Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

 Use a measuring tape or string /ribbon/ even your phone charger! Measure around your chest directly under your arms and above the breast line to find your correct band size. Yes, you really do only need this one measurement! Once you have your band size number, check out our Fit Chart to find your Hugger size. 

 Measuring above the chest gives you the best band size measurement without any complex calculations. 

 Measuring above the chest means that you get your truest band size measurement regardless of swelling, medication, pregnancy, surgery or anything else that could affect your bra size. So if you take this one measurement, your Hugger should fit and support your body no matter what else changes!  

Our 360* mapped compression means that cup size no longer matters as much as it used to! If your band size measurement is right, your Hugger will fit your body well, and the flexible mapped compression zones will act like a second skin and support your unique boobs and
chest as if it was custom made for you. 

The Hugger Prima is a compression garment designed to provide HIGH to MEDIUM compression in order to support your recovery post-surgically or help with lymphedema management so it may feel tighter than the non-compression bras you are used to, but should not be painful - compression by definition is “the state of being compressed; to press together; force into less space.”  

Always wear your HuggerPRIMA over a tank top for at least 30 minutes first so that your body can adjust to the feel of the compression and you can feel confident that
you are in the right size Hugger. 

If you need to add some additional “breathing” room or would like to moderate the compression of your HuggerPRIMA during extended use (and/or once your body is through key recovery times per your medical professional), you can simply purchase the Extender for your existing size Hugger or upsize your Hugger for even more room. 

If you have any questions about the level of compression as it relates specifically to your body's recovery, please consult your medical professional.    

Our Hugger is designed to be body and user friendly – the fewer numbers the better, we think! 

Your true band size is all you need to find your best fit. 

We find that many women have been wearing the wrong size bra for years and so we always advise that you do measure your band size even if you’re convinced you know your size! The correct band size the key to ensuring you get the right size Hugger for you.  

Have a look at the FIRST FAQ on the list above to learn how to measure your true band size. 

For the Hugger PRIMA we recommend Upsizing to the nearest size. Ie. 36 ¾” = Size L 

For the HuggerVIDA we recommend DOWNSIZING to the nearest size. Ie. 36 ¾” = Size M  

For the HuggerPRIMA f your cup size is DD or higher, we recommend UPSIZING one size for comfort. 

For the HuggerPRIMA, we have also found that some of our Hugger wearers choose to add an Extender if they have more breast tissue or to moderate the full compression of the Hugger during extended recovery times or upsize one size for even more room.   

For more information, check out our Fit Chart. 

We designed our Huggers to be as versatile and friendly to each unique body as possible. The fabric is knitted with different, strategically placed levels of tension in order to provide different compression, support and stretch in different zones so that the compression works in 360° without a single seam or sew line in the wrong place.  It also means that you can stretch your Hugger in literally any direction and it all stretches at the same rate (except the fasteners, ahem). Go on, try it! And why does this matter to you? Well it means that our Huggers can fit and support almost any body with it's unique perks and quirks easily and well. Our Huggers fit your world and your body, we don't expect you to struggle into ours!

Our Huggers are made with dual layered technology which means:    

(1) It helps to wick moisture away from the body to keep you feeling fresh  

(2) It creates pockets in the garment that can be used to position prosthetics, lymphedema pressure/compression pads, heating / cooling pads or modesty pads, and simultaneously keep them away from direct contact with the skin for added comfort.

When we say “body friendly” we mean that everything about our Huggers is designed to feel good while it does what it needs to. No friction points, no hard to reach fasteners, no metal against the skin, no Velcro to scratch, no seams on vulnerable body points, no digging straps, no constantly slipping-off straps, no underwires, no fasteners on the back so you can lie down comfortably, special G-hooks so they're easy to put on & take off, nothing but beautifully clever mapped support and care to help you feel better and get better as soon as you put one on. The Extender also helps make your Hugger more comfy to sleep in and helps with support as expanders are filled for reconstruction and with post-surgical swelling and lymphedema so you can keep using your Hugger for as long as you want to.

What do we mean by “wire-free support”?
Our Huggers are like good wifi – invisibly powerful with no wires attached! Our Huggers are seamlessly knitted with the amazing strength, structure and support built in by actually creating mapped compression with different support zones in different areas of the Hugger to create lift and stability. This means that our Huggers are kind to bodies and safer post breast surgery (no jabbing, digging wires!).

