Plus size Brassiere Basics
Let’s start with some stats:
80-85% of women are wearing the wrong size bra
40% of women have different breast sizes (you are not the only one!)
The lingerie industry has evolved so quickly over the past 25 years. That got me to thinking about how much higher the first statistic must be for the population of women who only over the past 15 years have had many options for lingerie. I would venture to say that already staggering number is closer to 90-95%. Almost all of us curvy ladies are wearing the wrong size bra. Think about it. How many plus size women do you see with:
Sagging breasts even though they are obviously wearing a bra?
“Quad boobs” (when your boob peeks out of the side of the cup)?
Bra straps that dig into the shoulder and create permanent indentions?
All of these are indicators of an ill-fitting bra. But we have accepted that as the norm. The truth is that there should be no outward indicator that you are wearing a bra (outside of the obvious lift and shape you gain from it). And as a curvy woman, it can be even more challenging to get the right fit and perfect silhouette. We can struggle with finding larger sizes and still feeling sexy.
So lets break the bra down:
Band- this is the part of the bra that goes around your rib cage. A snug fitting band is the key to getting the support you need for a comfortable fit. FUN FACT: Did you know that the hook and eye closures on the back of the bra are designed to be adjusted as the elastic in the bra stretches? When you first get the bra, you should be using the first set of hooks. As the elastic wears out, you are supposed to use the next set of hooks until you get to the end.
Strap- this is the part of the bra that goes over your shoulders. Adjustable straps that are wide enough are going to keep you from having those indention in your shoulders. I know wide straps aren’t the most sexy but save yourself some aches and pains and get wider straps.
Cup- this is the part of your bra that holds your breast. Don’t be embarrassed to increase your cup size. The reality is… YES! your breasts are that big. So you might as well get a bra that fits. If you are finding that your cup does not lie flat on your body is because your cup is too small or too large
Two reasons your bra doesn’t fit anymore: your body changed or your bra changed. Maybe you got bigger or smaller. Maybe your bra got bigger or smaller. YES! it is possible for your bra to change sizes. Even the most expensive, best quality fabrics lose elasticity over time. Plus size bras can be a bit pricey but their definitely worth the support your are going to get from them.
Here are some resources that i have found valuable:
Reading Material: The Bra Fitting Bible: Calculating and Understanding Bra Size Paperback – 21 Jan 2013
by Emma Scott (Author)
This is an especially good resource for women who have had some sort of breast related surgery.
Bra Fitting: Lane Bryant has “Bra Events” throughout the year. During the event, they offer a certain dollar amount off your purchase if you allow them to fit you for a bra. They will also fit you whenever you go into the store. If you don’t see your size/style in the store they will order it for you and sent it to your house- fitting: FREE shipping:FREE.
Next time, I’ll talk about the different types of bras, where to get them, and why you should have more than one type.
Do yourself a favor…get fitted, and get a new bra. One that fits, makes you feel sexy, and makes you look even better in your clothes. Your boobs will thank you for it.
