What’s the Difference Between Bra Inserts and Breast Forms?

If you’ve ever searched for bra inserts, breast enhancers, breast forms, or even the old nickname chicken fillets, you’ve probably noticed the internet muddles them all together. They might sit next to each other on search pages, but they’re actually designed for very different things.

Here’s a simple, friendly guide to what each one does and how you might choose between them.

Bra Inserts (Breast Enhancers)

These are the pieces that work with your natural breast to change shape, balance, or projection. They come in a huge range of sizes and styles — far wider than the classic chicken fillets most people remember. Some are small and subtle; others are much fuller, offering lift, projection, or a more defined curve. In my own range, I’ve expanded way beyond the old “one shape fits all” approach so there’s something for many different bodies and goals.

People use bra inserts when they want to:

• balance natural asymmetry (including Poland syndrome or differences after a lumpectomy)

• fill gaping or soft areas in a bra

• support softer breast tissue after breastfeeding or age-related changes

• add lift, projection, or cleavage

• get a discreet boost for daily wear

• shape their silhouette during a trans journey
  (from very subtle dressing without anyone knowing, through to enhancing early growth or helping create natural cleavage)

Because breast tissue density varies so much, the same insert can look completely different on two people. Softer breasts tend to “absorb” silicone more, so some people need a bit more oomph to get the look they want, while others get lift easily from a lighter piece. That’s why having many shapes and weights matters — it makes it easier to find something that genuinely works for your body rather than forcing your body to fit a single shape.

Breast Forms

Breast forms, on the other hand, are designed to replace or create the entire breast shape. They usually have a full outer curve, a contoured back, and a realistic nipple, and they don’t depend on your natural breast tissue at all.

People use breast forms when they want to:

• create a full breast shape on a flat or reduced chest

• achieve a realistic silhouette after surgery

• express a feminine look during cross-dressing or transition

• wear a complete curve that doesn’t rely on breast tissue for shape

They’re ideal when someone needs an entire breast, not just more shape to the one they already have.

Which one do you choose?

Here’s the easiest way to look at it:

Choose bra inserts / enhancers if you want to:

• shape, balance, lift, or project your natural breast

• create or enhance cleavage

• fill a bra cup

• stay subtle and discreet

• support softer breast tissue

• match existing breast tissue (e.g., after lumpectomy or natural asymmetry)

• work with breast growth or expression on a trans journey

Choose breast forms if you want to:

• create a full breast from scratch

• wear a realistic shape with a built-in nipple

• present a feminine silhouette without relying on your natural breast

• dress confidently after surgery or on a flat chest

Why they’re often confused

The term chicken fillets used to cover nearly everything — those little curved pads we all remember from years ago. But enhancers have moved on so much since then, with a huge range of shapes, textures, and effects. When some enhancers get large and structured, they can look a bit like mini breast forms, which is where the lines start to blur.

But the real difference is simple:

• Bra inserts enhance the breast you have.

• Breast forms create the breast shape you want.

Two different tools, both valid, both useful — just designed for different bodies, needs, and stories.

Hopefully that helps, but I'm always here if you have any questions.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much goes on quietly behind the scenes here — the things you don’t always see when you browse my shop or read a product description.

Running a one-woman business means there’s no “team” to hand things to. It’s just me — balancing creativity, spreadsheets, health, and a small herd of cats who think they’re on the payroll. Most days there’s at least one mug of tea going cold beside me, a cat asleep on my desk, and another walking firmly across the keyboard. Some days I’m photographing new stock; other days I’m knee-deep in packaging tape, wrapping your orders with love before the post goes out. Getting your parcels safely on their way is always my first priority, followed closely by answering your messages with long, thoughtful replies that I hope feel as personal as they’re meant to be.

I’ve noticed a few glossier new faces appearing in the wider world of breast enhancers lately, with bigger budgets and fancy branding. But what I’ve realised is that what I value most isn’t gloss — it’s connection. It’s writing the product pages myself, chatting with you directly, and knowing that when you open a parcel from me, you can feel that it came from real hands — one person who cares deeply. There’s a kind of magic in that.

It’s been a bittersweet few months here too. My lovely cat Honey, who many of you will remember from my photos and videos, passed away earlier this year at the grand age of nineteen. She came into my life in 2006, when this was still a quiet idea forming at my kitchen table, and she stayed by my side through every stage — from sketching prototypes to growing into a full business in 2011. Honey would rest her head on samples, sit in boxes meant for dispatch, and supervise from a sunny windowsill with that calm, knowing look that only a cat can give. She truly helped me build this little world.

