesser or greater number of straps or bands is provided, and even more prefef3biy the cop 11, 12 are configured to be removabiy attached to several straps so that the bra IQ; can be customised for different patients.

Each cup 11, 12 comprises an inner portion 11a, 12a which is located proximal to a central part 16 of the bra and which is, iri use, pfoximal to a patient's sternum and an outer portion lib* l2b which, in use, is located proximal a patient's armpit The two cups 11,12 are joined to one another via the central part 1# which lies next to or over the sternum of a patient in use. In a preferred embodiment, the bra 10 opens and doses at th| front, wherein the central part 16 comprises one or more fasteners 21. In this preferred embodiment, the band 13, which ptpds around the chest of the patient in use, is continuous and does not comprise any fasteners, in an alternatwe embodiment, the band 13 comprises a fastener 21 which is located to one side of at least one of the cup 11,12.

In another alemative em|pdiment, fasteners are proyiiii at both the centr|l part 16 and band 13 to allow a patient or health cam professional to It the bra to the patient in the easiest way possible, dipendih| On the size and shape of the patient and their position. For example, If the patient is lying down in a bed folbwing cardiac surgery, it Is mpt stra)|htforward to provide a bra with an opening at the central parti 16 sosthat the bra can be slipped underneath the pallent's back, brought around iheir chest, and fastened at the front above the sternum. The central part 16 incorporating the lastener 21 is preferably apprpxirnately 5cm in width and comprises ten hook and eye fastenings. In one embodimenti ten triplets of eyes are provided on the central part 16i lh a most preferred embodiment, the fastener 21 of the central part liicompfises one or more hook and eye fastenings. Most preferably, the fastene.'· 21 comprises a triplet of hook and eye ia,stenings to allow the bra to be sufficiently rnodified for comfort and best results with each patient In alternative embodiments, the fastener 21 of the central part 16 comprises Veicro (RTM), buttons and slits, or any other type of fastening, such as poppers, which are known to the skilled person. However, fastenings 'which comprise Velcro (RTM), buttons or poppers are no preferred due to the possible infection risk and strength of these fastenings in relation to the preierred hook and eye fastening.

An outer portion 11b, 12b of each cup is located., in use, proximal to the patient’s armpit, i.e. each of the outer portions is iacated over the outer side of each of the patient's hreasts and faces outwards, away from each side of the patient. The outer portion 11 b, 12b of each cup 11,12 incorporates a region of reinforcement 17,18 which minimises or altogether the lateral movement of the patient's breasts av^ay from their sternum, i^e. towards their armpits. The regions of reinfomement 17, 18 mirifore minimise the risk that a closed wound at the sternum will reopen or that the wound wdli breakdown because of lateral pull or spread of the bmasts, which could bring about a number of disadvanta|e5 as discussed above.

The region of ^infprcement Tf, 1i of each cup may comprise a stiffened section of material, as shown by the hashed lines in figure 1, which is either Intefrally fermed wlh the rest of the bra or is stitched, glued or otherwise fixed to the rest of the bra. in a preferred embodimeRt, eaCh region of reinfomement is formed of a buckwheat fiilric fiar superior support and contouring, in a preferred embodiment, which is shown best by the dashed lines in Figure 2 at ‘X', each region of reinforcement comprises a pocket, spch as 20, Each pocket incorporates one or more supporting inserts (not shown) formed of a stiffened or otherwise strengthened material for minimising sideward movement of the patient's hreast& The (or each) Insert preferably comprises a fabric so that the insert can be washed with the rest of the bra, but the insert may also comprise a plastic, metal or otler material, or a combination of tie alove, which prpviies suitable reinforcement to the side of a patient's breast, in a further preferred embodiment, the or each insert comprises Buckram, Which is made frpm 1|0% woven cottpn and is a single stiffened panel. In another embodiment the or each insert comprises a buckwheat fabric. Varying sizes of insert may be ihcorporated to customise the bra for each patient. Varying cup sizes, strap lengths and insei sizes can be combined to maxirr|se the cottifort and relnforGement that the bra provides for each patient.

The regions of reinforcement may comprise part of the band 13 and may extend to the front of each cup. In a preferred embodiment, each region of reinforcemeht extends from the front of a respective cup 11, 12 to a location which is.iin use, under a paient's armpit so that each breast is effectively cupped and thus supported by a region of reinforcement. The ragions; of reinforcement also preferably extend upwards on a patients breast to cup, at [east partiaiiy, the top and bottom of the breasts. Where the regions of reinforcemerrt each comprises a pocket 20 and one or more supporting inserts, the pocket arsd the (or each) supporting insert preferably both extend from the front of the cup to under the patient’s armpit.

