How to Be Fitted for a Plus Size Bra

Regarding women's plus size bras, it is not a "one size fits all" world. In fact, many women are not wearing a properly fitted bra. According to a 2004 fit study by Wacoal America, a leader in undergarment fitting and fashion, eight out of ten women are wearing the wrong size bra. An ill fitting plus size bra can be characterized by things such as gaping or puckering cups, constricting band, or shoulder straps that cut into the skin. Not only can an improperly fitting bra be unflattering under clothing, it can also cause unpleasant side effects such as back and shoulder pain due to the lack of proper support.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bra fit specialist, or someone who is willing to take your measurements
• Tape measure
• Bra cup size chart
• Various styles and sizes of bras

How to be Fitted for a Plus Size Bra

1. Visit your nearest retailer of plus size bras. These particular bras start at a size 34 band with a C cup. A band size below 32, or a cup size less than a C is not considered a plus size bra. Nordstrom's and Macy's carry bras for plus size customers, and they offer the services of bra fitting specialists who will assist you in finding a bra that will give you the proper fit and support.

2. Request a fitting for a plus size bra from a bra fit specialist if you have not ever been fitted, if it has been at least one year since the last time you were fitted, or you have experienced recent changes in your body such as weight loss/gain or pregnancy.

3. Remove the clothing on your upper body, except for the bra that you are wearing. In order to ensure a proper fit, your must be measured without your clothes.

4. Allow the bra fit specialist to measure your torso, directly under your bust, to determine your back size. The tape measure should be snug against your ribcage. Add 5 to the measurement that is obtained to determine size. For example, if your torso measurement equals 33, add 5, which equals 38. If the measurement is in excess of 33 inches, add 3 to determine size. Otherwise, add 5.

5. Verify your back size. Have the bra fit specialist measure you around the fullest part part of your bust. The tape measure should fit loosely around this part of your body. This measurement should equal your back size calculation. For example, if your ribcage measurement from step 1, equaled 33, the back size calculation you should have obtained is 33 + 5 = 38. The sum of 38 should equal the measurement obtained from the fullest part of your bust.

6. Measure to determine bra cup size. Have the bra fit specialist measure the fullest part of your bust with a loosely fitted tape measure. Subtract your back size from this number. For example, if the measurement from the fullest part of your bust is 38, subtract your back size, 33, which equals 5. The number resulting from the difference between the measurement of the fullest part of your bust and your back size will help you determine your proper cup size.

7. Consult a plus size bra cup size chart using the number obtained from the calculation in step 6. These charts are available at retail stores that provide fittings, or online.

Tips & Warnings

• If the plus size bra you try on is uncomfortable, you will need to try a different size. Remember, if you go up in cup size, you will need to go down in band size. If you go down in band size, you will need to go up in cup size.
• Be aware that size charts are only a guide. The actual fit of a plus size bra will vary according to the particular style and manufacturer, as well as your body type. Never settle for a bra that is ill-fitting or uncomfortable. Don't make the mistake of thinking that all plus size bras will fit the same. You may need a larger or smaller band size or cup size if you change brands or styles.

References

• Plus Size Bra Fitting
• Bra Fitting Instructions
• Study Proves that 80% of Women are in the Wrong Size Bra

Resources

• Proper Measuring Techniques for Plus Size Women

[oldncranky]

on 11/13/2009 This is so incorrect it is sad. Too add 5" to the underbust measurement of a plus sized person will leave the breast tissue hanging out from under the band. No wonder so many women have ill-fitting bras - people somehow got the twisted idea they had to add 5" from WHERE? We used to go up to the next even number. When did that become wrong? I'm not adding 5" to my underbust measurement. The ladies would be flapping free in the breeze. We need a decent, correct consensus on measuring for bras the correct way. Either that, or we need to learn to live with wearing crappy-fitting bras.