Honey loved every single moment she was given — she purred through it all, even the hard days. And I think that’s a lovely reminder for me, and maybe for you too: to enjoy the moments we’re in, to keep creating, to keep loving what we do, even when things are tough.

That’s the spirit that fills this business — heart, care, and a genuine wish to help you feel your best. Every product, every message, every parcel sent is a little piece of that.

Thank you for being here with me, through all the small and lovely chaos.
Love,
Jo x

I'm having a holiday! Sort of.

As I'm sure you have seen on my super bright and annoying pop-up, I am on a semi-holiday this week. 

Normally I fully shut my shop, but I am not going away this year, and have decided to keep it semi-open so I can continue to help. I will be visiting my parents, but I can take a lot of stock with me, and for those who don't know, my Mum helps me pack many of my styles, so we have lots of products there already!

To expand on my notice:

• I will be unable to post any Full Breast Form Pairs or singles. These are just too big and heavy for me to take :(

But, all Full Breast Form Pairs/Singles bought between Monday 4th and Friday 8th will be upgraded to Tracked 24 delivery to arrive Tuesday 12th. Just select free shipping and I will upgrade you :)

• I will be able to post the Breast Enhancers, and all Adhesive Tapes.  I will have limited stocks of the styles that my Mum does not pack, but I will add a notice if I run out of those. 

• I will be posting on Monday 4th, Wednesday 6th and Saturday 9th. The usual delivery timeframes will apply.

• I will be emailing, so do fire your questions at me! It will just take me longer to reply, which I hope you understand. 

♡ Jo ♡

P.S
Thank you for your patience whilst I scale back for the week. I am sad that I am not going away, but not remotely sad that I don't have to do all the packing! I always take Honey and my other cats (Honey has featured a lot through the years so many of you know her!) and with her health needs (kidney/thyroid etc!) and general cat packing, it is such a big task! My parents are already "kitted" up for us, so that makes it much easier. Thanks Mum and Dad :)

Wedding Dress Ready: The Secret Helpers Under Your Gown

Finding the dress is a huge moment — whether it’s for your wedding day, a civil ceremony, or another celebration of love. But once you’ve found the perfect dress, it’s completely normal to want a little extra support or shape underneath. That’s where my range of breast enhancers and bra inserts comes in.

Over the years, I’ve helped countless brides (and bridesmaids!) feel more confident and comfortable in their dresses — especially when dealing with low necklines, tricky strapless styles, or just needing a better balance or silhouette. My enhancers are designed to lift, boost, or shape depending on what you need — without compromising comfort or elegance.

Why My Bra Inserts Are Ideal for Bridalwear

• Invisible under dresses: No visible edges or harsh shapes, just a smooth, natural curve. Most styles sit inside your bra, but some can be taped directly to the skin or your dress using my Boobylicious Tape.

• Customisable options: With 12 different styles to choose from, there’s something for every cup size, dress style, and body shape. Whether you’re after a subtle lift or full-on wow factor, you’ll find a match.

• Great for non-standard sizing: If your bust is asymmetrical or your body doesn’t fit mainstream sizing, I’ve got you covered — literally. These are for real people with real bodies.

Wedding Dresses Don’t Always Work with Bras

One of the most common issues I hear from brides is that their dress doesn’t work with a standard bra — whether that’s because it’s strapless, has an open back, or the fabric is too fine. This can leave you with less support than you’d like, and often a bit of a gap between your bust and the dress.

Because wedding dresses are usually structured to skim rather than cling, it’s often necessary to go up a size in enhancer or insert to fill the space and get the lift or cleavage you want. This is totally normal — especially if the dress doesn’t compress the bust or has built-in padding that needs balancing.

In some cases, the seamstress may have done all the alterations possible, but there’s still a visible gap at the bust. Or the dress simply won’t allow for any more adjustment. That’s when going even bigger with the enhancer can help bridge that gap and give the illusion of a perfect fit. If that’s you — don’t worry. Just get in touch and I’ll help you find the right solution.

Not Sure What You Need? I Can Help.

