Full-Figure Gals - Our Day Has Finally Come!

Certain lingerie, as we all know, is made sheer and sexy. When women wear it, they want to be flirtatious and desirable. Because intimate apparel is so dainty, it gets attention. But what is a full size gal to do? I'm here to tell you - intimate apparel can get noticed! I am a full size woman - and if I were to wear a new or different bra, my husband would certainly notice! Women with large breasts can find bras and romantic lingerie with ease these days. The large cup sizes are no longer special order items in most shops and boutiques. Some of the local department and lingerie stores carry plus size. Plus size women have a much better selection in fashion clothing than ever before.

You may not realize it, but plus size women have had a powerful influence on the fashion world. Reams of books and articles are written to help the plus size woman grab the attention of males. Magazines typically urge women to flirt shamelessly. Flirting is a great way to let somebody know you find them attractive. It can lead to friendship or romance.

Plus size women have to wear clothing that makes them look attractive and sexy. There are bras that minimize her size. There are full body shapers that boast of reducing the body size by inches. The full figure women's undergarments have to fit so that she is comfortable in whatever she wears. Beautiful plus size lingerie can give the plus size women confidence. Plus size women can look very romantic in Peignoir sets. Elegant flowing lingerie in light fabrics such as chiffon and exotic lace is very stylish and is usually available in plus size. Yes, the plus size woman is no longer held to the simple nightgowns and pajama selections of the past! Naughty lingerie is available in plus size and it makes her look sensuous and lustful.

Remember, guys, that a plus size women craves attention too, just like anyone else. It gives her a warm glow to know that someone is interested. Most dating experts advise that the secret to attracting the opposite sex is to flirt. Smiling, eye contact and the perfect opening lines will get a man's attention. There is a popular motivational DVD that is sold in lingerie stores for full figure or plus size women. The DVD is about how the full figured or plus size women have to see their true beauty, accomplishments and value. In most movies, you see beauty depicted as gorgeous, slim and trim women. Plus size women have been somewhat conditioned to believe that they don't match up to the women who are small in size. Several years ago, the plus size women made strides in changing society's views about plus size women. The fashion industry is making garment choices available today, especially lingerie for plus size women. She has a much greater choice today. In her size, she can find not only sleep shirts and pajamas but she can choose from sexy garters and corsets. She can flaunt her beauty in a thong or g-string. In plus size lingerie, she can feel pretty and look pretty as well. A plus size woman wants to make sure that her "assets" are lifted up with a good fitting bra.

Another problem that larger women sometimes have is protruding nipples. In lingerie departments and stores you can find accessories such as petals for the nipples. Petals can cover protruding nipples without latex and adhesives that some women may be allergic to. When women want to push up her breasts, she can use gel inserts. They are placed in the bra under the breast and they push the breast up to look sexier.

It is not just the plus size women that are looking for comfort in lingerie, the average body size women wants comfort too. For example, there is the discomfort that comes with straps that dig into the shoulders. I have seen, but I have not yet tried, the pads that can be used to as a cushion under the shoulder straps. One of the major complaints about these strapless bras is that they are not that comfortable. I have found that strapless bras that have the right fit are actually very comfortable. But, how can a woman get a custom fit that determines her true bra size? I got my first custom fit from a lingerie shop. The staff at lingerie shops are trained how to do a custom fit. Before getting a custom fit, I was wearing DDD cup bras. I did have some problems with bulging over the top of the cup. After getting a custom fit, I measured an F cup and they are not easy to find, and when I do find an F cup bra, I am prepared to pay at least $35.00 for one. A bra with a good custom fit can add to the smoothness of how clothes will fit. You can look good and feel good with a custom fit bra.

Rejoice, full figure gals - this is our day (at last)!