Our Huggers are all made with antibacterial, high-performance, moisture wicking yarn that is OEKO-TEX 100 certified, a global benchmark of fabric safety which means the yarn has been certified as safe to wear on the skin. Made to wear more, wash less and still smell fresh - especially for 24/7 wear during key recovery & active times.

Our Huggers are made to be easy to care for with no extra effort. Machine wash and dry, no bleach or softener needed. Easy care, easy wear :)

Designed to be useful and beautiful for much longer than a standard bra. Long lasting, won't fade, stretch or be demanding in any way - and kinder to the earth & landfills too. We super appreciate your investment in a good compression bra that will last!

Our amazing technology with it’s 360* stretch, mapped compression zones and adaptable support also means that you don’t have to stock a whole alphabet of cup and band sizes – our range has only 6 SKU’s per style to fit band sizes from 26 to 52! And with this focused range you should be able to find the perfect fit for every body that walks through your doors. One shelf of stock to help everyone feel more supported and comfortable, whats not to love?

Have you wondered why our Huggers are Latex and Velcro free? Because we want to make it as easy as possible for you - both in the Operating Room and for Active Recovery! "Latex and Velcro free" means allergy and contaminant free. It's that simple. 

One of the things we love most about our Huggers is that they are adaptable and will stretch and mould to each unique body rather than forcing a body to fit them. This also means they are easier to size, choose and fit. You only need *one* measurement and then it’s easy to choose the right size, adjust the Hugger as needed for maximum comfort on the body, and show them how easy it is to get on and off. Easy!

Our Huggers are designed to be fully Operating Room ready: you can open it completely to lay it flat on the OR table for easy application onto a patient after a procedure so that they wake up in the garment. The HuggerPRIMA was designed with oncological and plastic surgeons to avoid most surgical incision points and provide as much support and comfort post-surgically as possible. 

List of some current procedures/uses of Huggers: 

* Bilateral or Unilateral Mastectomy
* Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
* Skin Sparing Mastectomy
* Mastectomy without Reconstruction
* Mastectomy with Reconstruction
* DIEP Flap Reconstruction
* TRAM Flap Reconstruction
* Rectus Flap Reconstruction
* Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction
* Lumpectomy
* Partial Mastectomy
* Breast Biopsy
* Level 1 & 2 Oncoplastic (with tissue advancement)
* Breast Reconstruction
* Preprectoral and Subpectoral Implant
* Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
* Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
* Lymph Node Transplantation
* Breast Implant Removal (En Bloc, Ex Plant)
* Mammoplasty
* Breast Augmentation
* Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
* Breast Reduction
* Radiation Burn
* Cystic Mastopathy
* Seroma Management
* Lymphedema
* Physical Therapy
* And more - reach out to us for information

The main differences between our HuggerPRIMA and HuggerVIDA are the compression level and the coverage, or how much of the body is covered by the product. 

The HuggerPRIMA has High to Medium Compression with Full Coverage so it looks & feels more like a vest than a typical bra. 

The Hugger Vida has Medium to Low Compression with less coverage than the HuggerPRIMA, and is more comparable to a typical sports bra in terms of how it fits and covers the body.

The HuggerPRIMA & HuggerVIDA can both be great for Post-Surgical, Lymphedema OR Every Day wear depending on what your personal requirements are, as they share a lot of the same key advantages: Targeted/Mapped Compression Zones, Versatile Breast/Body Pockets, Seamless Wire-Free Technology, Antibacterial, 24/7 Wearability.  

You can also add an EXTENDER to either Hugger for additional comfort and versatile sizing when you need it.

Our Huggers also work well as a tag-team - an approach we call Phased Support .- So you could wear your HuggerPRIMA when you need full coverage & compression such as post-surgically during key recovery times or during a lymphedema/seroma/edema management phase, and then switch to the HuggerVIDA when you need good support with less compression for everyday living.

If you have any questions at all, reach out to us! 

First, measure your true band size (see how HERE), then check Your Fit Chart to determine the right size and body friendly Hugger for you.   

The HuggerPRIMA is a post-surgical compression garment - translation: you will feel the full coverage and compression but you should still be able to move and breathe freely!  We have found that some of our HuggerPRIMA wearers choose to add an Extender if they have more breast tissue (DD+) or want to moderate the full compression of the Hugger during extended recovery times. If you have any questions about the level of compression as it relates specifically to your body's recovery, please consult your medical professional.   