Weddings are stressful enough without worrying about what’s going on under your dress. So, if you're not sure which style is best, I’m always happy to help. Just pop me a message with a few details about your dress and what you’re hoping to achieve, and I’ll point you to the best options.

You can also order with peace of mind — discreet packaging, fast delivery, and a return policy that gives you time to try your enhancers or bra inserts out before the big day.

Top Picks for Brides

• Style 6 – Bust Boosters: Ergonomic, versatile, and a great all-rounder for shaping under structured dresses.

• Style 5 – Cleavage Creators: Perfect for side shaping in dresses with plunging necklines.

• Style 7 – Killer Cleavage Creator: For a bigger impact if your dress needs more shape.

• Style 9a or 9b – Every Girl’s Best Friend / Mega Boost: My most popular bridal options — oval-shaped, high-boost, and optional nipple for a fuller silhouette.

All of these can be paired with Boobylicious Tape for extra security, especially useful in strapless or sheer dresses.

Whatever your style, shape or gender identity — you deserve to feel your most confident self on your wedding day. And I’m here to help make that happen, with a little silicone magic and a lot of care.

“Confidence isn’t about being perfect — it’s about feeling ready for the moments that matter.”

 

A Change to Style 7 Breast Enhancer Packaging

I always want to make sure that the packaging for my breast enhancers is both practical and protective, but sometimes unexpected challenges come up. Unfortunately, I’ve had to make the difficult decision to remove the rigid magnetic box option for my Style 7 breast enhancers—at least for now.

The issue is that my UK-based box manufacturer has recently reduced the range of sizes they offer. I completely understand why—these are challenging times for many businesses, and stocking a wide variety of sizes can be difficult. However, this has left me in a tricky situation. The next available size up is far too large, and the previous size was just about workable, but not ideal for everyone.

The Packaging Solution Going Forward

For now, the Style 7 breast enhancers will come as standard in the simple tissue paper.  If you'd like an upgrade, I will still offer the organza bag, which keeps them safe while also being a more flexible storage option. If you do need a rigid box for discretion when receiving your order, I will be adding a plain card box for postage, it's not pretty, but you could also use it for long-term storage.

I’ll continue looking for a better attractive box packaging solution in the future, but I didn’t want to offer something that wasn’t quite right. I know this will be disappointing for some customers, and I’m really sorry for that. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, I’d love to hear them—your feedback always helps me find the best solutions!

Thank you for your understanding :)

The “Joy” of Perimenopause and Migraines

Lately, migraines have been making life particularly challenging for me. I’ve always had them, but perimenopause has taken them to a whole new level. As hormone levels fluctuate, my migraines have become more frequent and intense. Unlike the classic migraine with aura, mine tend to affect my entire body, particularly the back and side of my head, neck and digestive system, which reacts badly every time. If you experience nausea, vomiting, or digestive distress with your migraines, you’ll know how debilitating this can be. 

I know I’m not alone in this. Migraine is an incredibly common condition, affecting millions of people in the UK. Whether you experience visual aura, sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, or severe pain, I have the deepest sympathy for you. Migraines can take over entire days, sometimes longer, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. I try to not let them take over, and continue on when I can, but I get very frustrated with how they affect the running of my shop when I am having a bad spell. I don't like you guys to suffer too while you wait longer for me to get back to you etc. But while they are often unpredictable and difficult to manage, there is some good news on the horizon. When I'm poorly with one, I tend to feel very low and negative, but I've taken some time to read about positive changes in migraine healthcase, and I hope the news may help some of you too. 

New Migraine Treatments in the UK

For many years, migraine treatment options have been somewhat limited, particularly for those who cannot tolerate traditional medications such as triptans. I use a triptan nasal spray, but I am finding it less and less effective. However, exciting new developments are becoming available, offering hope to those who have struggled to find effective relief.

One of the most promising areas of research is CGRP inhibitors. These medications work by blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein that plays a key role in migraine attacks. Unlike traditional painkillers, CGRP inhibitors are designed specifically for migraine prevention and treatment. Some of the most well-known include:

• Erenumab (Aimovig)
• Fremanezumab (Ajovy)
• Galcanezumab (Emgality)
• Eptinezumab (Vyepti) (administered via infusion)

These are now becoming more widely available on the NHS for those who meet certain criteria. If you suffer from frequent and disabling migraines, it may be worth discussing these with your doctor.