10 Signs You Need a New Bra!

If you're like most women, you dread the day you have to go bra shopping. Women have mental lists of reasons why to not shop for bras: they're expensive, they don't like to shop for themselves, and they don't have the time or the patience to try on every bra in the store, or just can't find the right fit! Frustrating? There's no avoiding it-sometimes you need to buy a new bra-and that doesn't mean when the wires are poking you through the fabric! Knowing when to get a new bra is essential to helping you keep bras that are comfortable and shapely. Here are a few reasons you may be in need of a new bra-now.

1. If Last Summer was the last time you bought a bra. Bra shopping can be expensive. It can be easy to spend $50, $75, or even $100 on a bra, but there are plenty of bras for under $30 as well! Think of it this way, if you can spend that money on a mani/pedi or a couple of movie tickets, you can definitely spend it on a bra!

2. A Special Occasion. Do you have a wedding coming up? A 'formal' dance maybe? There are certain occasions you may need to wear a strapless or 'convertible' bra-essential to every woman's wardrobe!

3. Great News! You're Pregnant! You may not need a maternity bra just yet, but expect to grow a couple of sizes during your pregnancy. Even women with small breasts will eventually need a bra with underwire for support during pregnancy. Taking care of your breasts during pregnancy and nursing, with good bras, can minimize post-baby sagging. Look to brands such as Bali, Playtex, and Calvin Klein for comfortable pregnancy/nursing bras.

4. Your bra just doesn't fit right. If your bra is stretched, the back strap rides up, you're constantly adjusting, or you're embarrassed to wear a tight-fitting shirt-you need a different bra. Be honest with yourself first-Do you wish you were a C cup, but are really a B cup? Or what if a DD is just too small for you? Your bra should support and shape you, without restricting you. Your bra should not be loose in any way when you stand up straight. Don't be ashamed to check out full-figured or plus-sized bras for the right fight. If you wear t-shirts often, a good seamless bra is essential. Again, stop stressing about your size! Get a bra that is going to be comfortable.

5. Your bra's best friend is your washing machine. Remember this-bras should be hand-washed. Most of us don't have the time, but in this case, do yourself and your bra a favor a get a lingerie bag! Bras that are machine-washed/dried need to be replaced much more often than ones that are gently hand-washed.

6. Underwire poking at your skin. The underwire in a bra should lay flat against your skin, underneath the breasts. If you feel the underwire poking through the fabric, you need a new bra! Find yourself adjusting the underwire back to its proper position throughout the day? It's time for a new bra.

7. Holes in your bra. If your bra is in any way torn, this is a sign it needs to be replaced. Think of it this way, a bra with holes in it can tear completely at any moment. What will you do then?

8. Your bra is not the same shape and does not have the same support as a new bra that is the same size. This is especially true for sports bras. If you hold up your existing bra to a new one of the same size and it does not look the same, you've worn it out! Champion or Adidas are good brands for sports bras.

9. You have gained or lost weight. Your breasts are made up of, mostly, fatty tissue, so when you gain or lose weight, it may make a significant change in their size-assuring you a new bra. Whenever you gain or lose 10 pounds, you should get fitted for a bra to ensure you are buying the right size for your body.

10. Ready for a New Look? You don't have to wait until your old bras are ripped and torn to get a new one! Have fun with it! If you usually wear plain cotton bras, try printed, sexy, lace bras for a quick pick-me-up. You may discover a whole new bra-world for yourself!

Bra shopping shouldn't be frustrating. If you happen to find a bra that fits you "like a glove" you may want to but a few in case they're discontinued! Have fun with your bra shopping, but remember, a good bra should be comfortable and should support you-it should not be a nuisance. Happy shopping!

3 Essential Bras For the Holidays

What are you wearing for your holiday?


Want to know a secret?

What you wear under your outfit makes or breaks your look.

With the right bra, even your basic tank top looks amazing. The wrong bra leaves obvious lines through a tight t-shirt which detracts from your look.

Some women with amazing breasts can get away braless but gravity eventually prevails. With time, breasts will sag if support is not given to them and droopy breasts aren't attractive.

