FAQs
These are some of the most common questions that the Pixies get asked. If you can't find the answers you're looking for please get in touch or send us an email on pixie@molke.co.uk!
General
Q: Will you be you restocking *design* in my size?
A: We make all of our Original Molkes here in rural Perthshire in Scotland and we add new stock to the website every day. We have been working really hard to increase our team and our capacity, in order to keep up with demand. If you have your eye on a particular design, we have a handy stock alert system on each product listing, where if the size you require isn't available then you can select to be notified via email as soon as that size and colour/print is restocked.
Q: Are your bras padded? Will my nipples show?
A: Our bras are not padded. On our Original Molke bras each cup is lined with an extra layer of our lovely cotton jersey to provide extra support which some customers find is enough to conceal nipples. If you would like to check with other Molke wearers, we would recommend joining our Fans of Molke Facebook group as the lovely folk on there are always happy to share reviews and honest feedback.
Q: Are your bras suitable for breastfeeding?
A: Yes! The Original Molke bra was initially designed with easy access for breastfeeding in mind. The design of the bra allows you to easily slide a cup to the side and out of the way without having to deal with fiddly clips or hooks. The Flexi-Size bra wasn't designed as a nursing bra, but some customers have found that it allows fairly easy access for feeding. We wouldn't recommend it for that purpose unless supply is well established due to the risk of blocked ducts.
Q: Do you have any bras that fasten instead of putting it on like a top?
A: Yes we do! Our Flexi-Size bra has a more traditional hook and eye fastening, which works well for those who have accessibility issues with the Original Molke design.
Q: Do you make swimwear?
A: We have a small, but fabulous, mix and match Swim range available here. This range is intended to give you all of the signature Molke comfort and support, whether you are on the beach, in the hot tub or putting in some lengths at your local pool.
Q: Is your fabric organic?
All of our fabric is GOTS certified organic cotton jersey.
Q: Are your bras suitable after breast surgery?
A: We do have quite a few customers who have had a mastectomy (single and double) or a lumpectomy and other types of breast surgery, as none of our bras contain any pokey wires. Our bras don’t currently have pockets, but if using a prosthesis we do have customers who pop them inside a cover and then place it in the cup that way. This works for both our Original Molke bra and our Flexi-size bras, that both can give a full cup coverage. We are hoping to develop built in pocket options going forward as we really do want to our bras to work well for as many people as we can.
In the case of single or partial mastectomies, we recommend measuring around the fullest breast, from the middle of the chest to the middle of the back and then doubling the measurements for our size calculator. There is a handy diagram for measuring one boob at the bottom of the sizing info page, to ensure that you get the right level of support and coverage on the fuller side. If you need any assistance with this, please do let us know and we would be delighted to help. You will find the calculator here.
Q: Are your bras adjustable?
A: Our Flexi-Size bra, as well as our Swim bra and Tankini are all adjustable.
They are made with extended hook and eye fastening to accommodate 3 band sizes. This allows for size fluctuation and means you can find a band size that gives you both support and comfort.
They also have fully adjustable thinner straps which can be lengthened or shortened to suit your shape and ensure that the cup is fitting well.
The third adjustable element (which we particularly love!) is the neckline. You can tighten or loosen the ruching at the front to create either a retro sweet-heart neckline or have a more sporty straight neckline that is great if you are wanting to ensure everything stays put and is well contained.
Sizing/Fitting
Q: I am a size *insert size here*, what Molke size would you recommend?
A: We would definitely recommend popping over to our size calculator and measuring yourself as per the instructions there. This will give you your suggested starting sizes in both styles of bra and is a great starting point to finding you Molke size. Alternatively if you would like more help with sizing, please drop us an email at pixie@molke.co.uk with more info and we will be able to offer some advice. You can also book a Virtual Fitting with us to check over your size.
Q: Can I come to Molke HQ and get a fitting?
A: At the moment we are not quite set up for doing in-person fittings however we do offer a Virtual Fitting service. For more information take a look at our Virtual Fittings page.
Q: How do I measure myself for the calculator?
A: We have a handy video on our YouTube channel with advice on how to take the three measurements. You can watch it here! We also have diagrams below the size calculator which show how to measure, which you may find handy.
Q: I'm currently breastfeeding, when should I measure?
A: If you are breastfeeding it is best to measure yourself when you are at your fullest in order to get a size that will be best for your needs. When you try the bra on do make sure there are no tight spots that could cause block ducts or mastitis. If you need a bra to wear at night you can go up in the band so it’s extra comfy whilst still holding breast pads in place.
Q: I am pregnant, when is the best time to measure?
Our bras are a great option during pregnancy and the early days of parenting as they allow for size fluctuations and offer comfort when comfort is most needed! Your comfort is our top priority and hopefully any style will be super comfy for you.
When it comes to the best time to measure, there isn't a definitive answer for this. All of our bodies change in different ways and to different degrees during pregnancy, but we usually recommend that if you are ordering before 36 weeks then you might want to size up in the band (and possibly the cup too!) to allow for your ribs to expand and give extra comfort.
As always, our lovely fitting team are always happy to chat over the specifics with you on instant chat, message or email pixie@molke.co.uk so please get in touch.
Q: The size calculator has an error message or it says your size isn't covered?
A: If you encounter any issues or error messages with the size calculator please get in touch with us using the 'Contact us' form or via email at pixie@molke.co.uk and a member of the team will be happy to help further. Please also check that you have entered your measurements in inches.
Q: How do I put on/take off my Original Molke bra?
A: There are two main ways to get into your Original bra. Some customers put it on over their head, whereas others find it easier to step into it and pull it up (sounds strange but it does work!). We have a handy video on our YouTube channel demonstrating a couple of common techniques and you can watch it here!