Another exciting area of treatment is neuromodulation devices, which use electrical or magnetic stimulation to help interrupt migraine activity. Some of the devices currently available include:

• Cefaly – a headband that delivers small electrical pulses to the forehead to prevent and treat migraines.
• gammaCore – a handheld device that stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce migraine symptoms.
• Nerivio – a remote-controlled wearable device that is applied to the arm to reduce migraine pain.

These devices can be particularly helpful for people who either cannot take medication or prefer a drug-free approach.

Let’s Share Tips and Support

Migraines are incredibly complex, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have any tried-and-tested migraine management strategies, I would love to hear them! Whether it’s a particular supplement, a lifestyle change, or something unexpected that has helped, please feel free to share.

And if you are struggling and need some support, I’m always here. Migraines can feel isolating, but you are certainly not alone. Hopefully, with new treatments emerging and more awareness around migraine care, better days are ahead for all of us who live with this painful/frustrating/challenging condition.

 xxx

In Brief: I am so sorry to say that I have had to close my sales to Europe and Northern Ireland due to new rules.

In Detail: The EU have brought in some new rules regarding safety, to ensure that products sold in Europe are safe and have appropriate traceability. I agree with that, and that's not an issue for my products. The issue is the fact that I am not based in the EU and I would need to also have a representative based in Europe. So, a registered office, a registered part of my business etc. I don't have that, so I would have to appoint an external one, which is where the problem lies.

The costs for this are high and beyond the profit I make selling in Europe, making it counterproductive.

As a result, I have had to suspend my sales to Europe and Northern Ireland, where these rules are now in effect.

When the VAT rules changed last year, I was able to continue selling to my lovely European customers via ETSY, who are able to handle all the tax matters, but with this new change I have had to close those down.

I am aware that I have repeat customers in Ireland and various other countries in Europe, so I am so sorry to let you down.

I will be monitoring this situation, and hoping that I can find a more cost-effective solution in the future. 

With sadness and hope, 

A Little Stock Update

I have just restocked my:

Style 1 Breast Enhancer
Style 3 Breast Enhancer
Style 6 Clear and Brown Skin Breast Enhancer

Teardrop Style 2 1000g each full Breast Forms/False Breasts/Prostheses

Triangle 300g each full Breast Forms/False Breasts/Prostheses
Triangle 400g each full Breast Forms/False Breasts/Prostheses

Teardrop 1 300g each full Breast Forms/False Breasts/Prostheses

Coming later this week will also be:

Pear 300g each full Breast Forms/False Breasts/Protheses

Coming later this month:

Style 10 Breast Enhancer

Caroline Cossey: A Trailblazing Trans Icon Who Fought for Visibility

Many of us are familiar with the names of prominent figures like Laverne Cox or Janet Mock, but there are lesser-known pioneers who paved the way for today's trans rights movement. One such trailblazer that I feel we should all know is Caroline Cossey, a British model and actress who, despite incredible personal challenges, courageously championed visibility for trans women at a time when society offered little understanding or acceptance. 

Early Life: A Hidden Journey

Caroline was born in 1954 in Norfolk, England, and assigned male at birth. Growing up, she was aware that she was different, though the language and understanding of transgender identity didn’t exist in the way it does today. She experienced deep discomfort with her assigned gender from a young age, often feeling like she was trapped in the wrong body. Her adolescence was fraught with confusion and isolation, particularly in a conservative environment where being different wasn’t met with acceptance.

Caroline left school at 15, hoping to find her place in the world. During her teenage years, she began to learn more about her identity, and in her twenties, she started hormone therapy. In 1974, at the age of 20, she underwent gender confirmation surgery and began living her life fully as the woman she knew herself to be. The courage it took for Caroline to transition in a deeply hostile world is remarkable on its own. But her story was just beginning.

Breaking Boundaries in Modelling and Acting

Cossey entered the world of modelling shortly after her surgery and quickly found success. Her statuesque beauty and grace won her contracts, and she appeared in numerous magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and even in the pages of Playboy. Her career was on an upward trajectory, and in 1981, she was cast as an extra in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.

For many, this would have been a dream come true, but it was also the beginning of a difficult chapter in her life. Shortly after her Bond appearance, a tabloid outed her as trans, using her former name and sensationalising her story. This public exposure brought her career to a standstill and led to intense scrutiny from the media. But rather than retreat, Caroline decided to fight.