Some women think that bras are only to protect ones modesty. For coverage, if you will.

In reality, bras are meant to support your breasts. To keep heavy breasts from drooping and to boost small breasts.

A good bra would support your breasts and hold them up so that gravity does not drag them down and weaken the skin around your breasts, or your natural bra. It would boost smaller breasts as it pushes your breasts together deepening your cleavage or giving you a cleavage if you don't already have one. It also pushes breasts upwards making them perkier and the ones for smaller cup sizes can even contain padding to give you extra volume.

1. The plunge bra

On a vacation, you might want to dress sexier at the resort, with tank tops and dresses with low necklines.

In this case, the 1st vacation bra to get would be the push up bra which pushes your breasts, from the north, east, south and west to the center for maximum cleavage and support.

2. T-shirt bras


When you wear a t-shirt, if the material is too thin or the t-shirt is tight, ridges form on your surface according to the lines of your bra. To avoid those unsightly lines, wear a t-shirt bra, or a seamless bra with a smooth surface. It might look plain vanilla on its own but under your t-shirt, you would look classier.

3. Strapless bras

Straps that show are not tasteful. With some tank tops, bra straps tend to peak out. With tube tops and strapless tops and even halter tops, your usual bras just won't work. Strapless bras or convertible bras with detachable straps allow you to support your breasts even when you wear such outfits.

So for your vacation, bring along plunge bras, t-shirt bras and strapless bras so you'll have support for your breasts no matter what outfit you wear.

Find out more about bras for your vacation

The Bra Should Fit! - Five Tips

There she is again! The beautiful women with the perfect hair, the perfect dress for the occasion, and oh what perfect shoes she has! Her waistline even looks smooth... but then... Oh no! Not again... There she is with a bra two sizes too small. The result? Well, the fact that you can see the cups cutting into her isn't exactly flattering... And even worse -- the 'hang' under her arms and across her back from that tight bra strap!?! Once again, she's not very 'thick', but that bra makes her look 'larger' than she is!!!

If you were ever so fortunate to read part 1 of this series of articles, 'Underwear Matters', then you'll know we mainly focused on underwear, by definition, from the waist down. Well, as promised, here comes tip #2, and we're focusing on the waist up this time. And you got it... We're talking about the brassiere, the bra, the mighty breast enhancer, or whatever you might choose to call it... And luckily, the bra's came a long way since the idea was first patented by a New York socialite, Mary Phelps Jacobs, in 1913. She came up with the idea in 1913 by tying together two silk handkerchiefs with a pink ribbon (no kidding!) to go under a smooth dress she had bought because she didn't care for the look of her corset under it. Soon after, she sold her rights for the patent to Warner Brothers (the bra-company), and the rest was history...

So now that we have a little history and know who to thank for the invention of the bra, how do we go about choosing the right fit to flatter any size? After all, if we're going to put all the effort into looking perfect for any event, day or night, it's critical to remember the under clothes can make or break the outfit! With that being said, here are some simple pointers to live by:

Determine your cup size:

Believe it or not, many women, if not most, walk around with the wrong cup size. To find the right size, first measure around your rib cage right under your breasts (for those with larger breasts, you want to lift them and place the measuring tape directly under them). This will give you the under bust measurement. For your cup size, measure around the fullest part of your breast (the across bust measurement) and subtract this number from the under bust measurement. If you find that:

o The difference is 1 inch, you're an A cup,

o The difference is 2 inches, you're a B cup,

o The difference is 3 inches, you're a C cup, etc.

They also now make ½ sizes if you can't find a whole size to fit right!