The HuggerVIDA has lower coverage and compression when compared the HuggerPRIMA, and is great for post-surgical recovery, active recovery and every day wear.  We have found that our HuggerVIDA wearers find that it fits true to size, feeling slightly more compressive but still comfortable with D+ cup.

Our Huggers are used for Post-surgical support, Lymphedema management and Everyday living.

The good news about our Huggers is that they are body friendly,  durable, antibacterial and made for 24/7 wearability which means that whatever you need to use your Hugger for, you'll feel supported, comfortable and fresh for as long as you need to.

You can use your Hugger 24/7 post-surgically, for lymphedema management, during active recovery or for just every day living and exercise.

You can even sleep in your Hugger if that feels good!

So it's completely up to you - your Hugger has been designed to support you whenever and wherever you are, and it's up to you how much you want to use it.

Our Huggers are Operating Room ready (latex, velcro, wire-free, lay flat design) and are made for 24/7 wearability from the Operating Room into active recovery and beyond.   

List of some current procedures/uses of Huggers: 

* Bilateral or Unilateral Mastectomy
* Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
* Skin Sparing Mastectomy
* Mastectomy without Reconstruction
* Mastectomy with Reconstruction
* DIEP Flap Reconstruction
* TRAM Flap Reconstruction
* Rectus Flap Reconstruction
* Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction
* Lumpectomy
* Partial Mastectomy
* Breast Biopsy
* Level 1 & 2 Oncoplastic (with tissue advancement)
* Breast Reconstruction
* Preprectoral and Subpectoral Implant
* Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
* Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
* Lymph Node Transplantation
* Breast Implant Removal (En Bloc, Ex Plant)
* Mammoplasty
* Breast Augmentation
* Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
* Breast Reduction
* Radiation Burn
* Cystic Mastopathy
* Seroma Management
* Lymphedema
* Physical Therapy
* And more - reach out to us for information

You can wear your Hugger 24/7 for extended periods of time (we have tested up to 19 days) without washing it. 

We recommend washing your Hugger as little or as much as you feel you need to. Keep in mind, the antibacterial, high performance yarn in your Hugger will keep your Hugger smelling and feeling fresh so no need to wash excessively. 

For example, we have found that many of our Hugger wearers have worn their Huggers 24/7 for 3 – 5 days post-surgically without washing. 

Finally ready to wash your Hugger? 

Simple wear, simple care. Just drop your Hugger into your washing machine with like colors and wash on a cold cycle, then tumble dry on low. 

To keep your Hugger working optimally, do not use fabric softeners or bleach.

Here are our tips on how to get your HuggerPRIMA fitting comfortably.

Watch video demonstration 

Prior to zipping up your HuggerPRIMA, fasten the g-hooks located at the bottom and mid-section near the zipper. This will help you to zip your HuggerPRIMA. 

Once you zip up your HuggerPRIMA, make sure you push the zipper pull flat. 

Use the shoulder adjustments to best fit your body with the bottom band fitting snugly under your breast.  If you aren't sure what works best, try all of the settings to see what feels most comfortable once you put it on. 

Lastly, make sure the majority of your breast tissue is centre mass in your Hugger - not down or to the side - with nipples to the centre of the cookie pocket area by gently moving tissue within the Hugger to ensure the best fit.  

• Here are our tips on how to get your HuggerVIDA fitting comfortably. 
• Watch video demonstration 
• First adjust the straps to the length you think will fit you, then put the HuggerVIDA on. 
• Fasten the g-hook if needed, and then zip up your Hugger. 
• Once zipped up, make sure you push the zipper pull flat. 
• Now use the shoulder adjustments to fine-tune the fit and ensure the straps are flat and smooth and don't dig into your shoulders. Test out a couple of length adjustments on the straps to find the comfiest fit for you. 
• Enjoy the comfort and support of your HuggerVIDA!  

Yes, yes, yes!  Sleep in your Hugger :) 

You can wear your HuggerPRIMA & HuggerVIDA 24/7, particularly during key recovery times, as they are antibacterial and body friendly.

Some women choose to sleep in a Hugger ongoing for comfort and support, so if it feels good for you, you can totally sleep in your Hugger!

Absolutely, you can exercise in your Hugger when you are ready and/or your medical professional has advised you to increase your activity.

