Tonye is the owner of of Melons and Peaches Lingerie which will debut online very soon. Additionally, Tonye will be a regular contributor to Full Figure Plus. If you are interested in guest blogging for Full Figure Plus send an email to owner@fullfigureplus.com with “guest blogger” in the title.
Approximately 85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Tell me something new! I remember hearing this statistic when I was in my teens (I am now approaching 35 years young).
So why haven’t we moved forward? Why hasn’t the statistic dropped? Maybe, it is because women are still being sold poorly fitting bras by untrained and inexperienced bra fitters. Also, let’s not forget that a significant number of bra sizes in the US stop at triple D.
On a recent shopping trip, in Northern VA (no naming and shaming in this blog) I really wanted to treat myself to a couple of new bras. I wear a 34HH; this indicates medium back size and large cup size. The stores I visited did not carry 34HH. Instead I was persuaded to try on triple D’s and where available E’s or 40H. Knowing that these sizes would not fit, I cooperated with the bra fitters/sales assistants and tried the bras on. (Fabric quality, style and color will be for another day). It was obvious to me they did not fit properly, however ‘the experts’ were oblivious to the lumps and bumps sticking out all over the place, and the fact that the back was way to big. I was told I may not be able to find the perfect fit, but could manage with these. I don’t think so.
I know better. I know that shopping for bras in America is a very de-motivating experience. Plus size shops have failed to accept and/or acknowledge that their current bra sizing really does not work for a lot of women. Some plus size vendors do not even carry anything above a triple D. The ones that do still do not carry my size 34HH.
Vendors- plus size does not automatically mean large back, small cup size. Some of us plus size ladies have very big breast, and medium size backs. A good bra should not be uncomfortable. The question now is how do we reduce the statistic of 85%? Answer- we need to start buying well fitting bras.
Action Plan for Better Fitting Bras
- Seek out an experienced bra fitter and learn how a bra should fit you
- Try different styles and brands of bras – manufacturers sizing & styling can vary
- Take a figure hugging top with you when trying on bras- easiest way to check for bulges
- If there is any doubt about the sizing- don’t buy it.
First of all if the bra you are wearing has bits sticking out in the front, at the sides or anywhere, the cup is the wrong size. If you are forever adjusting your straps or the straps are too tight or too loose, it is not the bra for you. If the bra is too loose at the back- get rid of it. And on the flip side if the bra is digging into your sides- lose it!
We need to stop buying badly fitting bras, and take that one step further and write to the vendors and the manufactures. We need to let them know that the current bra sizing is not working for us- their valued customer. If we don’t tell the powers that be, that the bras are not fitting properly, they will continue to make and sell them.
A good bra is the foundation of any outfit. Wearing a good bra is a great confidence booster, because you will automatically feel good about yourself and how you look. Your clothes will definitely look better with the right bra, no more bulges.
Many many years ago I was fortunate enough to spend a great deal of time with a very experienced lingerie consultant. I learned that the tape measure can be a valuable assistant to the bra fitting process; it is not always 100% accurate for bra fitting. Women have to learn to understand their body shapes to get a good fit. Because, breasts change shape and size frequently, it’s important to be measured regularly.
For more information on Bra fitting go to:
http://www.rigbyandpeller.com/advice-centre/bra_fitting.aspx
http://www.bravissimo.com/perfectfit/
FYI- I buy all my in London, England at Bravissimo in Covent Garden, the service is always excellent and my bras always fit well, their range goes up to double K.
Mid Year Resolution- Buy a well fitting bra and not settle for anything less!
I know I’m wearing the wrong bra size. When I use traditional measuring guidelines. I wear a 64B. I’ve never seen a bra that size. I can get away with a 56 a/b/c/ leisure bra quite comfortably. My mom’s the same way. She’s barely 200lbs. When I measured her and used a size calculator, she came out to a 48AA. WTH?? A little annoying to be honest.
Hi Krystal,
The tape measure can be so inaccurate. Lots of bra fitting consultants do not rely on it as much as they used to- infact some do not even use it. You are better off going to a large lingerie department or boutique and trying on lots of different bras, without looking at the sizes. See what works. Trial and error, could take a couple of hours. But it would be worth it.
Hi agree with Tonye; to find the perfect fit the best thing to do is go to a lingerie store and try different styles. Although the size might be the correct one, the style of bra makes a huge difference in the fit. So try a bunch, then you will get used to finding the fit that work for you best.
Sarah,
I didn’t think of it in those terms but that is absolutely correct. Finding the right foundations for the right body type is critical.
I just did the measurement for my bra size and according to the add 4 rule I should be a 38 DD or E. I have a 36 H that rides up the back. I’m in a 34 H which supports me good, but the wire is not fitting on my breast in the front, so it’s time to go up a size which is a 34HH. I used to wear a 38E bra and it was awful! I had the straps supporting me because the back was so loose.