Extra Large Bras

Buying the Right Size

Plus size women often struggle with the blended look when their large breasts hang to their waist giving them an undefined shape. This is due to wearing a bra that doesn't fit properly. When measuring for bra fitting, two measurements play an important role.

Chest Size

When measuring yourself to determine your bra size, use a cloth tape measure; drape it around your back and under your bust. This measurement equals the number of the size you will wear. For example if you measured 44, your bra size would be 44 followed the letter representing your cup size. However, if the measurement is an odd number add one to the number because bra sizes only come in even numbers.

Cup Size

To determine your cup size, use the same tape measure and draw it around yourself and across the fullest part of your breasts. Take this number and subtract your chest size from it. For each one inch difference add a letter starting with the letter 'A'. If the difference is 4 inches your cup size would be 'D'. However, after that it grows a little more complicated. The following information should help:

• 1 inch = A cup
• 2 inches = B cup
• 3 inches = C cup
• 4 inches = D cup
• 5 inches = E or DD cup
• 6 inches = F or DDD or EE cup
• 7 inches = G or FF or EEE cup
• 9 inches = H or GG or FFF cup
• 10 inches = I or HH or GGG Cup

With your current measurements and this information, you should be able to find the right size and fit for your body, but remember that fit may differ depending on the manufacturer. It's important to try on extra large bras.

Resources for Extra Large Bras

You can shop at specialty bra shops for full figures, or enjoy the convenience of shopping at home. That's right - the Internet has made shopping for plus size bras easier. You can browse online catalogs to find styles and features you like. Here are a few sites to visit:

• Body Body - Selections from 33D to 44F.
• Bra D' More – Bras for full-busted women looking for style and flair.
• Avenue – Plus size comfortable bras.
• Bigger Bras
• Plus Size Clothing for Real Women

Adjusting Straps for Fit

If the band of your bra fits loosely and does not hug your body it will shift with your movements and does not support you properly. Because of this improper fit, the straps bear the weight and will cut into your shoulders. Straps are supposed to adjust the height of the bust, not bear weight. If you tighten the straps too much, your bra will ride up in back. Finding a bra that fits allows the straps to function to adjust the lift and support of the bra giving your full figure that defined look.

To avoid straps digging into your shoulders, they should be wide and tight enough to raise the bust above the bend in your elbow and still be comfortable. When adjusted properly the straps are more likely to stay put and not slip off the shoulders.

Proper Cup Fit

Plus size women often overflow their cups resulting in the breasts dropping out at the bottom, overflowing under the arm or billowing over the top of the cups. This means that the cup size is too small.

On the other hand, if the cups wrinkle because your breasts don't fill out the cup this means the cup size is too big. This creates an unattractive line under your clothes.

Another thing to take into consideration is that most women have one breast larger than the other. The bra should be purchased to fit the larger side.

Tips to Help You Find a Comfortable Bra

Trying on bras may seem inconvenient, but it's the best way to ensure a proper fit. Once you determine your size note or do the following when trying on bras:

• Bra should fit comfortably when fastened on the middle set of hooks
• Try standing and sitting down to ensure the bra is comfortable
• Be sure cups fit all around the breasts
• Make sure straps are wide enough they don't dig into your shoulders