What exactly is meant by the term ‘Plus Size Bra’?

• Plus size bra’s usually fall into these categories
• Back/Band sizes - 38” and above (equivalent UK sizing: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 etc)
• Cup size: F from DD / E up to K, L, M & N

In terms of construction plus size bras are manufactured specifically for fuller figures and a more voluptuous body shape.

• Plus Size Bra design features & benefits.

These bra’s are built differently to solve issues that larger busted women have to deal with everyday:

• Much wider under bands which will be strengthened - This area is crucial as this is where 80% of your bust support comes from. This band sits firmly around your torso and lifts the weight of your bust away you’re your shoulders. This also helps in reducing back pain.
• Padded shoulder straps which are also wider. This stops your straps  digging into your shoulders and also spreads the pressure more evenly.
• Large and deeper cups – This ensures your complete breast is covered and inside the cup. This helps to avoid spillage, gaps, or side bulges.
• Stronger back wings and side panels – This helps smooth your silhouette into a classic hourglass shape. In addition this will help keep your bra in place and reduces any back fat.
• Stronger closures – Most plus size bra’s have 3, 4 or even 5 rows of hook and eye closure as opposed to just 2 on a standard bra. As well as giving support this gives greater flexibility as the material stretched over time and also as your body shape changes.
• Variety of styles – Choose from longline or low back bras as well as underwired bras, non-wired bras, soft cup and minimiser styles — all reinforced for greater comfort and support.

Here is a breakdown of the most common types of plus size bra and their benefits:

1. T-Shirt Bra

• Design: A smooth bra with lightly moulded cups and is seamless. Can be either underwired or sometimes light padding.
• Benefits: This creates a smooth, invisible line under tight or thin clothing and offers everyday comfort and a natural shape. This type of bra is incredibly flexible and can be worn with for most outfits.

2. Push-Up Bra

• Design: Has padding at the bottom of the cups or sometimes at the side. Usually underwired providing extra support..
• Benefits: This bra lifts your breasts and also brings them closer together. This in turn highlights and increases your cleavage and gives a fuller and more rounded appearance.

3. Full-Cup Bra

• Design: This bra covers the entire breast area.
• Benefits: Provides maximum coverage and bust support. The ideal bra for larger breasts. Movement and discomfort both significantly reduced. Very popular and provides a secure and comfortable fit all day long.
• Elila are one of the most popular manufacturers of this type of bra.

4. Balconette / Balcony Bra

• Design: A plus size bra with lower and wider set cups usually with horizontal seams. Shoulder straps are placed further apart.
• Benefits: This bra lifts your breasts upwards and outwards. Hence it is ideal for low-cut or square-neck tops. So offers an enhance bust without full bust coverage.

5. Demi-Cup Bra

• Design: Only half up to three-quarters of the breast is supported and this plus size bra sits much lower on the chest.
• Benefits: An ideal bra for lower necklines. The bra gives a gentle lift and has a much lighter feel than most full cup styles.

6. Strapless Bra

• Design: Unusually for a plus size bra this one has no shoulder straps. The support comes from a wider band, silicone lining and underwired cups which all help to keep the bra in place.
• Benefits: The bra cannot be seen if worn under a strapless or off-the-shoulder top or dress. You will have both support and comfort but without shoulder straps.
• Either a bra or strapless bustier is ideal for a wedding dress.

7. Multiway / Convertible Bra

• Design: A bra that has detachable and adjustable shoulder straps that can be worn in a variety of styles.
• Benefits: This one bra works well in many styles such as regular, strapless, halter-neck, crisscross, or just one-shoulder. This saves you wardrobe space and is obviously less expensive as one bra can do the job of 2 or 3!

8. Sports Bra

• Design: A sport bra has far more compressing fabric with wider bands and sometimes no underwire.
• Benefits: The design reduces breast movement during exercise and also reduces discomfort and potential tissue damage. In addition a sports bra wicks moisture and provides firm support for low, medium or even high-impact sports and activities.

