Plus size bras

Most people don't seem to realise the importance of a good, fitted plus size bra. If no one sees it, it doesn't have to look good, right? Wrong. The way your bra fits your breasts will influence your whole appearance - your posture, the shape, height and firmness of your breasts and the way your top fits you. If your bra isn't the right size (and cup size), you can be sure it will show.

So how do you choose the right plus size bra for you? Well, the easiest answer would be to find a specialist. Go to either a plus size store or one of those lingerie stores where they have thousands of bras in all different sizes, colors, fabrics and strap widths and have your breasts measured and fitted by someone who really knows what they're doing. That's the easy way. But those stores aren't on everybody's doorstep yet; if you happen not to live near one, this is not an option for you. So here go a few tips you can use that will help you pick up a plus size bra that will fit you and turn your breasts into your body's best feature.


★ Consider the bras you currently wear. Some common problems related to the size of the underband are:

• If your bra straps, no matter how many times you've adjusted them, keep hurting your shoulders
  
• If your bra's underband rises up your back
  
• You feel your bust's weight is not being properly supported by your bra
  
• The bra isn't providing a good level of firmness - your breasts keep bouncing
  
• Your breasts drop through the bottom of the cups
• Any of the above symptoms (you'll likely experience several of them at the same time, if not all) means that the underband is too large for you, and you should try going down a size if you're using the last hook already. Wider straps and a wider underband may also be a good idea in this case.

• If your underband digs into your flesh, especially under your arms or at the base of the cup
• The underband is too small. Try a looser hook placement if you can, otherwise you should go up a size.

★ As for the cup size:

• If the cups are wrinkling, especially on the top and sides, and your breasts doesn't fill them
• Well, this one is pretty obvious: you should go down a cup size.
  

• If your breasts are bulging out of the cups, making it look like you have an extra pair of breasts on top of the "real" one
  
• If the bra's underwire lifts away from the breastbone
• That means the cup size you're wearing is too small for you. The next time you shop for a plus size bra, try the next size. Go for double or even triple D or E if necessary - these big sizes are more and more accessible every day, and you can always buy them online if you can't buy plus size bras anywhere near you.

★ It's ok to shop for a plus size bra online.

But be sure you measure your bust correctly in order to get the proper size. Most online plus size bra stores have a page to guide you through the process of measuring and determining the right underband and cup size for you.

★ When shopping for a plus size bra, remember: it's not only about style.

And remember, it's not just a matter of looks and elegance, it's also a matter of health. Wearing a bra that doesn't fit you properly can cause health problems in the breasts themselves, back, neck and even headaches and migraines. And if you exercise, be sure to get a couple of good plus size sports bras - it will make exercising a much more comfortable activity and prevent ligament stretching and sagging in the long run.

Some of these rules also apply when shopping for plus size swimwear. Check out our article on the subject for more information.