Finding a great fitting bra is the best fashion advice for women of any size but it's super important for plus size. A bra that fits you well, can lift your cleavage, improve your posture, gives your back relief and adds definition to your curves.
The problem is that a lot of us are wearing bras that are the wrong size or even the completely wrong style. The best bra for you will depend on your body shape, size, and what you want out of your bra.
In this guide, we take a look at some of the most common bra problems that women have, what you should look out for when looking for a great fitting bra for plus size as well as suggesting new styles that we know you will love.
Featured Image: Curvy Kate
When you find a bra that fits you well, it makes you feel secure, supported and confident. But, just because the bra band fits around your torso, and the cups hold your breasts doesn’t always mean it actually fits.
The band keeps riding up
Did you know that 80-90% of the support in your bra comes from the strap? So, if your bra keeps riding up towards your shoulders, then it might be time to size up.
The first thing to look for when finding a great fitting bra is the band. You want it to comfortably around your torso. It should be a snug fit but should still be able to slide two fingers between your skin and the band.
For extra support, look for a bra with a wide band that that has three hooks.
The straps are digging in
Wearing a too tight bra all day long can be really painful so make sure to adjust the straps to stop them from digging into your shoulders.
The straps of your bra should only be carrying about 10-20% of the support, so if they are digging in, then it might be because they are taking all the support from the band. This could be because the band is too loose.
The underwires are digging into my sides
For some plus size women, the underwiring can cause a lot of problems, especially when it sticks out your bra and digs into your underarms or side boob.
The underwiring in your bra should completely surround your boob and lay flat against your chest. A possible reason of this could be that the cup size that you're wearing is too small.
Cups Overspilling
No matter what style of bra you wear, from full cup to demi cup, your boobs should fit inside the cup without any spillage. If your boobs are hanging out over the top, sides or bottom, then we recommend going up a cup size. A good way to tell if your bra cups are too small is to look at the gore, (the bit of fabric between your boobs) this should be flat against your chest.
The fabric of the bra is wrinkly.
If you have wrinkles in the fabric of the bra cup or aren’t filling out the cup, then you may be wearing a cup size too big.
Lingerie brands we love:
Check out some of our favorite size inclusive and plus size lingerie brands here:
Curvy Kate
Curvy Kate specialise in cup sizes D to K, offering great support for the fuller bust and has got some gorgeous choices for plus size.
We love the Royal blue hues of the Kate Princess Balcony Bra
Panache
For the fuller bust, Panache are the perfect fit. Their focus is to create beautifully designed lingerie that supports and enhances We’re in love with the Quinn balconette bra
Cosabella
Family run, lingerie brand Cosabella is based in Italy and are proud to make everything in Italy.
Check out the Never Say Never Bralette
Freya
From a B to a K cup, the lingerie, sportswear, and swimwear of Freya are available in sizes 28 to 38.
We’re obsessed with the wilder plunge bra.
Thirdlove
Every woman deserves to feel comfortable and confident in her underwear so Thirdlove reinvented the way that they design their bras, for a great fit. Take a look at the 24/7 Lace Balconette bra
Playful Promises
We’re obsessed with the flirty, playful a just a little bit dirty, London based lingerie designs Playful Promises. Take a look at the gorgeous collab with Gabi Fresh including the Myra Lilac Contrast Bra
Tomboy X
Tomboy X has an agenda; to create underwear for everyone. No matter your gender, sexuality, ethnicity or anything else, Tomboy X DGAF. We are all people. Check out this grey essential soft bra
Hey Mavens
Because hand-made is the best made! The Hey Mavens collection runs from XXS to 4XL. We just can’t get enough of this red velvet bralette.
Hips and Curves
The sexy plus size lingerie of Hips and Curves is all about celebrating the beauty and sensuality of fuller figures whilst giving you great support.
Take a look at the Elise Lace Bra
What do you look for when you are finding a great fitting bra? Are you a plunge, balconette, t-shirt or sports bra kind of gal?
Let us know where you love to buy your lingerie.