Like any everyday item of clothing, it is important to feel comfortable in the lingerie you wear. This involves personal preferences, obviously, but also knowledge of your body and your size. In this article, we offer you some tips for wearing your plus size lingerie.
I. Know your bra size
First of all, make sure you know your bra size!
More than 80% of women choose the wrong bra size.
Arm yourself with a tape measure to measure your back and chest circumference. You will be able to deduce your size and cup depth. Don't worry, it's not complicated. Do not hesitate to refer to the Sans Complexe size guide which explains the procedure to follow.
II. Trying on your bra: the essential points
That's it, have you done your shopping? Go to the fitting room or quietly in your room to try on your latest finds and admire yourself in front of the mirror. We will go over all the essential points to know if you have chosen your plus size bra.
Step one: Put your bra on correctly
First, put on the straps then clip your bra to the loosest notch. You will maintain the flexibility of your shoulders and you will avoid damaging it by turning it forward. Most of the support is provided by the back strap and the straps. It is important to pay attention to this!
You should feel comfortable, free in your movements and supported.
The back strap should fit well and not ride up. To find out if this is indeed the case, do the following test: if you can slide a finger between the bra and your skin, it is perfectly adjusted.
If the back circumference rides up, then it is too wide. If it is too small, it will mark your silhouette.
Second step: Position your chest correctly in your bra
Next, make sure your chest is positioned correctly in your bra. To do this, lean forward so that your chest fills the cup well. Using your opposite hand, position your breast towards the center and hold the underwire in place with the other hand.
Third step: Adjust the straps properly
There is no point in tightening your bra straps too much. On the contrary, straps that are too tight will mark or even hollow out your shoulders and cause your back to rise. A properly tensioned strap should allow you to pass a finger between the strap and the shoulder without problem.
Most women do not have symmetrical breasts. A different adjustment for each strap is therefore completely normal.
Some of us may have drooping shoulders. Choose a classic or fitted model whose straps are more centered. Balconette or demi-cup bras should be avoided because the straps are more off-center.
Little tip: you can overcome this problem by crossing your straps with a strap closer clip, which will also be useful for crossed back tops in summer.
Step Four: Wear the Right Hat
To make sure you have chosen the right cup, look at the underwire of the bra. This must go to the back of the breast and surround it completely to encompass it correctly.
An underwire that is too short will not sufficiently encompass the breast at the level of your underarm and will cause an unsightly shape on the side of the chest. We therefore advise you to choose a larger cup size.
A suitable cup will sit well on your breast. If the chest is overflowing, your bra is too small. If it yawns, you need a smaller cup size (eg: a C cup instead of a D cup).
Now turn around and look at yourself in profile: your chest should be well supported and lifted.
Fifth step: A well-placed cleavage
The between-cup corresponds to the central part of the bra which must be pressed against your skin. If you can fit a finger under it, your bra is the wrong size.
Step Six: The Comfort of Your Bra
It's time to check if the bra keeps all its promises... Raise your arms, move: the bra must stay in place, not cut you and be comfortable.
If it shifts when you move and your chest is not held in the cup and you have to put it back in place, then your size is not the right one. Choose a size smaller than the one chosen.
III. A suitable bra shape
Well chosen, your large size bra will become your everyday ally.
Dresses, backless tops... vary your outfits with a bandeau bra, shape your chest under a light shirt with a padded spacer bra.
The classic underwired bra adapts to all styles and ensures perfect support and comfort. For more information on how to choose your bra shape, go to our shape guide.
Now that you know everything about the bra, discover our other tips on lingerie: how to choose your panties and lingerie stockings according to your body shape but also how to take care of your lingerie. Sans Complexe also gives you its advice for choosing your plus size swimsuit according to your figure.
