When it comes to the type of bra you wear there are almost as many choices as there are breast sizes to fit into a bra. Today I am going to cover some of the more common types. While there can be a case made for you to own at least one of each type of bar listed I personally would not recommend this course of action because it would not only be expensive but would require a separate dresser just for your bras!

1. Sports Bra - An elasticised garment that supports and protects the breasts, holding them firmly against the chest wall, which is worn especially during athletics or other strenuous activities. An important piece for active women with larger breasts.
   
2. Minimizer Bra - The minimiser tends to be more for larger cup sizes DD and up, as they are designed to make the breasts look smaller than normal. Fit is very important when choosing this type of bra considering you are trying to draw attention away from your breasts.
   
3. Wire-Free Bra - Soft cup is the traditional name for bras without underwires. Since the cups themselves are equally soft in wirefree and underwire bras, these bras are usually called wirefree today. Good for wearing around the house.
   
4. Underwire Bra - Underwire bras have flexible wires inside the bottom cups. These wires provide lift and support for a shapely, sag-free look. Usually they’re plush-backed or cushion-tipped to help assure no-poke comfort. Years ago, many considered underwire bras less comfortable than wirefree bras, but with modern engineering techniques, underwire and wirefree bras can be equally comfortable. Most underwire bras offer moderate to full support.
   
5. DD+ Bra – Many plus size women fall into this category which is more of a description than a type of bra.  DD+ can go across most categories and styles and is probably the most frustrating part of bra shopping.
   
6. T-Shirt Bra -Like many knit garments, T-shirts cling. Which means your bra seams (and your nipples) may show through. The solution? A T-shirt bra. T-shirt bras are almost always seamless, so they’re smooth under clingy clothes. Plus, they’re either lined with sleek foam or lightly padded with polyfill, so they block embarrassing show-through. Our innovative Concealers bras with smoothing petals solve show through, too. A seamless or t-shirt bra is perfect under any form-fitting garment.
   
7. Front Close Bra -Most bras fasten in back, usually with hooks and eyes. But front-close bras fasten in front with either hooks or clasps. This allows fast, easy “on / off.” Ideal when you’re dressing in a hurry. Great for women with arthritis. And because some front hook bras have only a clasp between the cups, they are perfect with low-cut tops. Usually front hook bras only have one adjustment, so choosing the right size is especially important.
   
8. Strapless Bra - If you’re wearing a strapless top or dress, you need a strapless bra—a bra with no shoulder straps. Today’s strapless bras stay up better than ever, and also give great support, thanks to design details such as padding, boning, and shaping panels. Many strapless bras come with detachable straps and even clear straps for multiple wearing options.
   
9. Push-Up Bra - Push-up bras make your cleavage look fuller, rounder, and sexier. The cups are cleverly angled to give your curves a boost. Plus, they usually have graduated foam, gel pads or other special linings to shape and enhance your bust. Sometimes they have small removable pads—called cookies—for extra volume.
   
10. Demi Cup Bra - Do you long to take the plunge—with v-neck or low-cut fashions? Wear a demi bra underneath. Demi bras cover the nipple but not the entire breast. They have lower-cut necklines than standard bras, and wider-set (“camisole”) straps. So, you can wear your favorite low-cut looks without worrying about peek-a-boo bra tops.
    
11. Padded Bra Sometimes you want a little extra boost. That’s where padded bras come in. Padded bras have thicker padding than regular stretch-foam bras. Their cups are lined with enough foam or fiberfill to add volume as well as shaping. Many padded bras add up to an entire cup size. So, they’re ideal for women who’d like to enhance their assets.
    
12. Unlined Bra -  An unlined, soft cup or no cup bra that resembles a short cami. Similar to a bandeau bra, with straps.  For larger breasts this style of bra is for sure not something you want to wear if you are looking for maximum support.
    
13. Nursing Bra - During pregnancy and right afterward, you need a special bra: a nursing / maternity bra. Maternity bras come in softer fabrics to pamper tender tissue. The cups usually stretch to accommodate changing breast size. Plus, the cups have special openings for easy access during nursing. Also, some leisure bras are designed so that the cup can pull aside for nursing.
    
14. Mastectomy Bra -  A bra designed for women who have had one or both breasts surgically removed.
    
15. Seamless Bra - Want a smooth no-line look under clothes? Opt for a seamless bra. Seamless bras have no seams on the front of the cups, for a sleek modern silhouette. Many seamless bras have clever details designed to add support—such as special linings and hidden under-cup slings. Sometimes seamless bras are called t-shirt bras. At least one seamless bra should be in every wardrobe to wear under form-fitting tops.
    
