FULL FIGURE SIZING BRA
A full figure bra is one that is either a 32DD or larger cup, or a 38C or larger cup. In other words, rather petite women can be defined as full figured.
When buying full figure bras, look for these three key features: support, shaping and fit. Your self-confidence, comfort and the look of your outfit depend on it getting them right. We will discuss vital features that impact the type of supportive bra that you should buy.
Try on every single bra that you are thinking of buying! This cannot be emphasized enough. The rule that every woman is a slightly different size goes double for women with larger bust lines.
Many people are misinformed about large-breasted women and activity, and make assumptions that they simply cannot play sports. One Olympic-level teen was told to ditch her dreams because she was busty! And this is not an isolated case.
Don't let breast pain keep you from enhancing your physical and emotional health by exercising! We offer solutions to this widespread dilemma experienced by full figured women.
Full figure bras: proper fit
- Put on a close-fitting non-padded bra.
- Exhale.
- Measure around your ribcage (where your bra band would fall). Keep the measuring tape parallel with the floor.
- Round the resulting number up or down to the closest whole number.
- If that number is odd, increase the number by five inches. If even, increase it by four inches. Thats your band size.
- Measure around the largest part of your bust, rounding to the nearest number.
- Subtract your ribcage measurement (plus four or five inches) from your bust measurement.
- Convert from a number to a letter (each cup size is an additional inch).
- Thats your cup size (e.g. if you got two inches when you subtracted, you wear a B cup).
Full figure bras: comfort
Breast pain at the high point of your cycle affects every aspect of your lifeyour ability to perform at work, your sleep and your ability to play sports. You need enhanced bust support at those times. Wearing your maximum level support sports bra should do the trick.
When working out vigorously, be sure to wear a bra with mesh panels and wicking fabrics. You also need padded straps (see strap section). Sports bra manufacturers have come out with a whole line of shock absorber type bras, with non-rub closures, side fastening and extra padding on the band and straps. You can even choose from several different levels of shock absorption. This type of bra is also called no-bounce.
Full figure bras: adequate cup size
Have you ever seen a full figured woman in a bra that didnt fit her correctly?
Cleavage that should not be seen is in full view, and its clear that her bra is binding from the rear view.
Or, perhaps her breasts are sagging. In general, an ill-fitting bra displays too many figure flaws, and makes you look unfashionable and unkempt.
Remember that when your bra fits properly, there should be either zero or minimal cup spillage. Bras with C cups and larger maximize your coverage. When you try on a full coverage bra, your body will thank you, because theyre much more comfortable.
Cleavage
Look for underwire bras that accommodate lower necklines if you want to show off the goods. Bras with under padding will lift and enhance your dcollet. Padded inserts called cookies can perform the same function.
Support
For the larger woman, support is all about limiting the movement of the bosom. The larger the bust line, the greater this challenge becomes. Wide band underwire and long line bras should be wardrobe staples. Dont forget that a well-fitting bra contributes to proper posture.
The woman who exercises and plays sports requires an encapsulation or compression bra that hooks in the back, with straps that are adjustable.
Whats the difference between a compression and encapsulation bra? As the name suggests, the former uses nylon spandex to minimize, control and support with a molded inner cup. It also compresses your bosom against the chest wall for added protection.
The latter separates and cradles the breasts in their own individual compartments, for maximum immobility. Of the two, encapsulation bras have proven more effective at alleviating breast movement and pain. This bra type is also 30% more effective than painkillers.
A superior full figure sports bra provides both compression and encapsulation, while eliminating painful chafing and bounce. Arched cups, reinforced side seaming and extra padding do the rest of the job.
What about the back support that full figured sportswomen also require? Look for a nylon spandex racer back style and numerous front hooks.
When you move vigorously, your breasts move in different directions, depending on the type of exercise. Therefore, top sports bras are bounce-tested to determine which ones are best at minimizing shift.
Dr. Joanna Scurr, has performed intensive research on breast movement during sports on women up to size JJ. Test subjects donned sensors while sprinting, jumping, rapidly changing direction, riding horseback and swimming. She was able to document how much movement occurred in each direction.
To further complicate matters, different types of exercise make your breasts move in different directions. Tennis players expose their breasts to extensive lateral motion, whereas step aerobics causes an up and down bouncing action.
To try on sports bras, always fasten them on the loosest set of hooks. A properly fitting sports bra should allow zero spillover. The band should not bind, and should be secure enough to remain stationary when you move.
In the dressing room, try your typical exercise mode. Jump up and down, do a yoga pose and jog in place. How effective is the bra at minimizing bust movement? Try a front zip bra with a locking zipper, or multiple hooks
If you are a C cup and only exercise at a low or moderate level, you may not need underwire, but you definitely need two distinct and supportive cups. You cant get away with the uniboob look of the smaller ladies.
You may be thinking: I only speed walk or jog. I dont need a sports bra. Dr. Scurr has disproved this mistaken notion. Surprisingly, sprinting does't cause as much increase in breast movement as switching from normal walking to power walking, or from power walking to jogging. Its the transition between speeds that puts the stress on your breasts.
For D cups and above, don't worry about the under wire comfort factor padding will protect your tender areas from pinching. At this level, buy the sports bra with as much support as possible. You will probably still experience some spillage and bust line movement.
Dont forget to wear your supportive bra under your swimsuit, for swimming laps and performing water aerobics. Taking this step will maximize your aquatic activities.
Straps
Adjustable straps are a good idea, as strap position is relevant to both the degree of support and alleviation of the amount of weight that your shoulders carry.
Wide, padded straps are a must. Bra designers sometimes call these comfort straps. If youve never worn these, try them and youll never go back to regular, skinny straps. They never dig, and have the added feature of distributing bust line weight evenly.
Dressing for the Office
Why would a full figured woman need a padded bra? Even though it sounds illogical, padded bras provide the essential nipple coverage that you need in conservative situations.
Padded bras for larger gals are available, so persist until you find one. And dont forget to look for shaping and support. Another way to go is to buy silicone nipple covers, which are widely available and quite affordable.
Courtesy:http://www.fullfigurebrasguide.com
