I’ve received some questions about the similarities and differences between the Annika Wireless Bra and Zenita Wireless Bra, so I thought I’d write you an in-depth post to explain in detail.

Annika Wireless Bra

Zenita Wireless Bra

Similarities

• Annika and Zenita are based on the same pattern draft, so the fit will be quite similar.
• Both patterns are wireless bras with optional boning for extra support.
• Both patterns have options for lace overlays and foam cups, but these designs are different in each pattern.
• Both patterns have options for quilted cups, but the design is different in each pattern.
• Both patterns are designed for cups made from low-stretch stable knits and powernet or techsheen in the band.
• Both are available with an option for a mastectomy pocket.
• Both patterns are available in the same size range, underbust 28-44”/71-111.76cm and full bust 29-50”/73.7-127cm.  Please see size chart on the pattern listings for full details.

Differences

Cup Differences:

• Along with the vertical seam, Annika also has an inner bust dart for additional shaping.  More style lines = more opportunities to fine-tune the fit.  However, this dart also limited the types of lace overlays I could utilize.  Zenita has only the vertical seam, and I could create more lace options.  
• There are a variety of lace overlay options for each pattern.  Annika has a full lace inner cup, lace butterfly, and half-cup lace overlay option.  Zenita has options for lace upper cups (with the choice for the scallops to face both outwards and inwards), and lace lower cups.
• The quilted cup options are different for each pattern.  Annika has an option for a quilted outer cup, paired with a lace inner cup.  Zenita offers a quilted lower cup with lace upper cup.
• Zenita offers a vintage-inspired pieced cup option to utilize color blocking or contrasting fabric types.

Bridge Differences:

While Zenita offers only one style of bridge, Annika offers five different styles.  These include: basic bridge, a hook and eye opening, lace scallop edge, lace overlay (as part of the butterfly lace cup overlay option), and lace-up illusion with ribbon.

Band Differences:

• Annika offers a ballet band with powernet and lace-covered powernet options.
• Zenita offers a ballet band with an optional lace overlay, and also a fuller coverage princess-seam band with lace overlay.

Conclusion

I hope I have created enough variety between the two patterns that you would enjoy sewing both.  Creating lots of style options for my customers is an important part of my work.  While you can’t interchange the lace cup overlays, the bridge and band styles can be shared between both patterns.

To find out more about each pattern, please see the pattern listings for the Annika Wireless Bra and Zenita Wireless Bra.  Happy Sewing!