Plus Size Clothing

For full figured shapely women, there may not be a more essential wardrobe item than the right bra. Worn on a daily basis, it is the most hard-working garment of all, lifting, supporting our and helping us to feel confident to face the world each day.

Your bra can also be your worst enemy if you don't care enough to shop for the correct one for your body. There is a fabulous choice available in bra styles and choices, even within the same band and cup size. So, expect it to take some time in the fitting rooms to pick out the perfect bra.

Get Professional Help

Sagging straps, loose band, cups too tight and overflowing - it's so easy to go wrong. If you have never been fitted professionally, now is the time.

If you have been fitted, but your weight has changed in the last year, guess what? Your cup and band sizes have fluctuated and you need to be fitted again!

It should go without saying, but needs to be said anyway, if you are pregnant or just had a baby, your bra size is going to be completely different and you'll need to go shopping for a new bra or two.

Statistics show that over 70% of women aren't wearing the right size bra. Getting the right fitting bra isn't difficult. Most lingerie stores or departments now train their staff in proper bra fittings, if you're not sure, then make sure you go to one that's been recommended by a friend.

The salesperson will measure your ribcage and your chest - overtop of the bra you're wearing - and with a quick calculation, determine your band and cup size. Ask her to help you pick out a selection of styles with you, telling her what your needs and preferences are. She should load you up with an armful of models and a few sizes, and once you've tried them on, you'll have a much better idea of what fits and what doesn't.

Finding the Correct Bra Size

Don't be anxious if your size changes, it's perfectly normal. No one cares what your bra size is except you.

Trying to fit into an old bra size will only make you frustrated and the wrong size is very unflattering. So, when it's time to throw them out because they no longer fit, just be ruthless and do it!

To measure yourself, take a soft tape measure (most sewing kits have them) and while wearing your best-fitting bra, measure your body circumference around your upper ribcage, just under your breasts.

Do this in front of a mirror to make sure the tape is straight, and not too tight or loose. This is your BAND SIZE. If the measurement is not an even number, add one inch, and that is your band size.

Then measure yourself around the largest part of your chest. Again, make sure the tape is not loose or pulling too tightly, just firmly in place. Subtract your BAND SIZE from this measurement, and the difference determines your CUP SIZE. For every inch, your cup size goes up.

1 inch = A; 2 inches = B; 3 inches = C; 4 inches = D; 5 inches = DD; 6 inches = DDD; 7 inches = F, etc.
For example: if your band size is 38. Your chest measurement is 42. The difference is 4, so your cup size is "D". (Letter codes do vary from the US to the UK and Europe, but each level is a one-inch increase.)

If your breasts are not the same size, remember to fit the cup size to the bigger breast, not the other way round. If necessary, add a little padding to the other, most lingerie stores sell these inserts under a few different names; "cutlets" is a fairly common name for them.

A tip when bra shopping is to bring along a favorite tight t-shirt, and put in on over each new bra to see how it makes your clothes look. You should see an uplifted, smooth silhouette that doesn't bulge or pucker in the cups.

Take a friend along or ask a shop assistant to look for bulges or bra lines at the back too.

Styles of Bra

When it comes to purchasing a new bra, some are industrial, some are pretty, and not many are both.

The T Shirt bra is very popular at present, as it gives a smooth silhouette under just about any clothing. Lace can be pretty and sexy, but may show under tight fitting clothes . For active women, a sports bra is an essential part of your wardrobe - as well as being important for comfort.

During summer, wearing bras with clear straps is increasingly popular, avoiding having your bra straps showing. For special occasions and to go with halternecks, backless dresses, evening or bridal wear, strapless bras are a boon. However, do be sure that you feel confident that they will be held in place sufficiently when you're dancing or partying the night away.

Looking Effortlessly Fabulous
By setting aside a few hours to shop properly, without distractions or children, you'll find that this investment of time will pay off.

You'll immediately see the difference a perfectly fitted bra can make to your figure but you may be pleasantly surprised by the boost it gives to your confidence!

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