Advocacy and Pushing for Legal Rights

Rather than allow the media’s exposure to ruin her life, Caroline used her public platform to advocate for trans rights. In 1982, she published her autobiography "Tula: I Am a Woman," which offered one of the first widely available personal accounts of a trans woman’s journey. Her honesty in recounting her struggles—both before and after her transition—offered solace and validation to countless trans people who had previously felt alone in their experiences.

Caroline became a vocal advocate for trans visibility and legal rights. She fought for her right to be recognised as female on her legal documents, leading to a long and exhausting legal battle against the British government. At the time, the law did not allow transgender individuals to change their legal sex, meaning that Cossey, despite living her life as a woman, was denied marriage rights and other legal protections. Her case even went to the European Court of Human Rights, and although she ultimately lost, her bravery in challenging the status quo laid important groundwork for future legal victories in trans rights.

A Lasting Legacy

While Caroline may not be as widely known as some trans activists today, her work was instrumental in pushing for visibility and recognition. She was one of the first trans women to fight publicly for the right to live openly and authentically, using her fame as a platform for advocacy at a time when society had little understanding or compassion for trans people.

Her career in the spotlight may have been cut short, but her courage resonated with a generation of trans individuals who saw in her a role model. She showed that living authentically was worth fighting for, even in the face of immense opposition. Today, thanks to the efforts of early pioneers like Caroline Cossey, trans rights have come a long way. While there is still work to be done, the visibility and acceptance enjoyed by trans people today would not be possible without the bravery of those who paved the way.

For many, Caroline is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful impact comes from simply living your truth, no matter what the world throws at you. Thank you Caroline.

xx

If you would like to read more about Caroline, here are some links for you:

1. Caroline Cossey's autobiography – Tula: I Am a Woman (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tula-I-Am-Woman-First/dp/1508403806) 
- This is a must-read for anyone interested in her personal journey and struggles.

2. An interview with Caroline Cossey on her experiences– https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2016/sep/09/caroline-cossey-transgender-bond-girl-interview (The Guardian).
- A comprehensive interview from 2016 where she reflects on her life, career, and the impact of her work.

3. A biography on Caroline Cossey's life – http://www.transgenderzone.com/carolinecossey.htm (Transgender Zone).
- This website offers a detailed overview of her life, career, and advocacy.

4. Wikipedia entry for Caroline Cossey – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroline_Cossey.
- A good starting point for general information about her life and career.

Why I'm Raising My Prices – And What That Means for You

I wanted to take a moment to talk about something that's been on my mind for a while now—price increases. I’ve been running my shop for quite a few years, and during that time, I’ve done everything I can to keep prices fair and steady. In fact, for some of my products, I haven’t raised prices in over six years! That’s despite the fact that the cost of silicone, manufacturing, and just about everything else involved in running my shop has gone up considerably.

For a long time, I was able to absorb these rising costs because I wanted to keep things affordable for you. I know how tough things have been with inflation affecting all of us. But as much as I hate to do it, I’ve reached a point where it’s just not sustainable for me to continue without making some adjustments to my prices. I’d rather be honest and upfront with you all about it.

Why Some Prices Are Rising More Than Others
You might notice that some of the prices will increase more than others. The reason for that is I’ve always tried to price my products according to their actual costs, rather than just applying a blanket price rise across everything. Some products naturally have higher production costs, while others are more affordable to make, and I’ve reflected that in my pricing. But after years of trying to hold steady, those products that have seen no changes for six years may now have larger price jumps, simply because the costs have gone up that much over time.

It’s About Sustainability
I’ve always said I’d rather keep my shop running than close it, even if it means adjusting prices to stay afloat. I want to be here for the people who need me and my products, and the best way to do that is to make sure I can keep the business sustainable. It’s a decision that doesn’t come easily, but it’s one I’ve had to make to ensure I can keep bringing you the products and services you love.

I Understand Things Are Tough
I completely understand that many of you are feeling the pinch as well, so I’m doing something to help. Over the next month or so, I’ll be going through my stock and putting together a selection of seconds that I can offer at discounted prices. These will be products with minor imperfections but are still perfectly good for use. I hope that by offering these, I can make things a bit easier for those of you who might be struggling right now.

Thank you so much for your understanding and continued support. I really do appreciate each and every one of you, and I’m committed to making sure my shop remains a place where you feel valued.

Warmly,