16. Convertible Bra - Sometimes you’d like to wear a strapless gown. Or a halter top. Or a tank. But who wants bra straps peeking out? Your solution: a convertible bra. Convertible bras have detachable straps that allow several wearing options. Remove the straps to go strapless. Attach them halter or crisscross style to wear under sleeveless tops. Even attach one strap diagonally to wear with one-shoulder fashions. A must for every woman’s wardrobe.
    
17. Racerback Bra - Racerback bras have Y-shaped backs (sometimes called T-backs) that curve in between the shoulder blades. These racing-style backs add extra support plus keep bra straps anchored in place. Many sports bras and even some everyday bras have racerback designs. Racerback bras work well under sleeveless tops: the bra straps won’t peek out or slide off shoulders.
    
18. Halter Bra – A bra with a strap that goes from one shoulder, around the back of the neck, and connects at the next shoulder. Convertible bras also fall into this category. If you purchase a convertible bra you have a halter bra as well.
    
19. Special Occasion Bra – this category is actually left up to interpretation because what one thinks of as a special occassion may not be the same for someone else.  Basically a bra in this category is one that is not in the others such as a long line bra.
    
20. Bustier & Corsets -Supports the breasts from underneath and usually pushes them up and over the neckline edge. It is almost always hooked, boned, close fitting and laced. It begins either above or just below the bust and extends down to the waist or below the hips.
    

Bonus Tip: You should have at a minimum 6-8 daily wear bras on hand at all times and rotate your bras out twice a a year around the same time you get measured to ensure that you are always wearing the proper size.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

Most long time readers of Full Figure Plus know this blog started because my wife was looking for a quality bra at an affordable price. Today’s review is of the Molded Seamless Wirefree Front Closure Full Figure Bra from Leading Lady.  The color of the bra is Nude and the size is 42H.  If you want to dig more into my thoughts on the website check out my Leading Lady website review.

If most ladies are like my wife you are loyal to one brand of bra so just the exercise of trying a new bra can be traumatic.  In this case I must say that my wife was quite resistant to trying something new especially a new style from a brand she was not familiar with.

The Good

Trying on the bra I saw the look in her eye that she was quite surprised at the fit and the comfort of the bra.  Words like “I like this” and “it’s nice to know that I will be supported when I wear this bra” were spoken as she tried it on.  The closeness to the balconette style of bra is in my opinion why such a positive response was given.  Another good point is once she put the bra on there was no fidgeting around because it did not fit properly which is the reason I have always stressed knowing your size to avoid problems.

Bra Details:

• Molded, seamless style looks great under clothing
• Varying levels of depth for shaping and support
• Front closure for ease in dressing
• Padded straps for comfort

The Not So Good

Though the Molded Seamless Wirefree Front Closure Full Figure Bra lived up to its description in terms of comfort the area that it failed was how it looked once she put on her top.  The fasteners stuck out in such a way that it did not look very flattering.  The only way to hide the bulge was if she wore a sweater or covered up with a jacket.  Though not a deal breaker it relegated this bra to being an around the house piece or worn when something covers up the seam.

Overall

Our opinion of the Molded Seamless Wirefree Front Closure Full Figure Bra is a positive one.  Even with the issue of the front fasteners it is not a deal breaker.  As I stated in the review of the website the categories are great and the prices are good.  When it comes down to it the issue may have been with my wife’s frame which is short when combined with larger breasts was not a good combination for this particular style of bra.  Regardless I recommend you guys to check out Leading Lady for your bra needs.  Tell them that Glen from Full Figure Plus sent you.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

Available in size up to 48F

For many plus size ladies out there, have you opted for a sexy bra instead of the buying the usual type of bra that you always purchase? Most fashion experts, including myself contend that wearing a sexy bra will definitely make you feel sexy. So why not for a few moments think sexy bra instead of practical bra.

Because you wear a bra daily it can get well, boring. Sometimes this important foundation piece will show you life through the lens of a 1950s movie without a touch of color to brighten up the day. But if you thought there’s no way you can perk up your bra and your twins, think again.

Look for a sexy bra that will cheer you up, boost your confidence, and eventually make a life that is full of life!

However, the big question is: what makes a sexy bra? Is it the material, the design, the color, or the person who is wearing it?

Some of you might prefer to answer with the latter choice in mind. But nevertheless, sexy bra is still a bra and needs a few more positive characteristics to give you the support and comfort that you need.  Additionally, for fuller and plus sizes sometimes a sexy bra is not practical but that is a subject for another day.  So, when choosing a sexy bra, it is still important to consider the pointers below so that you’ll not only feel sexy but confident and comfortable as well.

