Q: What if you haven’t got my size?

A: We spend a lot of time telling ladies they are wearing the wrong sized bra and provide them with size charts, measurement guides etc. I still prefer that my ladies try a bra on and find one that fits correctly. However, I have provided the charts and some worked examples to show how you can CROSS SIZE so that you can feel confident about trying different sizes until you have the right fit.

If you are a between two sizes, this cross sizing chart could help you to find another size that should fit you equally well.

If you go UP to the next cup size, you should come DOWN the back size eg: 34D is equivalent to 32E.

If you go DOWN in the cup size, you should go UP in the back size eg: 36F is equivalent to 38E. You may find that the cup is perfect, but that you will need to fasten the back hooks a little tighter.

If you refer to the measurement guide, you can see how close in size bra’s really are. For instance:

In these illustrations, you would need to decide whether your back size was on the smaller side, and opt for the 1st option, or if it was on the upper end of the measurement, you would choose the second option. In both instances, the cup sizes would be the same, but in the second option, you will need to compensate by wearing the back fastening on a tighter hook than you would normally do.

To further complicate matters, sizing conventions vary significantly across the world. In the UK, the half cup size is increasingly used (DD, EE etc). French (and some European sizing) do not use this method, but as their cup sizes tend to be a little leaner than UK/USA, you would be advised to buy the next cup size up, but don’t change the back size, eg: 36EE in UK would be equivalent to 36F in France. I have tried to indicate these differences on the ranges where possible.
Remember: P&P is free to UK and only £5 to the Rest of the World, and we will replace bras that do not fit (see returns policy)

Q: An item that I want to buy has been shown on the website as being delivered in two weeks time. Can I order it now, or should I wait until it comes back into stock?

A: Choose your item(s) and place in the basket, you will then be directed to the checkout and payment screens for you to place your order. You will receive an e-mail confirming your order and expected delivery date for each item. As soon as the item is available to us, we will despatch it to you - we will only take the payment for the item(s) at the point of despatch.

Q: I am unsure of my size and would like to take your advice about buying two different sizes. How does this work?

A: You will need to purchase the two bras that you think are the most appropriate sizes. This means that you will pay for both items at the same time. If you subsequently decide to return one of the bras, and you have returned it according to our returns policy, we will refund the purchase value of the returned item. If you do not return the wrong sized item, or if it is not returned according to our returns policy, we will not refund you.

Q: I am really worried about giving my credit card details over the internet. Is there any other way I can buy from you?

A: Our site uses the ePDQ payment system from Barclays, which uses a secure server that implements secure socket layer (SSL) technology in their on-line ordering process to protect your payment card information. You can check that you are shopping in a secure environment by looking for either a locked padlock or a key icon in the grey bar at the bottom of your screen.

However, if you are still uneasy about using this process, you can either place an order over the telephone (tel: +44 (0) 1706 346550) OR go through the buying online process, right up to the end, where, instead of confirming the purchase, you should print off the order form and forward it to me with a cheque or postal order. Please see the section on Ordering by post for further details.

Q: What does SafeBuy mean?

A: SafeBuy is a UK based organisation, supported by the OFT, which is committed to safeguarding consumers interests by helping them to identify businesses with a higher standard of customer care. Businesses who have been awarded the SafeBuy accreditation must:

• clearly show their delivery charges and delivery-inclusive prices
• keep your personal information safe and secure
• give their full contact details so you can contact them if there's a problem
• process your credit card details securely
• promise not to use spam for marketing
• Avoid exploitation of children

Q: Do you have a catalogue?

A: No, we do not produce a catalogue as we instantly update our site with any changes. A catalogue would become quickly out of date. Also, if you sign up for our newsletter, you will receive advance notice of any new arrivals, new promotions or upcoming sales.

Q: When do you charge my credit card?

A: We do not charge you card until the point of dispatch. So if you place an order on an item that is not currently in stock, your card details will be held securely by Barclay Merchant Services. As soon as the items are in stock, they are dispatched to you and it is then that we instruct the payment to be deducted from your card.

Q: How will my order be packed?

