When it comes to clothing, comfort is key. A well-fitting bra makes all the difference. It supports the breasts, helping reduce discomfort and pain in the back and shoulders. Most women mistakenly wear the wrong size, not knowing that bra size changes over time.
If your cup size is on the higher end of the alphabet, getting the right bra size may be hard. While designers and fashion companies make bras for all sizes, they have their own sizing conventions. To find a plus-size bra that fits perfectly, provides support, and makes you feel confident, do this.
1. Get the Measurements Right
A lot of women measure themselves incorrectly without even knowing it! The process isn’t hard, it’s something you can do at home with measuring tape. Measuring is the starting point to finding the perfect bra. First, put on a well-fitting bra without padding and measure your band size—right under your bust. Next, measure your bust’s fullest part. Deduct the band measurement from the bust measurement; the difference is your cup size. Use COMFELIE’s size guide to ensure you get the measurements right.
2. Look at the Closure
A bra’s closure directly influences the fit and comfort. A front-closure bra is easier to put on and take off, and one with many hooks and eyes is more adjustable. A front closure bra fastens at the center of your chest, making closing easier because there’s less arm movement. If you have a large bust and struggle to reach your back or have mobility difficulties, it can be a lifesaver.
3. Check the Bra Band
The band is responsible for approximately 80-90% of the support; the shoulder straps only do 10-20% of the work. The straps keep the cups close to the bust—it's the band that does the heavy lifting. Make sure the band of the bra fits snugly around your rib cage without riding up or digging. It's important to get the right fit.
4. Focus on Comfort
Comfort is key when it comes to plus-size bras. Pay attention to the bra’s straps and side-wing size. Get a bra with wider straps that evenly distribute breast weight across the shoulders and wider sides that decrease pinching and bulging under the arms. The underwire should not poke or pinch your skin. The bra should also be made from a soft and breathable fabric that provides the right amount of comfort.
5. Support is Key
Some women get bras that fit too loosely because they worry about the straps being too tight. But a loose bra can make your shoulders and back uncomfortable and even painful. It doesn’t hold up your breasts, so your chest pulls it downward. You need a tighter band if the bra is higher in the back. If the band digs in or rolls up, get wider or longer bra straps.
6.Consider Sister Sizes
No matter how well you know your size, you might not easily find a perfectly fitting bra. Bras are not created equal. Bra manufacturers have their own sizing conventions or adjust measurements for their target markets. It can be hard to find the perfect plus-size bra, especially if you're shopping online. That’s where sister sizing comes in. If you discover that the bra you’ve bought is too loose, go down a band size and up a cup size. If the bra is too tight, go down a cup size and up a band size. Navigate different sizes to get the fit you need.
7. Buy for Your Breast Shape
There are bras for every unique breast shape—asymmetric, athletic, round, bell-shaped, and more. Buying the right bra online is all about finding the best bra for your shape. There are six common breast shapes.
- Bell Shaped:These breasts are fuller at the bottom and slimmer at the top and need a full-coverage bra with memory foam straps for ample support.
- Athletic:Cup gaping is a common issue for breasts with little tissue and more muscle. Get a t-shirt style bra if you have athletic breasts.
- Asymmetric:Asymmetric breasts are different sizes. Buy a bra with removable inserts and add one to the smaller breast to give it a boost.
- Round:Round breasts are fully circular and equal at the top and bottom. Most bra styles work for this shape. Buy a balconette bra for a flattering fit and a wireless bra for days when you want light support.
- East-West:These breasts have nipples that point to the east and west. To bring the breasts closer, get a full-coverage bra. It will raise the breasts up and bring them together.
- Relaxed: These breasts have nipples pointing downward, and a balconette-style bra can help. It has a slightly shorter cup to create more fullness at the top.
8. Wear It Properly
Many women don’t wear bras correctly and end up thinking they’ve bought the wrong size. When trying on the bra, bend forward into a leaning posture. Your breasts will naturally settle into the cups, and a slight jiggle will ensure they fill the cups properly. Adjust the straps to make sure they aren’t too tight or too loose. The band should be parallel to the ground. It shouldn’t ride up or seesaw when you bend over. The cups’ underwire should completely surround your breasts. Tissue escaping indicates that the fit is off.
9. The Style Matters
The style of a bra hugely determines its fit. Two bras of the same size may have differently shaped cups. Vanity sizing, purposely assigning smaller sizes to clothing, can make finding the right plus-size bra even more complicated. Read reviews to make sure the bra you’re buying is the right size and that the manufacturer doesn’t practice vanity sizing.
10. Try It Out
Before making a purchase, try on the bra to find out whether it fits you well. The center panel in the front should lie flat against your breastbone. If it doesn’t, the cups are small. A perfectly fitting bra places your breasts midway between the elbow and the shoulder. Also, you should be able to slide one finger under the band. If you’re buying a bra online, find out whether the seller has a good return policy before placing an order.