Wearing a sexy bra will definitely make you feel sexy

• When you want to show some flesh aka cleavage a sexy bra will do the job for you, consider the color and size of your tops and your sexy bra as well. In other words wide beige bra straps under a spaghetti-strap top is a no-no.
• Do not wear plastic strap bras with halter-tops. Tis not a pretty sight even if you are wearing a sexy bra.
• A single hook looks very neat, but it is not practical for fuller busts. A fastening with two or three hooks is much comfortable and supportive even during some hot steamy nights.
• All straps should have adjustable levels for the hooks to accommodate fluctuation of weight or washing changes.
• Always wear the proper size bra.  Why spend all that effort to find a sexy bra to give you that lift to show off your eye-popping cleavage if you can’t breathe because it’s to tight.
• Have a wardrobe of sexy bras. Think of the occasion that will call for it and get it. Have fun with it!

A sexy bra is never one that is too big or too small

• If your bra rides up in the back and is higher than the front, the band is too long.
• A nice, comfy sexy bra should never leave red marks on the skin after it’s taken off because it means that your bra is just too small.
• A colorful, laced sexy bra is a definite turn-on. But remember not to wear it under a white or light-colored shirt.
• Do use a matching halter bra and pull it down with a low-back adapter.

There you have it! Just follow these simple rules on the dos and don’ts of wearing sexy bra and you’ll never have an embarrassing moment. Indeed, a sexy bra partnered with a confident wearer equals a one hot night no matter the time of the year and after all is that not what chemistry is all about?

A sexy bra is as a sexy bra does

Reccommended Sexy Bra Shopping Sites:

Full Beauty.com
BareNecessities.com (see Bare Necessities Interview)
Big Girl Bras

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

Did you know that the online lingerie site BareNecessites.com. has been online for 15 years?  How about did you know that full figured aka plus size bras make up a large section of the sales made through the website?  Have you been one of the customers that purchased one of the FIVE million bras they have sold over the years?

If you are a be confused don’t feel bad that’s what I am here to help you out with.  To let you know about the Bare Necessities and what they are doing. Hopefully by the time you are done reading my interview with Bare Necessites Chief Marketing Officer Jay Dunn you will become a fan or become more of a fan of the brand.

5 million bras would stretch from New Jersey to Utah!

Full Figure Plus:  With so many brands(81 National & International Designer Brands) how do you choose which ones to market?

Jay Dunn: Bare Necessities(BN) is known as a bra company that through expert buyers we carry the best of the best in terms of brands.  It would be impossible to use every brand in our marketing but we are confident the brands we do use speak to plus women considering the plus section was built specifically with them in mind.

FFP: Selling 5 million bras is a lot.  How did that happen when BN is not necessarily a household name?

JD: BN is very good at SEO(Search Engine Optimization) which means that the website is easy to find.  It is a great ecommerce portal which contributed to the staggering amount of sales.  That solid foundation will serve as the launchpad into branding the company and moving beyond just being efficient at selling product.

FFP: What will be the main marketing strategies for BN?

JD: Building brand awareness from traditional and new marketing methods.  With the plus size niche making up a large section of sales now is time to create a company brand that goes beyond what can be found via a Google search.  As I stated earlier the company is proficient in SEO but that does not bring about brand awareness.  Building a brand comes from a combination of PR and social media.  In other words, taking a retail mentality and applying it to the online world. Basically, building customer loyalty by building customer relationships.

The plus size section of the website was build specifically with the curvy woman in mind

FFP: What prompted the choice of Ashely Graham for the advertising of the new BN?

JD: We created a firestorm of media coverage last year with the Red Bra campaign. Now we are cranking up BareNecessites.com. The New Shoot Took Place In October. Additionally, the use of Ashley is directly related to building a relationship between the plus community and the BN brand.  Furthermore, using such a known person to stamp the brand makes no apologies as far as the companies intentions of representing curvy women.

FFP: How is the size chart incorporated into the marketing or branding of BN?

JD:  There are 81 plus size categories that are a combination of US – Europe – European Union styles.  Basically, a lot of people behind the scenes work really hard to make the size selection by the customer as easy as possible.  Another area of concern is to ensure our customers know the difference between underwear and intimate apparel, which I feel as a brand BN is doing a good job.

FFP: What about ongoing and upcoming plans for BN?

JD: The The 5 Millionth Bra Campaign Run Dates of the campaign- October 20-November 29th is going on right now. Enter now to win one of five $1000 bra & lingerie wardrobes at BareNecessities.com! Ends 11.29.11.  We are excited to announce a full lingerie store is on the horizon and there are plans to expand into other areas while still catering to the plus size woman who is the most under served individual in the world!

Did you know the brand Hanky Panky came in plus size – Neither did plus model Ashely Graham!

