Tips For Buying Bras

How many times have you put off going into the department store and shopping for bras? If you’re anything like me, the answer is numerous times.

Bra shopping is typically not fun and can be a really frustrating experience. Plus, if you have no idea what you are doing and you don’t have anyone to help you, it can be a nightmare. Well, in this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to become an experienced bra shopper. You'll be able to zip in and out of any department store with a quality bra that fits. Plus, you'll have fun doing so. Sound exciting? You bet.

1. First, you need to know your bra size. Yes, this might seem like a no-brainer but you’ll be surprised how many women have no clue about their true bra sizes. In fact, women’s bra sizes tend to change from time to time. So, although you might have been a size A when you first acquired breasts, after nursing your children, you might end up as a size B or C. The key is to find a bra for the size that you are now. To do so, obtain a measuring tape and have someone measure you. You’ll need to measure around your ribs (directly under your breasts). Add five to this number which will be your bra size. Then, you’ll need to wrap the tape measurer around the fullest part of your breasts. Subtract the two amounts and each one is your cup size.

Sound complicated? Well, it really isn’t. You can do it. For those of you who prefer not to, I found this really great tool at that does everything for you automatically; all you need is your measurements. Take a peek at

2. Next, figure out what type of bra you want. That is, what is your purpose for buying this bra? Are you looking for a special occasion, maternity, nursing, jogging/exercise or some other type of bra? Do you crave light support or do you prefer a bra with cushioning to make your breasts appear fuller? The key is to figure out exactly what you want this bra to do for you.

3. Third, know your budget. Keep your budget in mind before you even hit the stores. Stores have a habit of using clever marketing ploys and can persuade you that you need tall sorts of bras and gadgets that you actually don’t know. By knowing your budget beforehand, you won’t be attempted to buy more than you need.

4. Try it on. Next, you’ll need to try on the bra. Not only should it be visually pleasing but it should also:

- be comfortable around the shoulders

- not ride up the shoulders (if it does, it is too big)

- not make marks in your back (if it does, it is too small)

In conclusion, bra shopping doesn’t have to be a royal pain. By knowing your bra size, what you’re looking for and trying it out, you’ll find the perfect bra for you. So go on girl, go bra shopping and have a blast!

Large size bras

Large size bras





Because buying Plus Size Bras has always been so frustrating to me I only shop for them when I absolutely have to. When I do find one that fits I usually buy a couple so that I do not have to put myself through the hassle as often. After my sister told me about what her daughter had discovered about the better selection of large size bras I started to look through the selections in the various stores that we went into. I found that many of the department stores did have a nice selection of large size bras, especially if they also had a selection of plus size apparel. The stores that specialize in plus size clothing
for women have wonderful selections of large size bras in many different colors and fabrics. They have the matching panty sets also. This was a great discovery for me. I have always thought that because I wear larger size bras they had to be functional not pretty. Many of the stores will measure you or give you the guidelines to measure yourself so that you get the proper fit. Some will even start a file for you and write down your measurements once you have been fitted, so if you forget what size you are they can look you up in their system.

I know longer have to feel that I have to set several hours aside when I need to purchase a bra. With the better selection of large size bras available this is no longer a purchase that I put off.

Guide To Buying Plus Size Bras

Guide To Buying Plus Size Bras. The best way to shop for a plus size bra to flatter your body type. Buying a plus size bra can sometimes be pretty hard there aren't many places that cater to women who have curves and most often the choices are plain and very unpleasing to the eye. I recently went shopping with one of my sisters. During our shopping trip she mentioned that she needed to purchase a bra. I groaned at the prospect and said maybe we should split up while she found her bra. She simply walked up to a rack flipped through until she found her size and was done. This was amazing to me because I wear large size bras. Because my sister is much smaller than I am her purchase was made quickly and without a lot of thought. I on the other hand need to try on several large size bras and often cannot find any that work.
For those of us that wear Plus Size Bras often have a very small selection to choose from. This means that often times you make due with what ever is available even if it is not exactly the right size. Also the large size bras are usually in basic white and made from practical material. Large size bras are also very expensive and rarely on sale or clearance. I was explaining all of this to my sister. She stated that her daughter wears Plus Size Bras and that she is finding that more stores are having a better selection for the larger size woman.

Six Nursing Bras Buying Tips

Six Nursing Bras Buying Tips

1) When should I buy a nursing bra?

The most common questions moms to be often ask is when is the best time to buy a nursing bra and what size should they buy. If you plan to nurse, the best time to buy a nursing bra is in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters when your pre-pregnancy bras no longer fit comfortably and when you need to buy a larger bra. Your breasts will continue to enlarge up to the time you deliver your baby and after your milk comes in. However, they will settle down in size after your milk supply adjusts to the baby's demands and even more when you begin to wean your baby from feedings. Most likely you will need a nursing bra for as long as you are nursing your baby, so even if your 2nd trimester bra purchase is too small for your breasts immediately after delivery, it should fit you down the way as your size decreases.

2) What type of nursing bra should I buy?