Find the right 'fit' and comfort:

You might be asking, is comfort even possible? I'm pleased to say it is, but you must find the right fit, and it might take some trial and error. Here's what to look for:

o The bra band that goes across your back should be in line with the front. In other words, when you look in the mirror, it should not pull up towards your neck or between your shoulder blades. If it does, then it's not the right fit.

o The back strap should also be snug, but not to tight. If it's too tight, you're under arm and back skin will roll over, even if you're thin! WE WANT TO AVOID THIS! It's not flattering and can make you look larger than you are.

o The shoulder straps should be firm against your skin, but again, not too tight.

o If you already have some curves, then you may want to go with a fuller coverage bra to give you a smooth contour without any 'overhang' from the cups.

o If you are one who needs a little more help in the curve department, then opt for a comfortable push-up bra where the cups fit closely to the breasts. You want to avoid any gaps between the breast and the cup of the bra. This can be uncomfortable as well as unflattering under your clothing.

Find the right style for your outfit:

There are so many bra styles and options out there nowadays, you can find a bra to go under almost any style outfit; from smooth, to backless, to strapless, to halter, to racer back -- you name the style, and you'll be able to find a bra to serve the purpose (even in full coverage). For most of us, going braless is not an attractive option. In addition, unless you have the perfect outfit, showing straps can be unflattering, as well (you may opt for stylish straps if your straps must show). Find the style bra that's perfect for your outfit, and don't forget the 'fit' rules above (no overhang, not too tight, etc). Remember, we want flattery, not mockery or disaster!

Comfort versus style:

You no longer have to forgo style, lace, or sensual for comfort. There are so many brands and styles of bras out there that are cute, sensual, stylish and comfortable! So we beg you, wear the one that fits and allows you to express yourself for any occasion! Have some fun with it and see where it takes you... Any friendly, experienced sales associate would love to help you in your search, so just ask!

Built-in Bras:

Do they really work? Use your judgment, but in most cases, from our experience, if you're busty at all, 'built-in bra tops' do not provide much support. We recommend wearing a bra under the 'built-in-bra' tops if you choose to wear them for extra support. Sorry, but that's our thought on it! Remember, you can have comfort and attractiveness, so don't forgo one for the other!

Now you're set! As we said, it might take some trial and error on your part to find the perfect fit and style for you, but it's worth it in the end. You'll have a pulled together look after taking all aspects of your fabulous outfit into account -- including your underclothes! You go girl!

Mixing and Matching Bra and Top Colors

Have you ever seen a photo of a celebrity with one shirt strap falling off of their shoulder revealing a perfectly matched bra strap? These things don't happen by accident - it's all about planning.

Since good bras tend to be rather pricey, most of us cannot afford to have hundreds of them decorating our bureau shelves. Still, it never hurts to have a few basic bras to match those sexy outfits (you know, the sheer, tight, and silky ones?). Let's begin with basic black. Little black dress, perfect black pants, great fitting black top, and one extraordinary black bra - these are all essential elements of any woman's wardrobe.

Now, you can easily purchase a plain black bra, but that wouldn't be too much fun when you casually allow your shirt strap to slip, would it? Instead, look for that black bra that has a little something different on the strap. Whether its lace, beads, or other embellishments, find a bra that you feel good about wearing (even if nobody ever sees it).

Aside from the all-important black, it is also vital to have one taupe bra in your collection. While taupe may be slightly boring, it will be your best friend when you want to wear that slinky white top (go ahead, get caught in the rain - this color won't reveal anything!). Also pick up one pink (every girl has to have a touch of pink!); one blue; and one white bra. All of these bras will serve you well no matter what the occasion is - then again, there are those days that you just want to wear something slightly romantic, which is why one patterned bra is a must-have item.

While they may seem slightly impractical, those dainty bras covered with roses, lace, and pretty straps can be just the think that you are looking for if you happen to put on a summery top. Nothing says romance better than a loose fitting white top with a touch of feminine mystique underneath. Adding any, or all, of these bras to your wardrobe will guarantee that you can match any top to any bra with a style all your own. Sure, most of the time those lovely bras will never see the light of day, but when they do... you'll be happy that you decided to purchase bras that look as good as they feel.