A: Wherever possible, we remove most of the manufacturers packaging so that we can package to fit through your letterbox. Most deliveries are in a plain white mailing bag, which is discretely marked with a return address only. Gift boxes are wrapped in brown paper – but will not fit through a letter box.

Q: If I sign up for your newsletter, will I be bombarded with mailshots from other companies?

A: Absolutely not! We have a clear policy about managing information that you share with us – we will not sell or give your details to any third party. If you sign up for the newsletter – you will only receive information from Vicki Louise.

Q: I want to buy some lingerie for my girlfriend, but am not sure about all the different styles and terms etc. Can you help?

A:Here is a glossary of terms relating to specific underwear types you will find on the Vicki Louise site. There are SO many different terms out there - hopefully this will help to clear some of the confusion. We have tried to keep it fairly straightforward, but you should remember that there may be different terms for different countries. Also, you may want to refer to my Fitting Guide and my Mens Buying Guide for further hints on tips to help you choose.

Bra types:
Full Cup Bra	Exactly as it says – usually a 3 part cup to support a fuller bust (most often found on bra’s with a D cup or above).
Balconette Bra	This is a half cup bra – the cups are designed and cut to create a horizontal bust line. Fashionable and flattering
Soft Bra	This is a bra without wires – more flexible and more comfortable for some ladies who cannot wear an underwired bra eg; more mature ladies; ladies who have had breast surgery etc. Excellent for everyday wear.
Underwired Bra	A bra that has a U shaped wire in the base of the cups – specifically for a better shape and support.
Moulded Bra	The cups are preformed ie: moulded, and create a soft, natural profile – excellent for wearing under a close fitting top. Some of these may have the option for wearing strapless
Seamless Bra T Shirt Bra	Any bra that has been made in a way that no seams would be visible under a close fitting top – moulded bra’s amongst others may fall in this category
Maternity Bra Nursing Bra	A bra that has been designed specifically to give Mums or Mums to be the necessary level of support for their changing breasts during and after pregnancy. Some are suitable for nursing – they will have a mechanism for easily dropping the cups for feeding
Brief types:
Thong G String String Tanga	The tiniest of briefs! Very little fabric in the front panel and with a ‘string’ forming the waistband and the connector between the front and the back of the brief. Fashionable because they reduce the appearance of lines under tight fitting clothes.
Boy Short Boy Leg Brief Boy pants	A very popular design of brief – mimicking a pair of boys shorts (without the fly front of course!). Some are high waisted, some are low slung hipster height. The legs of these briefs are usually close fitted to the leg and not long. Very comfortable – can be both everyday wear or glamorous
French Knicker	The luxury version of the boy short – usually has slightly longer legs and may be split at the sides. Often made from luxury fabrics – silk, lace etc
Full brief Midi brief Panties	Fabric front and back – offering the wearer more support and comfort. Excellent for everyday wear.
Shaping Brief Girdle Control Brief Control panties	A brief that has some level of support built into it – usually a panel at the front to control the tummy, sometimes with additional support for other parts (over the hips, bottom, thighs etc) Levels of support will vary from garment to garment – ie: from light control, through to medium control through to full control
Corsets etc
Body Corset Girdle	An all in one garment that usually fastens underneath at the gusset May have different levels of control, may have an integrated bra. Ideal for smooth lines, shaping and some support / control
Basque Corset	Sometimes boned to give a very controlled and well supported profile. Often, it will have an integral bra that gives a real push-up appearance - this will give an hourglass figure. More frivolous styles will have lace-up or hook and eye closures, will give coverage over the tummy and usually have detachable straps and suspenders
Bustier	A shorter version of the basque – much softer, with or without bones. Can be worn to be seen!
Other terms:
Side Sling	A mesh support that is built into some bra’s (usually the fuller cup styles) to provide extra support and push the bust forward in the cup, giving it a more natural, rounder profile.
Padded	No matter the size and shape of a lady, a small amount of padding can enhance her shape. At its minimal, it gives a smoother profile, even for larger cup sizes. At its maximum, it will give a size boost for a lady with a smaller cup size.
Unpadded Non-padded	This bra will have cups which are completely without padding – some may be lined (usually with a mesh backing), part lined (the bottom half of the cup for support and some nipple cover) some may be sheer (made only of the fabric of the bra)