About Plus-Size Bras

Ranging from upper C cups to DDD or F, G, H or higher, depending on the maker, plus-size bras are a mystery, even to the wearer. What size is really going to fit? Why do the measurement rules not apply? Are there bras that will improve my posture, or aching back? These are just some of the issues that women who wear plus-size bras face.

Types

There are numerous types of bras, but only a few are suitable for plus-size wear.

Full-cup bra: Full-cup bras are recommended for women with large breasts as they provide support and cover the entire breast, preventing excess movement. These bras often have padded straps and back support for women with heavy breasts.

Underwire bra. Underwire is designed to provide extra support in the bra and some women swear by them. Others claim they cause agony.

Minimizer Bra: A minimizer bra will give you the appearance of a smaller breast. It compacts the breast, reducing the size by a cup or more.

Sports bra: Sports bras are to be worn during exercise to keep breasts in place while running, jumping and other movement. For women with very large breasts, a sport bra is worn over a full cup or minimizer bra, as few sports bras have separate cups and breasts get smashed together.

Size

Different bra manufacturers may label plus-size bras differently, but here are roughly all of the sizes available: If there is a 4-inch difference between the bust and band measurements, you wear a D. For each consecutive size, you go up 1 inch. In general, bras sizes are listed as size D is a 4 inch (difference), DD (or E) is 5 inch, DDD (or F) is 6 inch, G is 7 inch, H is 8 inch, I is 9 inch, J is 10 inch, K is 11 inch, and L is 12 inch. In addition to cup size, there is the band size, which is measured in numbers and is based on the circumference of your body beneath the breasts.

Considerations

There is no industry-based standards on cup size higher than D. Therefore, sizes will vary from designer to designer. This can cause a great deal of confusion. For this reason, you should never purchase a bra without trying it on.

Warning

Choosing the wrong size bra can cause several problems. Straps will dig into your shoulders if your bra does not provide support, and you can also get bruising under the breasts if your band size is too small. Wearing the wrong size is also the reason for underwire discomfort.

Expert Insight

Determining bra size is not a fail-safe science. Often measuring for bra size only helps give a starting point in finding the correct bra size. You know your bra fits correctly when your breasts rest halfway between your collarbone and your waist.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 1/17/2009 Thanks for the information. It is SOOOO hard to buy a good bra. 5*