BustWithAttitude.com

Despite a never ending stream of hype, mass media exploitation and unrealistic portrayals of women with breasts that “naturally” stand to attention on command (via a little help from augmentation, that is), the actual fact of the matter is, sagging breasts are quite natural.

More and more females, especially those with naturally plus-size breasts  are becoming increasingly obsessed with obtaining perky, perfect boobs, yet in actual fact, the breast was never designed by nature to stand at attention.

Why the breast is shaped the way it is

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As I mentioned in a recent post about where to ask other real women questions about plus-size bras, there is an active forum at BustingOut. There you can ask questions about where to find the right plus size bra for you, or simply share experiences. I got a chuckle out of this post written by a woman who works in a retail store as a bra fitter:

Customer: “My daughter is looking for a bra with a lot of support. She’s having trouble with backaches and she’s very active.”
Me: “Ok. To start with, I think she’s wearing the wrong size. I would suggest going down a band size and up a cup size, see how that feels, and then try something in the xxxx or xxxxx line. If she’s anything larger than a DD, I would recommend xxxxx brand, which unfortunately, you can’t get here, but has always been great for me. They’re not terribly pretty, but the extra support will help with her backaches and cut down on bouncing.”
Customer: “How do YOU know she’s wearing the wrong size. She’s wearing a sweatshirt!”
Me: “Well, because this *points to self* is what it looks like when you have a proper-fitting bra with excellent support. Now, I have to special order these online because you can’t get double-Fs anywhere in Connecticut, but this particular brand is definitely worth it, and I would suggest–”
Customer: “DOUBLE F? But… you look so–normal.”

Problem #1: Your plus size bra rides up in the back
Solution: Try a smaller band size. But to compensate for the smaller band size you will need to increase the cup size one size. For example, if you’re currently wearing a 38C and you find that your bra rides up in the back, go to a 36D.

Problem #2: Your breasts bulge out the top and sides.
Solution: Try a larger cup size, but keep the same band size. So if you’re currently wearing a 36C, go to a 36D.

Problem #3: Your bra sags or your bust droops with your bra on.
Solution: Try an underwire bra or a bra with crisscross support under the breasts. And make sure you follow the steps for getting the right band and cup size.
Problem #4: Your plus size bra underwires stick out under your clother or poke out from the ribcage.
Solution: Try a smaller band size and add a bra extender to the back.

Problem #5: Your underwire plus size bra cuts into your underarms.
Solution: Try a smaller cup size and add a bra extender to the back of your plus size bra.

Problem #6: Your plus size bra shoulder straps dig in.
Solution: Try a plus size bra with an a wider band under the breasts (for support) and wide padded shoulder straps (for comfort). You also may need to decrease the band size. This will give you more support in the band area and put less stress on the straps.

Problem #7: Your plus size bra shoulder straps slip.
Solution: Try a bra with straps that V in the back.

With thanks to Ladylife for tips.

A woman named Amy recently wrote in to a plus size clothing discussion forum with this common question:
I have nowhere to get properly fitted for a bra and have a terrible time to get them to fit. They never lay flat against my breast bone. A DDD is too large and DD is iffy depends on the size around but if I get one according to my circumference they ride up to my shoulders! I always try 5 or 6 at a time to get the best fit and comfort but they do not really fit like you say they should. What can I try next time?

What can Amy do to get a more comfortable fit?

Wearing a bra that fits properly not only makes a large-breasted woman look good, it can also make her feel better. A bra should provide both comfort and support. Yet many heavy breasted women put up with the discomfort of straps that dig into the shoulders, bands that are too constricting and under wires that pinch because they just don’t know how to buy a properly fitted bra or where to go to get one.

Good fit
Most women will put a great deal of money, time and effort into purchasing just the right dress for a special occasion, yet few actually put a lot of consideration into the what they are going to wear under it.
What’s more, heavy breasted women run the very real risk of causing permanent neck, shoulder and back injury because, without the proper breast support their posture can be adversely affected.
Does this sound like you? Without proper support for heavy breasts, many women tend to compensate by hunching over to try and relieve the strain on their shoulders, which in turn leads to back and neck pain. Some medical personnel opine that this overcompensation can potentially result in irrevocable damage to the spine
Bad Fit

What are the indicators of wearing the wrong bra?
• Red, painful indents (grooves) in the shoulder area.
• Tingling in shoulders, arms or fingers (if this occurs, you should consult your doctor immediately – there may be an underlying reason for this that is not related to bra fit.)
• Shoulder straps that are so loose they hang down the arms or so tight they dig into shoulders.
• Excess perspiring in cleavage area.
• Under-wires that stick out.
• Boobs fall out or spill over during bending.
• Breast spill over top of cup, appearing like a second set of boobs, even when standing.
• Wrinkling of bra under sweaters.
• Lumpy appearing bosoms under tight fitting tops.
Ways to customize your plus size bra for a better fit
In addition to buying a bra that fits properly from the outset, there are some accessories on the market that offer comfort for the most prevalent problems. Listed below are a few of the most common ones:
The Strap-Mate band prevents bra straps from falling down. They are easy to attach, convenient to use and adjustable. Shown here in the far left photo in black but available at Strap-Mate.com in many colors.
Bra extenders supply added comfort to any bra. You can add up to two inches to your bra band for comfort. Bra extenders have a soft cotton backing, are machine washable and have hooks that fit most bra bands.
The b&w photos above illustrating good fit and bad fit are courtesy of PlusSizeBras.info