9. Bralette

• Design: Very soft usually wire free and made from a light or thin fabric, such as lace or a similar stretchy material.
• Benefits: Extremely comfortable; no restrictive structure; great for lounging, sleeping, or casual wear; offers light support and a soft shape.
• Often to be found in a matching plus size bra and brief set.

10. Wireless / Soft-Cup Bra

• Design: Does not have metal underwires on the bust. Breast support is provided by the band and the fabric itself.
• Benefits: Very gentle on your skin and ribs, hence ideal for sensitive skin, pregnancy and daily wear. A wire free bra reduces the pressure points on the bust whilst still offering moderate support.
• There is a wide selection of plus size wire free bra’s available.

11. Minimiser Bra

• Design: Made with wide, structured cups and strong band support.
• Benefits: Evenly distributes breast tissue in order to reduce the appearance of size by up to one cup. Consequently the minimiser bra creates a much smoother silhouette underneath fitted clothing.

12. Plunge Bra

• Design: Has a much deeper and more noticeable centre. Also has narrow-set cups.
• Benefits: The objective is to create a pronounced cleavage and rounder shape for your breasts whilst not actually being seen. The ideal bra for low cut tops. Also looks good with formal or evening wear.

13. Longline Bra

• Design: A bra which extends further down your body and covers your midriff.
• Benefits: A bra which adds extra back and side support, hence improves your posture and smooths out your waistline. The extra support means this plus size bra will stay securely in place.
• A longline bra that is available up to H cup.

14. Nursing Bra

• Design: Has flaps that open easily at the cups.
• Benefits: This bra will give you access for breastfeeding mothers. It is also adjustable in order to accommodate your changing body shape both during and after pregnancy. A very comfortable and supportive bra.

15. Maternity Bra

• Design: Made from soft, stretchy fabric with wide bands and no restrictive seams.
• Benefits: Similar to a Nursing Bra but without the flaps. This bra will also adapt to your changing breast size during and after pregnancy. Relieves pressure on the bust and is very comfortable to wear all-day long.

How To Choose The Right Bra Style

1) By Your Bust Size

Small to Medium Bust (A–C cups)

• Ideal choice: T-shirt, push-up, bralette, demi-cup or plunge bras.
• Benefits: These styles all add shape, create cleavage, and stay comfortable throughout the day without feeling cumbersome. Bralettes in particular are perfect both for everyday and casual wear.

Medium to Large Bust (D–G cups)

• Ideal choice: Full-cup, wireless, balconette, longline or sports bras.
• Benefits: These bra’s tend to have wider bands with full bust full coverage and much stronger structure. They also minimise bounce, distribute weight evenly and prevent back/shoulder strain.

Larger Bust (H+ cups)

• Ideal choice: Full-cup, minimizer, longline or sports bras.
• Benefits: Greater coverage and firmer support are offered by these bra’s. Minimisers in particular create a smooth silhouette under tight fitting clothes.

2) By Outfit That You Plan To Wear

3) By Activity or Occasion

• Work / office / everyday / casual wear
  • T-shirt bra, Non-wired bra, Full cup bra
  • Will provide all-day comfort and reliable support
• Sporting activities / Exercise
  • Light support with low impact activities (Walking, Pilates) –  A Bralette or Light Sports Bra would be ideal
  • For medium / high-impact sports (Running, Football). Choose a firm encapsulating or compressive sports bra
  • Both options will minimise movement and alleviate discomfort.
• Pregnancy / breastfeeding.
  • Maternity or Nursing bra.
  • Both are adjustable giving ease of access and will adapt to your changing body shape.
• Lounge / sleep
  • Soft bralette or wire free sleep bra.
  • Comfortable to wear for hours on end and also while sleeping.
  • Offers gentle support with no pressure on the breasts.
• Formal occasions
  • Push-up Bra, Plunge Bra or Longline Bra.
  • Firm support will enhance bust shape and aid your posture.

Final thought

Remember - Fit is far more important than style! A bra that is too tight or loose will be uncomfortable and will not give you the benefits that it was designed to do. The band should always feel snug but NOT dig in. The cups should hold the breasts without gaps or overflowing.

Thanks for reading our Bra Guide.

Click here for information on How To Measure Your Bust

Buy Your Plus Size Bra here.

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