More than a few posts over the years have been dedicated to talking about lingerie for plus size women. As most of you already know part of the inspiration behind starting Full Figure Plus for me was to help my wife find affordable lingerie that fit properly. Almost six years into blogging I still read constantly about full figure women wearing the wrong size bra and began to wonder what the problem is and how it could be solved.
Lets cover the basics first.
Measure your band size – Measure around yourself just under your breast. Odd number round up to the nearest even number which will be your band size. Note: Do not use the old ethos of adding 4-5 inches to determine size which was used before the invention of bras of today.
Discover your true cup size – Your cup size should be close to the band size if you use your current bra as a reference point. If your band size goes up or down try to stay with the same cup size. If your band size goes down increase the cup size by one. An example, if you are a 44D and your band size is 41 inches you most likely wear a 42DD. Side note: UK cup sizes are different than US but the math is still the same: AA, A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K, KK.
Trying on your new bra – Trying on the new bra should come from trying several bras on hopefully with the help of a bra fit specialist on hand.
Band Size – the band should be comfortable without putting to much weight distribution on the shoulder straps. You should be able to run no more than the size of your fist in the back of your bra. It should be too tight on the smallest hook but still fit on the biggest set of hooks. If it is still roomy on the tightest adjustment drop down a band size if it is painful to tighten up then go up a band size.
Double check cup size - You need to completely fill out the cup with no space in the cup or bulging out of the cup. Under-wires should be on your rib cage not on your breast.
On to the bonus round. If you are doing the above things you should be fine but these are tips I have picked up from observing my wife over the years.
- If your weight goes up or down get refitted
- Keep enough bras unhand that you can wear a different bra each day for two weeks if necessary
- Do not put your bras in the dryer
- Wash your bras in cold water
I have come to the conclusion that the problem is lack of education on the part of the manufacturers. A lot has changed since Herminie Cadolle invented the bra in 1889, yet 121 years later their is still a struggle for full figured women to get properly fitted. Designers and manufacturers are simply not helping their customers out so do yourself a favor and educate yourself for your own sake.
Recommended Bra Websites:
- Bare Necessities
- BraStop Limited
- Simply Yours
- BiggerBras.com
