Sports bras are still bras, they need to fit

Although many people think one sport bra is pretty much the same as another, this is not true. Just as a properly fit everyday bra can make huge differences in comfort, a little judicious research can make your active time more enjoyable. Chafing, uncomfortable movement, lack of support; all these things will throw you off your game in a heartbeat.

Fit The bra should fit firmly enough to control breast motion, but not so tightly as to interfere with breathing. During vigorous movements, the entire upper body should move as one unit, with limited bouncing of the breasts. Give the bra the jumping-jack test to be sure it meets these criteria.

Support Minimal movement of the breasts within the bra is important to reduce chafing. Larger-breasted women will probably be more satisfied with molded cups. For maximum support, look for minimal vertical (neck to navel) stretch in the fabric. Horizontal stretch is necessary to get the bra off and on easily and not interfere with breathing.

Fabric Prevent moisture from accumulating. The bra should be a blend at of least 50 percent cotton and a breathable material such as Lycra mesh to help evaporate sweat and keep odor in check. Cotton provides more comfort than synthetic materials, reduced stretch, and greater support. The bra also should be lined under the breasts and under the arms with material like CoolMax that removes moisture from the skin by wicking the sweat outward.

Seams Poorly placed seams can irritate the nipples. Cups should be seamless or at least have covered seams. Hardware like hooks or fasteners must be covered with fabric and should be cushioned for maximum protection.

Straps Choose wide, nonstretch straps for best results. In addition, a wide “Y-back” panel can help increase support. Some sports bras offer a two-hook back for an adjustable fit.

Mobility Many sports bras are shaped like halter tops. Be certain the armholes allow ample room for the unrestricted arm movements necessary during exercise and for freedom from chafing.

Yet another Bra Fitting Article

As a curvy girl it used be so difficult to find a bra that is both gorgeous and comfortable. There is no need to settle for badly fitting lingerie that you don't want to wear everyday. You know what feels good and if you get it right you'll see an improvement in your posture, your comfort and your confidence! Mostly though you'll be proud of your new gorgeous silhouette. Being “measured” for a bra is not the same as being “fitted”. Tape measures can provide a rough guide, but you only know if a bra fits by trying it on! Don't squeeze your boobs into a bra that isn't perfect. Different brands and styles all fit slightly differently. Never assume that if you wear a Brand X bra in a 30G you will also wear a Brand Y in a 30G. Every brand differs in size and style so you may need to try and few ranges to see which is best for your own shape! WHAT YOUR BRA SHOULD LOOK LIKE?

• The strap around your body should be firm but comfortable.
• When you stand side-on at a mirror, the strap that runs around your body should be horizontal and should not ride up at the back at all.
• The wires should lie flat against your rib cage and should not dig in.
• Your breasts should be enclosed in the cups and you should have a smooth line where the fabric at the top meets your bust.
• You shouldn't have any bulging over the top or sides of the cups.
• Your bra band should have enough space to insert two fingers under the back band, and one under the center front.

TRYING ON TIPS

• Start by fastening it on its loosest hook. You will be able to tighten the bra if it starts to give in the back when you've worn it a few times.
• Adjust the shoulder straps to ensure that they are not too loose.
• You may need to adjust your breasts to make sure they are in the cups properly.
• If the back feels too tight then you should try a size up (e.g. 34 to a 36) If the cups are too small then try a cup size larger (e.g. B to a C) REMEMBER: Not all Bras are the same! Different brands and styles will vary even if they are the same size. Don't be surprised if you need a totally different size than the bra you are wearing!

WHY DOESN’T MY BRA FIT PROPERLY?

The most common mistake is wearing a size too big around the back and too small in the cup. E.g. a 36D instead of a 34DD. Listed below are the common symptoms of a bad fitting bra and the solutions:

• I am bulging over the top or sides of the cup.

The cup size is too small. Your breasts should fit within the cups. Try at least one cup size bigger.

• My bra rides up my back.

The back size is too big. Try a least one back size smaller. You should have a snug fitting horizontal band running around your back.

• The wires stick out at the front or dig in under my arms.

The cup size is too small and not fitting around your breast properly. Try a larger cup size.

• The straps are digging into my shoulders.

The back size is too big. The main support should be coming from the strap around your back. If the back is not tight enough the straps will take all the strain. Try a smaller back size.

• The cups are wrinkly.

The cup size is too big. You are not filling the cups properly and should try a smaller cup size.

If you are still unsure when buying a bra or when you have received it at home, contact our customer service team. They will be happy to give you Free fitting advice on styles and brands and help you decide if bra is fitting correctly.

Aviana Bras - Designed specifically for larger sizes

Seems we have been getting a lot of good information for our plus size readers, and now even more choices for styles.

The Better-than-Bare Lingerie store in proud to announce that they will be carrying the full line of Aviana Bras. The entire line is designed strictly to meet the needs of the larger busted woman, while at the same time offering quality and style.

Aviana is the result of a vision. A vision to create a collection of bras exclusively full figured, with all the sophistication of European design and the comfort women deserve.

Supportive and stylish, Aviana was designed from the beginning to fit in cup sizes D and up.Size range: in Bands from 32 to 56 and Cups from D to K.

Most full-figure bras are merely "sized-up" versions of an existing bra style. Aviana, however, is the original full-figure bra. Thanks to the careful study of body types and bra fittings, women finally have a bra that "feels like it was made for them".

Better-than-Bare will carry the entire line. Some of the style and color combinations are complex, so they may not be shown in the store. Please feel free to communicate with them at support@better-than-bare.com for any questions, or for a list of styles, colors and sizes that meet your custom needs.

In Defense of the Bigger Bust

Europe has arguably lead the world in terms of "Supporting" larger bust sizes, but the US is starting to take note. While Victoria's Secret is still pretty much limited to smaller than DD and 40 band sizes, even moderately priced department stores are carrying sizes for the full figured gal. They are launching new brands, and offering fitting services. So your choices are increasing.

First, let's qualify the market here. Looking at the media message, you may find it hard to believe that one recent survey showed more than 50% of women are size D and above. Even worse, estimates are up to 85% of women are wearing a bra that is not the right size for them. Sometimes this is because women are fitted for proper size and support, but when their body changes they just keep buying the same old thing. Sometimes it is because women have just plain been fitted wrong. But a growing number are improperly fitted because they insist on "Vanity" sizing.

Vanity sizing is when the number becomes more important than the fit. Sure, it is difficult to admit you have grown from a 36 band to a 40. Or you may not want to admit you are an DD cup, or a DDD cup. So you buy something that 'kind of' fits but is in an acceptable sounding size. Well, resolve to forget the number and just wear what is right.

Now, we started talking about the bigger bust. But what does that mean? Did you immediately think of Dolly Parton, or some similarly endowed example? If 50% of women are considered large busted, what does that really look like. For example, can you estimate what size this model is?

This is an honest 32DD customer. See, not mis-shapen or freakish. But many women this same size are wearing 34D or 36C bras. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it actually is bad for you. Lack of support can lead to back pain, breast pain, shoulder pain, improper posture and can even cause abnormal functioning of the lymph nodes.

So, give up your hang ups. A big bust does not mean a small brain. You wouldn't wear a hat that was too big, or gloves that were too tight, would you? Cut out the tags if you must. If you must, lie to your friends about your measurements. But don't lie to yourself!!! Measure yourself or get fitted, and buy the right size. Then do it again in 6 months, and again, and again. It is not unusual to go up or down in size if you gain or lose weight, go through pregnancy or menopause, or even just change your workout routine at the gym.