In addition to lots of every day life usage, our Huggers have been worn for post-surgical physical therapy; low impact exercise like yoga and walking ; and high impact exercise like cross fit and running. 

The HuggerPRIMA especially has become a favorite high impact bra due to the high to medium compression and great supportive fit and hold - especially for larger cup sizes.

We want you to get sweaty, feel amazing and still smell fresh throughout the day without having to remove your Hugger.

Awesome - we absolutely LOVE to hear from you! 

Here’s how to reach us:  Visit Our Contact Page 

We will always do our very best to respond within 24 business hours or less, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST 

While we do not work with Insurance Companies directly, our Huggers are eligible for coverage by most private insurance as a pocketed bra (HCPCS: L8000) as well as for DME’s for Lymphedema in some cases.

As it relates to Medicare/Medicaid, we would suggest speaking with your representative directly for confirmation of coverage (with a prescription).

We provide a digital receipt/Invoice with every purchase that you can submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement requests. 

Alternatively, many of our amazing Retail Store partners can assist with Insurance coordination. You can check here to see if one is in your area here: https://www.prairiewear.com/apps/store-locator 

Exchange, Return & Refund Policy

We want your Hugger to work for you :) 

Step 1: Let's make sure you have the right Hugger for you!

As it relates to the fit of your Hugger, here are a few things to consider:

• Band Size for Best Fit: Confirm your Band Size measurement so that you can find your best fit using the Fit Chart. Did you measure above the chest, around the back? Also, take a minute to check out the Fit Tips https://www.prairiewear.com/pages/sizing-chart 😊  
• Best Fit Test: Next, we recommend wearing your Hugger over a tank top for a 1/2 hour so that your body can adjust to the to the feel of good compression. Your Hugger can feel perfect right away or a bit “tight" or even a bit “loose” when you first put it on because the unique 360 mapped compression is made to work with your body to provide secure and comfortable compression so give it a few minutes. 😊 You can consider adding the EXTENDER or upsize one size for reduced compression if you feel it is too restrictive after 1/2 hour of wear or downsize one size if you feel that the compression needs to be higher. Always consult your medical professional with any compression questions you have specific to your recovery. 
• Comfort & Security: You should feel secure but not restricted - particularly if you are wearing your compression garment 24/7 during key recovery times or during physical activity. You may also find supportive compression increases your confidence & security when doing activities like driving, walking, physical therapy, grocery shopping, etc. or often more restful sleep.
• Which Hugger is right for you? For full compression and coverage, post-surgically or in lymphedema management, we recommend the HuggerPRIMA. If you are looking for a reduction in compression and coverage from our HuggerPRIMA, the HuggerVIDA is a great bra for every day and to transition back into everyday activities or if you have to wear compression 24/7 for an extended period of time, you can wear your VIDA during the day and your PRIMA at night. You can also add an EXTENDER for even more size versatility to accommodate for swelling, bandages or to reduce compression when you need it. Always consult your medical professional with any compression questions you have specific to your recovery. (Or have them call us!)
• Versatile Breast/Body Pocket: One of the great things about our Huggers is the versatile breast/body pocket - you can place prosthetics, additional padding, compression pads, ice, chip bags, etc. directly into the breast/body pocket of your Hugger for a secure fit away from the skin and for localized compression.
• 360 Mapped Compression: Our Huggers are designed to provide 360 mapped compression where you need it (ie: axilla, upper & lower pole) and reduced compression where you don’t (ie: breast cup, band, upper back) so that you can wear your Hugger comfortably but securely 24/7.
• Easy Wear & Care – Machine Wash: 😊 Your Hugger is machine wash & dry (no bleach/no fabric softener) and made to be durable with high performance antibacterial/moisture wicking yarn for long term wear so you can wear it a lot and wash it a little! Yay!

Most importantly, we want you to have a compression bra/binder that works for you!

After you have confirmed your Band Size & completed your Best Fit Test, let us know if you need to return or exchange - no, worries! We are here for you :)

Step 2: Ready to make a return or an exchange? 

First, please make sure your return item:  

• Is in new condition 
• Hasn’t been washed, worn or altered 
• Is accompanied by your Prairie Wear invoice 
• Is returned within 30 days 

Next, go to our Return/Exchange Portal here:

Prairie Wear | Return, Exchange & Warranty Portal

• Have your original order number ready to create your Return/Exchange request.
  
