FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to the Ophelia Lingerie FAQ page. We are one of Ireland’s leading lingerie retailers, dedicated to helping you find the perfect fit for any occasion.

Our Stores & Services

Where are your stores located?
We have three boutique locations in Ireland:

• Dundalk: 3 River Court, River Lane, Co. Louth.
• Drogheda: 1A Meatmarket Lane, Dyer Street, Co. Louth.
• Sligo: First Floor, Henry Lyons & Co. Department Store, Lower O'Connell Street.

Do you offer professional bra fittings?
Yes! Our mission is to help every customer find the correct size and style in a relaxed setting. We encourage customers to have a bra fitting with our expert team of experienced fitters every time you are buying a new bra. You can explore our online Bra Fitting Guide for initial advice.

Do you stock plus-size lingerie?
Absolutely. We carry a huge range of sizes and styles, including plus-size options and specialized items like nursing and sports bras.

Orders & Delivery

What are your delivery options and costs?

• Republic of Ireland: Standard Delivery is €3.50 (free on orders over €60.00). Express Delivery is €5.50.
• International:  Standard delivery to Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, and the rest of the world is €5.00, and Express Delivery is €8.50.

How long does delivery take?
Standard Delivery in Ireland takes 2-3 working days, and Express Delivery usually takes 1-2 working days. Orders placed before 2pm (Mon–Fri) are typically dispatched the same day. ROI express orders often arrive the next working day, though this is not guaranteed.

Do you offer Click & Collect?
Yes, you can choose to have your online order delivered for pickup at our Dundalk, Drogheda, or Sligo stores.

Returns & Security

What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. For specific queries, please contact our returns team at returns@ophelialingerie.ie.

Is it safe to shop online with you?
Yes. We use high-level data encryption to protect your information. Your credit card details are handled by leading financial processors and are never stored by us.

Contact Us

How can I get in touch?

• General Enquiries: info@ophelialingerie.ie
• Online Sales: sales@ophelialingerie.ie
• Phone (Dundalk): 042 9334006
• Phone (Sligo): 071 9144660
• Phone (Drogheda): 041 9804255

Bra Fitting and Style Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Finding the perfect bra can be life-changing, offering comfort, confidence, and improved posture. This guide answers common questions regarding finding your size, identifying the right styles, and ensuring a perfect fit.

How should a bra fit properly?

• Band: The band should be firm but not restrictive, fitting snugly around the body. It should not move around throughout the day.
• Centre Gore: The centre part of the bra should sit flat against your breastbone.
• Underwire: The underwire should sit under and behind the breast tissue, not on top of it.
• Cups: Your breast tissue should be fully contained within the cups without any bulging (spillage) or gaps.
• Straps: Straps should not dig into your shoulders.

How tight should a bra feel?
A well-fitting bra should feel like a "gentle, supportive hug". You should be able to slide two fingers under the band comfortably. If the band digs in or restricts breathing, it is likely too small.

How often should I be fitted for a new bra?
It is recommended to get fitted every 6 months. Factors such as weight changes, pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal fluctuations can alter your breast size and shape.

Why are my straps digging into my shoulders?
Straps digging in usually means the bra band is too big and is not providing enough support, causing the weight to be carried by the straps.

What bra style is best for me?
The best style depends on your breast shape and preferred comfort level.

• Full Cup/Coverage: Ideal for maximum comfort, support, and a smooth silhouette, especially for larger cup sizes.
• Plunge Bra: Suitable for lower-cut tops, as the cups are lower in the centre.
• T-Shirt Bra: Features seamless, moulded cups that are perfect under tight clothing.
• Wire-Free/Non-Wired: Focuses on comfort and natural shape.

What is the "quad-boob" effect?
This happens when a cup is too small, cutting into your breast tissue and creating a visible line under clothes. A higher coverage or larger cup size can usually fix this.

Should I wear the same size in swimwear?
Yes, if your swimwear is cup-sized, you should generally wear the same size as your regular bra.

How can I make my bras last longer?

• Hand wash: Hand washing prevents the elastic from breaking down prematurely.
• Avoid the dryer: Always air dry your bras.
• Rotate: Rotate between a few different bras to allow the elastic time to rest and regain its shape.

When should I replace my bra?
If the band is stretched out, the underwire is poking out, or the cups no longer hold your breast tissue properly, it is time for a new bra.

What is a T-Shirt Bra?
A T-shirt bra is designed for daily wear under fitted clothing. They feature seamless, moulded cups that provide a smooth, invisible look with no visible lines or texture.

What is a Balconette (Balcony) Bra?
A balcony bra offers a slightly lower cut than a full cup, designed with a "balcony" shape that lifts from the base for a rounded, natural shape. They often feature wider straps and a flatter, square-shaped neckline.

What is a Plunge Bra?
Plunge bras have a lower centre gore, making them ideal for v-neck or low-cut tops. They enhance natural cleavage and are excellent for narrower necklines.

What is a Bralette?
Bralettes are lightweight, typically non-wired, and often unpadded, focusing heavily on comfort. They are perfect for lounging, casual wear, or layering and suit smaller to medium bust sizes seeking a natural shape.

What is a Push-Up Bra?
Push-up bras use extra padding at the bottom or sides to lift and bring the breasts together, creating cleavage and adding volume.

What is a Sports Bra?
Specifically designed for physical activity, sports bras reduce breast movement and provide necessary support during exercise. They come in low, medium, and high-impact designs depending on the activity.

What is a Wireless (Non-Wired) Bra?
Wireless bras eliminate the metal underwire for a soft, comfortable fit. Modern non-wired bras still provide excellent support and shape through specialized design and fabric.

What is a Strapless/Multiway Bra?
A strapless bra is designed to stay in place without straps, perfect for tube tops or off-the-shoulder outfits. Multiway bras offer detachable straps that can be adjusted to halter, racerback, or one-shoulder styles.

What is a Minimizer Bra?
Designed for larger busts, minimizer bras help reshape breast tissue to reduce the appearance of bust size, creating a smoother, more balanced silhouette under clothing.

How do I know my true bra size?
It is crucial to get professionally fitted or use a tape measure to know your current band and cup size. A well-fitting bra should not dig in, and the centre gore should sit flat.

Which bra style is best for large breasts?
Full cup bras, underwire bras, and minimizer bras are generally best for providing maximum support, coverage, and lifting, reducing strain on the back.

What is the best type of bra for a low-cut dress?
A plunge bra or a low-cut balconette bra is usually the best choice for lower necklines, ensuring the bra remains hidden.

What is the best bra to wear under a white T-shirt?
A seamless T-shirt bra in a nude colour (that matches your skin tone) is the best way to ensure the bra is invisible.