There are so many types of nursing bras on the market and for a range of prices. It can be overwhelming knowing where to start. While you are pregnant and purchasing a nursing bra for both maternity and nursing, it is best to buy a nursing bra that is supportive with some extra room for pads which you will need in the early nursing stages. The best types of nursing bras for soon after delivery are those that can expand several cup and band sizes. The bras that stretch to fit multiple sizes typically do not have an underwire and are softcup which maximizes cup accommodation ability as well as comfort for the early stages of nursing.

3) What features should I look for in a nursing bra?

The most important feature in a nursing bra is comfort. Many women find that their breasts expand a full cup size or two when pregnant and nursing. It is often uncomfortable sleeping at night without a bra or even showering without a bra if your cup size is quickly moving down the alphabet. Many women find they need a range of bra types from an easy support sleeping and lounging bra to a more supportive daytime bra. If you plan on pumping it is good idea to get a hands free nursing and pumping bra which is extra supportive.

4) How do I get the most mileage out of my nursing bra?

As you know your cup and band size will fluctuate when pregnant and nursing. After you have your baby you will find your rib size will gradually decrease. If you are buying a nursing bra in your last trimester, it is a good idea to buy one that is not too tight around the band. Many bras have several adjustment hooks on the back to allow several size differences in the band. Look for a bra where you are on the last hook in your last month of pregnancy. You can also buy bra extenders that allow you to extend your strap by several band sizes for a bra that is too tight around the rib cage.

5) What nursing bras are easiest to use?

There are many different styles in nursing bras such as the cross over pull down style, cups that you unhook from each side, those that snap and those that clip. Find the style that works easiest for you. Many women find having several different styles may accommodate their lifestyle the easiest. If you plan to wear a nursing bra at night, look for a light support pull down bra. Chances are if you are half asleep and in the middle of the night you don't want to be fumbling around in the dark for a hook or a snap and your baby will not want to wait around to be fed. For your daytime bra, make sure the snap or hook stays in place with your usual movements and activities as there is nothing worse than a cup coming unhooked on its own in public or trying to rescue a bra that is leaving you lopsided while checking out at the grocery store.

6) What if I want to exercise?

Fortunately today there are a lot of great nursing sport bras on the market, so you can still hit the gym and get the bra support you need when you are a nursing mom. Bravado! makes an excellent nursing sports bra with a lot of great support and comfortable fabric. Sports bras in particular need to have secure snaps to make sure you don't pop out while on the treadmill or lifting weights. Comfort in fit and range in motion is also very important, so make sure you get a bra that fits properly with room to support your breasts' ebbs and flows with your nursing cycles.

Sports bras for nursing women

That's my title. And my post is...where are they?

By trying on a gazillion nursing bras at a boutique shop, I finally determined my real size right now. For those of you playing along at home, it's 36I. Yes, I as in I can't believe how big my boobs are.

My old sports bras from days of yore (as in, pre-breastfeeding) are not cutting it. Or, that is to say, they cut too deeply. I'm not trying to be difficult -- I'm not looking for a sports bra with nursing flaps or anything so convenient. I just want one that's highly supportive without mashing me flat as a pancake (as if such a thing were possible at my chest size).

I thought I'd put it out there on the internet in case anyone has a wonderful suggestion. I've been ordering from biggerbras.com, and for everyday wear I have a few Anitas that I lurve.

To wit, this one and this one.

I wrote before about how I was making do with Target underwire nursing bras (in a 40DD) -- they were pretty, supportive, and mostly sorta fit -- but that was before Target discontinued them, at least around where I live, and I checked several Targets in hope. (Oh, look, I could get them online, though not in my favorite pink -- oh, well.) When my old faithfuls started to fall apart (noticeable because my girls started to droop), I checked into Anita, which I'd heard good things about. I shuddered at the price tags, but I didn't see much of an option any other way, and at least I've been mightily pleased with my new, über-expensive boulder holders.

Bandeau Bra

A simple band of cloth worn across the breasts, providing little support or shaping.

Seems like life is just more interesting when you have a “mission.” Sometimes missions are deep and thoughtful like “My mission this week is to love people well.” Sometimes missions are just plain “trivial” in the big picture of life like “I will find the perfect shade of coral lipstick!” My missions this week have been of the trivial kind. I’m determined to find the perfect white bandeau bra and the perfect pair of bronze/natural wedges.

I don’t know why I haven’t thought of this before, but the white tube bra is the perfect solution to all those plunging summer necklines! In the past I’ve layered on bras and tank tops to cover the a-bit-too-revealing “V”, but no more! The bandeau bra is supportive and saves me the unnecessary, bulky, suffocating layer of a cotton tank. ”Coobie” brand bandeau’s are what I found to offer the widest variety of colors and styles. You can find them several places, but eBay has them for the best price!

Adhesive Bra

Developed late in the nineteenth century, the feminine icon has since been views as a symbol of a girl’s coming of age. The bra does not only covers, supports and elevates the breasts, but also shapes the wearer’s figure. The degree of which the bra frames the breasts varies between style, functionality, fashion and fabric. Most of the bras today fall into more than 1 category mentioned below.

It is important to know the types of bras available so that you can pick the right one for the right time so as to protect the general health of your breasts.

A bra which adheres to the breasts. It has no straps or bands of any sort and provide little support to the breasts. This type of bra is intended for backless and strapless fashions. There are two types. There is the disposable paper ones that use a strong adhesive and the reusable ones that use silicone that can be washed and reused.