BareNecessites Quick Facts:

• 81 National & International Designer Brands
• Over 1,000 Styles
• Bras in over 200 sizes: band sizes ranging from 28 to 56, and cup sizes ranging AA to N. Brands Include: Bali, Barely There, Calvin Klein, Chantelle, Cosabella, DKNY, Donna Karan, Elomi, Fantasie, Felina, Glamorize, Hanky Panky, La Perla,  Playtex, Ralph Lauren, Le Mystere, Nike, Panache, Sassybax, Simone Perele, Spanx, Wacoal, Wolford, and Yummie Tummie, among many others.
• The Bra Experts: Sold Over 5 Million Bras! No Wire, Underwire, Padded, Minimizers, Push-Up, Full Busted, Full Coverage, Demi Cup, RacerBack, Strapless, Seamless, Sports Bras, T-Shirt Bras, and many more.
• Categories for Curvy Women: Bras, Panties, Camis, Swimwear, Shapewear, Sleepwear, Hosiery, Apparel, Accessories, and Loungewear.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

A recent conversation with my wife about her bras brought us to a conversation about when it is time to replace your foundation garments.  Most of you know instinctively when it is time to replace a bra but  did you know that a bra could be worn out but not really show any outward sides of wear?  Think of your favorite bra.  How often do you wear it?  How often do you wash it?

Signs it is time to replace a bra:

1. The straps are frayed
2. To get the same fit you have to cinch in to the first set of eyelets
3. The material is becoming translucent
4. The underwire/boning snaps
5. The band no longer stretches
6. Missing parts aka eyelets, strap adjusters
7. You are spilling out of your bra
8. Wearing your bra becomes uncomfortable
9. You gain 10 or more pounds
10. You lose 10 or more pounds

This past year my wife who is a big fan of the Lane Bryant Balconette Bra in chocolate was quite upset to learn that LB is no longer making that bra in that color.  Even though I have been telling her she needs to explore other brands she is being a bit stubborn with switching and the inspiration for this post. Maybe she will read my upcoming posts about Bare Necessities which carries over 80 brands of bras and make a choice of a few types of bras she can have in her arsenal. Speaking of this company, right now there is a contest going on now in which you can Enter now to win one of five $1000 bra & lingerie wardrobes at BareNecessities.com! Ends 11.29.11.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

OneStopPlus Group, the largest online retailer of women’s and men’s plus-size apparel and a division of Redcats USA, announced today the launch of fullbeauty.com, a revolutionary website for plus size bras and lingerie representing the most comprehensive range of brands, styles, sizes and colors available anywhere in the world.

Most of you know that Full Figure Plus is a strong supporter of any website that focuses on plus size intimate apparel.  When it comes to fullbeauty.com I liked from the onset when I read, ”the most beautiful bras for curvy women.  Because it’s what you don’t see that matters most.”

Fullbeauty.com features 600+ items from thirty proprietary and national
brands including: bras, panties, hosiery, shapewear, slips, camisoles,
robes and sleepwear.  Fullbeauty.com also offers groundbreaking technology
and sophisticated design innovations that will help women finally see bras
as their wardrobe foundation. Fashionable and affordable, prices range from $9.99 to $129.99 – a style and price point for every woman looking for the perfect lingerie for all occasions.

Fullbeauty.com features 600+ items from thirty proprietary and national brands

Driven by a dedicated team of expert technical designers and design visionaries who create a synergy between the latest designs, colors and functionalities, fullbeauty.com has challenged ‘industry wisdom’ by creating the reversible bra, the side wire bra, and the posture-support bra, among others.  According to Michele Crawbuck, Vice President and Brand Manager, “Design in the bra industry has never been more exciting, and we offers true innovation in design and function and a no-compromise shopping experience.  Plus, we offer our own proprietary brands – Comfort Choice®, Amoureuse® and Dreams and Co® – all of which adds up to the largest selection of plus-size bras in the world.”

Fullbeauty.com was built to revolutionize bra shopping online

This new lingerie website is a natural extension of the company’s plus-size women’s apparel business and is validated by its expertise in plus-size fit, quality, innovation and service.  FullBeauty.com is the ultimate solution for the 62 percent of U.S. women who are plus-size, and the 80 percent who are wearing the wrong size bra, as it provides an incredible selection of lingerie that has been especially designed for curvy women. Built to revolutionize the bra shopping experience for women, one visit to fullbeauty.com and women will find the product expertise, selection and unbelievable range of sizes (from 36B to 50N) they haven’t been able to find anywhere else.  In addition to proprietary brands, fullbeauty.com will feature national brands including: Chantelle, Elomi, Fantasie, Freya, Lunaire, Le Mystere, Avenue Body and many more.

“Fullbeauty.com was created to provide plus size women with the ultimate lingerie shopping experience,”

Pay close attention to the size chart before making an order.  To get a better understanding of how to measure yourself and know your bra size refer to the post I did yesterday, Plus Size Lingerie: Important Facts About Your Bra.

The plus size woman is underserved in this category and there is a very real need to fill for the curvaceous customer who wants flattering, sexy fashion. Fullbeauty.com is about inspiration and glamour, offering reliable fits that flatter curves to give every woman confidence in how she looks and feels.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women