• You will receive an immediate response, letting you know you we have received your request and will be responding with Return/Exchange details within 2 business days.
  
• Return Shipping - if you are located in the United States or Canada, you will receive a digital return label via e-mail. Outside of North America, return shipping is at your cost & you can utilize any shipping or courier service you prefer.
  
• Refund - Once we are in receipt of your return and the return garment meets the return criteria listed above, we will issue a refund to your original order payment within seven business days of receiving your package and follow up with an email confirmation of your refund. Please note, shipping is non-refundable.
  
• Did you purchase your Hugger directly from another Retail Store ?( Find A Store Here ) No worries! For a return, exchange or warranty inquiries, you will simply need to contact the Retail Store from whom you made your purchase directly. The Retail Store information should appear on your purchase receipt with your actual purchasing information including cost and credit card payment information.  

Warranty Question? 

With tons of Hugger Wearers in the world (big smile), we know our Huggers are well made and durable with approximately a 1% return rate on warranty items.

 However, if you have been wearing your Hugger for 30 days or less and you find something on your Hugger that requires our attention, please reach out to us via the link below:

Prairie Wear | Return, Exchange & Warranty Portal

You will provide your order number, a description of your warranty item and a photo of the warranty issue. We will review the description and photo with our Production & QC Team and will get back to you within 2 business days :)

Have more questions?

Please send us an email to yoursupport@prairiewear.com. We love talking Hugger and we really appreciate YOU!

Link to Our Shipping Policy 

Yay! We are totally sending you Huggers :) 

Where do we ship?  

We ship in North America and Internationally.  

Where do we ship from? 

Our fulfilment centres are located in the United States and Canada. 

Do you ship to me and how much will it cost? 

When you place your order online, you will be asked to choose your shipping preference which will display your shipping cost and estimated shipping time prior to payment. 

**Shipping Notice: since Mid-March 2020, couriers are unable to guarantee shipment delivery times and shipment delays can occur.  Contact your chosen courier directly if you have questions/concerns regarding your delivery. 

If your country does not appear as a shipping choice at check out, reach out to us at yoursupport@prairiewear.com so that we can look into it for you! 

Please note that any duties associated with your shipment and any costs depending on the destination country (outside of the United States or Canada) are payable by you on delivery. 

When will I receive my order? 

Order Processing 

We will process your order for shipment within 24 business hours (Monday - Friday). 

If you place your order after business hours, on a holiday or weekend, your order will be processed the following business day.  Please note, courier shipping timelines begin once your order has shipped. 

Order Confirmation, Shipment & Notifications 

You will receive several notifications from us after you place your order:    

1. Order Confirmation – confirming we have received your order and it also includes a copy of your Invoice/Receipt for your record and review. (Thank you so much for your order! We appreciate you!) 
2. Shipping Confirmation - confirming that your
   Huggers are on the way (Wahoo!) and it includes tracking information so that you can easily track your package.  
3. Out for Delivery Confirmation – letting you know that your beloved courier has your Huggers near by and they are enroute to be delivered to you today. 
4. Delivery Confirmation - this notification is super amazing because it confirms that your Huggers have arrived!   

What if your delivery confirmation appears to be delayed? 

The tracking is provided by your chosen courier and we only have access to the same tracking information provided to you.  

If you experience a delayed or lost shipment, please contact your chosen courier directly as well as reach out to us at yoursupport@prairiewear.com                 

**Shipping Notice: since Mid-March 2020, couriers are unable to guarantee shipment delivery times and shipment delays can occur.  Thank you for your patience as your courier works hard to get your Huggers out to you! Contact your chosen courier directly if you have questions/concerns regarding your delivery. 

We are so super thankful to send Huggers out to you! Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your support team :) 

Reach out to us if your require any additional information or assistance, yoursupport@prairiewear.com 

We always love the opportunity to talk Hugger so send them our way :)    

We have a great contact and information resource for your medical professional - surgeons, certified lymphedema therapists, physical therapists, patient navigators, certified medical fitter, etc. -  right here on our website. 

Simply click on the Medical Professionals tab in the menu bar or have them give us a call directly 1-888-746-7360 :)

We just wanted the last thing you read on this page to be about how much we appreciate you and how awesome we think you are! 

Thanks for all that you do and your kindness :) 

YOU ARE AWESOME!