In a preferred embodiment, each supporting insert is seeled within a respective pocket. Howeyer. in an alternative embo#ment, each pocket 20 comprises a dosable opening (not shown) so that the supporting inserts can be removed from each pocket for washing or replacement with a new or better-fitting insert. The opening may be dosed with Velcro (RTM) or any other fastening which ensures that the or each supporting Insert remains in the pocket 20 and which does not irritate the patient's skin. In an alternative embodiment, the pollet comprises two overlapping sections of material which can be arraiged to keep the insert inside the pocket.

In one embodiment, each cup 11,12 comprises an inner surface (which contacts the patient's breast) and an outer surface and the pocket 20 is provided between the inrier and outer suiaces of the cup. However, in aiernative embodiments, a spacer layer (not shown) is provided, and the pocket 20 is located between either the inner surface and the spacer layer or the spacer layer and the outer surface of each crjp. In further alternative embodiments, each cup may comprise a multiplicity of layers and inings betwreen the inner and outer surfaces, and the pocket is provided between or spans across any number of those layers or linings.

In a preferred eiribodiment, the width of the band 13, which extends around the chest of a patient in use, is reduced at a portion which is proximal to the inner portion ciThe or each cup compared to the width of the rimainder of the band 13. Reducing the width of the band 13 at the front of the bra, i.e. proximal to the sternum, improves ease of acciis for a healthcare professional for draining of a wound at or near the sternum because the reduced width provides sufficient space for draining apparatus, iardlac drains are typically left in place following surgery for a couple of days. Temporary pacing wires may ateo be present. A reduced width of the band 13 at this location minimises the risk that damage will be cau.sed to the wound or to the drains and pacing wires that are in place, and will minimise discomfort of the patient The thickness of the band 13 proximal the sternum may also be reduced compared to the remainder of the band 13. The remainder of the band 13 is preferably wider to prevent or rninirtiise the risk of roll up of the band 13 which would be uncomfortable for the wearer.

In a preferred embodiment the bra 10 further comprises a section of ‘breathable' material 22 which iissloeated between each cup 11, 12 and: the bandi 13. The section: 22 of ‘brea|habte’ material which, in use, is located tinder the patient's busb reduces the warmth and hornidity under the bust because of the preyenipn of skin on skin contact, which could lead to moisiure build up which is attractive to bacteria. In a preferred embodiment, the bra |0 is completely devoid of any underwiring to minimise the risk of discomfort to the patient or of aggravation of the wounds Underwire can also reduce perfusion to the area and healing wounds need a gpd supply of oxygen.

In a |referable embodiment, two straps 14; IS are provided which extend, one from each cup, over the sloulder of the patient tO the band 13. Pf|ferab[y dn| or both of these straps 14; 15 comprises a fastener or means for adfusting the length of the or both straps 14,15, to modify the fit of the bra 10. In one ehnbodirnent, which is shown in Figures 3 and 4, the means for adjusting the fit of the bra compises one or more hook and fastenings. However, in alternative embodiments, any type of known suitabiesfestening means of adjusting means may be provided.

The Shoulder straps are removable. This allows placement of the bra when the patient is in a supine or seated position. The strap(s) may be removed completely, for occasions when a pacing device is placed following cardiac surgery, to prevent rub on the new wound/pacing device. in one errjbpdiment, the straps 14,15 are comprised of an elasticated material to improve the overall fit of the bra 10 and also to improve the ea.se of use of the bra 10. The band 1| preferably comprises an elasticated rnaterlal. in the embodiment of Figure 4, at least one of the straps 14 comprises two, initialy separated ends - a long erid and a short end. The long: end preferably cornprises an elasticated material and is approximately 21cm including the length of a listener, and approxirnali^ 3cm wide. The short end comprises a cooperating part of the fastener which is located on the long end. The short end is preferably approximately 6cm at its widest point and rests, in use, over the collar bone of the patient. The strap 15 maylbave the saiieiConiiluration or may be a continulus strap, which is preferably comprised of an elasticated material. The back of the bra has a racer style to provide additional support to the bust The number of straps or bands is also reduced to minimise the risk of rubbing or pressure points.

In a preferred embodiment, the bra 10 is constructed such that any seams formed between two joined parts of the bra are located over one or both of the cups 11,1? to minimise discomfort (e.g. frpm rubbirs^ to the patient in one embodiment all of the seams are provided on the outer surface of the bra to prevent or rninimjse the risk of rubbing. The seams are also preferably fiat, Le. as flush as possible to the femalnder of the bra’s raaterial, to improve comfort, in an embodiment where seams are provided on the inner surface of the bra, the seams are flat to prevent rubbing or pressure which would cause dlscomlort.