Q: What is a swoop and scoop?
A: When you try on any bra it is important to do a full swoop and scoop. This means you use your hand to bring all you breast tissue up into the cup and round from under your arm. When all of your breast tissue is in the cup you will be able to accurately tell if the bra is a good fit for you and you will have the best, most comfortable support. We have a handy video showing you how here.
Ordering/Returning
Q: Do you sell gift cards?
A: We do. You can find them here. Sustainability is our core value so we make sure that all of our gift vouchers are electronic and emailed to whichever email address is popped in at checkout. You can also forward your gift voucher on if this was purchased for someone else. We do not send anything to you in the post.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: We are happy to confirm that we ship worldwide. Postage within the UK is £3.95 (or free on orders over £50), within Europe £8.95 and £10 for the rest of the world (or free on orders to the US over $100 or Canada over C$150).
Q: Will I have to pay local taxes and import duty on my international order?
A: For orders within the EU, we are able to collect local EU VAT at checkout for orders under €150/£130. This means you pay the same for your order and for your shipping, but we take care of the VAT.
If you are ordering from elsewhere outside the UK or you are in the EU and your order is over €150, local taxes and import duties may be applicable and payable when the delivery reaches the specified destination. You are responsible for payment of any such taxes and import duties. As these vary by country, we aren’t able to predict, or influence, what fees will be applied. Please contact your local customs office for further information before placing your order.
Q: My bra doesn’t fit, can I exchange it?
A: Yes you can! We really want you to be happy with your purchase and getting you in something that fits well is our priority. This is why we offer free exchanges on like for like items if you need a different size. If you are unsure on what size you need, please just get in touch with our lovely fitting team (pixie@molke.co.uk) and they can advise.
When exchanging an item, no further postage and packing charges will be incurred. (N.B. For international orders, you are responsible for the return postage fee and local taxes and import duties may be applicable and payable when the exchange reaches the specified destination).
Details on how to return your bra can be found below.
Q: I need to return my bra, how do I do this?
A: If you live in the UK you can use our free returns portal which can be found here. We also have this handy returns infographic to help you on your way. We are happy to offer a full refund of any items that are returned to us in their original condition.
Returning outside of the UK, please return the item using to the returns address enclosed with your order. Whilst we are unable to provide free return postage outside of the UK, we do refund the original postage charge for all orders returned in full.
Our Delivery and Returns page can be found here.
Q: Will I get my shipping refunded?
A: If you are returning an entire order we will refund your shipping costs too. If you decide to keep anything from your order you will only be refunded for what you return. You can find more information in our Terms and Conditions.
Q: What packaging do you use?
A: We do not use any plastic in our packaging here at Molke. Your item will come wrapped in 100% recycled tissue inside a reusable and fully recyclable mailer bag. Our information leaflets and invoices are all printed on recycled paper.
Period Pants
Q. How do I wash my period pants?
A. Our Period Pants are super easy to wash and wear again…and again and again.
Step 1: Once they’re off, give them a rinse under COLD water until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Pop them in with the rest of your washing and wash at 30℃. Please do not use any fabric softener or harsh stain removers as these can interfere with the absorbency of your pants.
Step 3: We recommend air drying to keep your Period Pants doing their job for longer. Tumble drying can also limit the absorbency of your pants.
Q. How absorbent are they? Will they leak?
A. Our Period Pants are for a Medium to Heavy flow, meaning they absorb up to 15ml - this is the equivalent to 2-3 regular tampons. They have an absorbent 100% cotton towelling core which wicks moisture away and this is backed up by a waterproof layer to give further protection against leaks.
They can be a complete replacement for your current cup, tampon or pad or they offer extra leak protection at night, during long shifts or on those days when you just need to perform. Absorbency will increase after the first few washes.
Q. Do I go for the same size as my other Molke briefs?
A. Period Pants work to the same sizing as the regular briefs but they do have less stretch. We would recommend sizing up if you are between sizes or prefer a more gentle fit on the legs.
Q. What are they made from?
A. Molke period pants are made with a soft and breathable GOTs-certified organic cotton jersey fabric with a 100% cotton towelling layer that is backed up a waterproof layer to help prevent leaks. They are made in a socially responsible factory in Portugal.
Q. Will they work for incontinence?
A. Our period pants would handle small leaks but we wouldn't recommend them for incontinence.
Swimwear
Q. Is Molke Swim suitable for swimming, or just for wearing on holiday?
A. Molke Swim is made with Ultrachlorine resistant fabric. The Molke Flexi-size Swim Bra and Tankini offer support and containment as well as being pilling resistant, making it suitable for pounding some lengths in your local pool. It also offers UV protection so if you do get some sun, rest assured your Molke Flexi-size Swimwear will hold up well.
Q. How do I work out which size to order?
A. As with our bras, we recommend measuring using the Molke calculator. This will give you your UK size, Molke size and Flexi-Size. You can also use the size charts with your standard UK size to find your Flexi-Size. Each Molke Flexi-size Swim Bra will cover a range of 6 sizes. You choose your 'Flexi-Size', which is the middle size of each group. For Swim briefs please use our standard pants size guide.
Please email pixie@molke.co.uk if you have any questions before purchasing the Molke Flexi-Size Swim Bra or Tankini.
Q. Where is the swimwear made?
A. Our swimwear is made in a factory in Romania or Portugal. We work closely with any partner factories to ensure they comply with our ethical policies.
Q. What is the swimwear made of?
A. The swim fabric is recycled polyamide made from ECONYL® yarn, a 100% regenerated nylon yarn derived from pre and post industrial waste such as discarded fishing nets, carpet fluff (the top part of Nylon carpets), tulle etc. This yarn not only keeps plastics out of landfill but is also made without using fossil fuels during the production.