Figure 5 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment, where the bra 10 comprises a fastener 21 eomprising three sets of eyes which are connectable to a set of hooks on the Olposite side of the central portion 16 (not shown in Figure 5). The cup 11 <^miprises three seams 23 which are all located pn the outer surface of thg cup 11 to mihimise or eliminate the risk of discomfort to the patient. Each of the seams comprises a flat stitch to further reduce th| risk of discomfort. Section ‘A’ comprises breathable material to reduce the amount of moisture which might otherwise collect under the patient's bust.

The bra 10 is preferably comprised of a circular knitted fabric with a composition of (approximate^) 8S96 P&tyamide Meryl, 4¾ Rolyamide and 11¾ Lycra. The width of the bra when fully open and laid flat is preferably 1 SOcm and has a weight of approximately 215^m2 +/- ISg/m^, a Zwick stretch (30Nj of max. Warp 8SS6 and max. Weft 95%, in a preferred embodiment, the bra 10 has a washing shrinkap of max. Warp 10% and max. Weft 6%.

In another embodiment, the bra 10 is comprised of a dream fit, soft V/eftioc-quality material of machine gauge E28 and a preferable composition of 59% Polyamide and 41% Elastane, in this embodiment the width of the bra 10 when opened and laid flat is preferably a minimum of approximately 175cm with a weight of ZSOg/m^, 3 weight tolerance of 23S-265g/rn2, a Waies/IOcm of 260 and €ouraes 10/cm of 661. in this embodiment the bra 10 preferably has a Zwick stretch at 60N of between 150 and 180% but preferably 165% and a Weft of between 160 and 200% and preferably 180%. The shrinkage of the bra is preferably max. Warp S% and max. Weft 5%.

The bra 10 may also comprise a combination of circular knitted fabric and dram fit, soft Weftbc-quality material

Claims

ckkos

1. A post-opsralive bra for cardiac surg^i^? patients, brS: comprising twO cups for supporting both breasts of a patient, and at least one strap for attaching the bra to the patient's body; wherein the or both cups comprise ah inner portion which i| in use, proximal to the patient's sternum, and an outer portion whfeh is proxlnpai tie paienf s armpit; wherein the outer portion of at least one cup incorporates a region of reinforcement which, in use, minimises or presents movement of the patient's breast towards their armpit, when the patient is in the supine position.
2. A bra according to daim 1, wherein the or each region of reinforcement comprises a pocket; wherein the pocket ihcorpprails a supporting insert for reihfercing said cpp.
3. A bra according to dalrn B, whemn the pocket of the or both cups is sized and located such that, in use, the said po|ket extends alongside a patient's breast, from the front of the breast to the side of the ribcage and is so shaped as to cup the side of the patieiit’s breast.
4. A bra according to either claim 2 or daim 3, wherein tbe pocket of the or both cups comprises ah Gpehih| ahd the supporting insert is removable from: the pocte.
5. A bra aeeordtng to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the or both cups comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the pocket Is located between said inner and outer surfaces at the outer portion.
6. A bra according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the or both cups comprises an inner SLirface, an outer surface and a spacer layer; and wherein the pocket is located between said outer surface and said spacer layer,
7. Λ bfa according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the or both cups comprises an inner surface, an outer surface and a spacer layer: and wherein the pocket is located between said Inner surface and said spacer layeF. p A bra accpfdin| to any of claims 2 to A wherein said supporting insert comprises a flexible material.
9. A bra according to any of the preceding ciaims, wherein the bra cpTi|nses at least one band which is connected to a bottom edge of the or both cups and extends laterally around the chest of the patient; wherein the width of a poition of the band proximal to said inner piliOn of thb or each cup is reduced compared to the rernalnder of said band.
10. A bra according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said band comprises one or more fasteners: wherein at least one of said fasteners is located at the front of the bra.
11. A bra according to any of the preceding clairns, wherein said band comprises three or more fasteners located at the front of the bre.
12. A bra according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bra comprises one or more straps, the or each strap extending over the shoulder of the patient between one of said cups and said band; wherein at least one of the straps comprises means for adjusting the fit of the bra; preferably wherein said means for adjusting the fit of the bra comprises a series of hook and eye fastenings.
13. A bra according to claim 12, wherein said one or more straps comprise an elasticated material.
14. A bra aeeording to any p the preceding claims, wherein the bra is constructed such that aii seams are formed on an outer surface of the bra.
15. A bra according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bre is constructed such that any seam which is formed between two joined parts of the bra is formed along one of said cups.