Smaller Bra Bands Are Better for Squidgy Torsos

A flesh indent caused by your bra band at your torso is completely normal

I'll say right off the bat that there is no way to be completely delicate in this article so let's lay it out on the table - we're talking about body fat. Fat can be a prickly word for some people but the reality is we've all got it and some of us have more around our torsos than others. If you carry weight around your mid-section then you might decide that you're a 'plus size' girl and discount yourself from wearing 28-38 bands and this could be your biggest mistake.

As you know at Butterfly Collection we use the +0 measurement technique as our base point for finding out your band size. For example, if you measure 34 around your ribcage then we recommend starting out with a 34 band. What may surprise you is that about 1/3 of our customers wear a bra band one, two or even three sizes smaller than their raw underbust measurement. What's even more interesting is that lots of these ladies carry extra weight around their mid-section.

Your band should be as snug as possible to give your bust the lift it deserves

Weight around your torso is spongy so if your bra band isn't tight enough it may just be bouncing around on your flesh and not getting close enough to your frame to keep your bra completely in place. It may sound as though it would hurt to squeeze into a bra band that is technically smaller than your body, however, the sponginess of the flesh around your ribs makes it ideal for wearing a supportive but breathable band.

Your best band fit depends so much on your body shape. If you compared 10 women with the same bra size they would differ greatly in height, body weight, physique and most flattering bra style. So many of us have fixed ideas in our heads about what bra sizes look like and in reality one bra size can be right for lots of different shapes of women. I have lots of customers who measure between 40 and 44 who wear a 36 or 38 band size. In a 40 band the bra simply isn't firm enough to lift the breasts at the front (which is after all what your band is doing).

How to tell if you need a smaller band
You can whip off your top right now (I take no responsibility if you flash a co-worker - use your discretion!) and your bra will tell you if it's the right band size or not. If the center part of your bra is lying flat between your breasts (no matter what body size, shape, type you are) then you're in the right band size. If there is any gap between your body and that center panel then you need a smaller band size. If you're concerned about trying a smaller band size I recommend investing in a pack of reusable, washable bra band extenders that gives you some extra wiggle room on a smaller band and peace of mind while you get used to your new bra fit.

Don't let your preconceptions about size keep you from finding your best bra fit. If you know you're not comfortable then consider trying a smaller band. xx

Extra Resource from XL Hourglass about bands for bigger bodies Click Here

Maximum Appeal

Being a plus size girl in Canada today does not mean you have to forego fashion and beauty. Slowly but surely the fashion industry is designing and producing more clothing and accessories for plus size women. Regardless of what shape or size you are, the undeniable fact is that the right underwear will make you look and feel better in your clothes.

FIT, FIT, FIT!! This is the key to rocking your plus size style. If your underwear isn’t doing you any favours then I can guarantee that whatever you put over the top of it will look less than great. You want to flatter and support your curves so consider the material as well as the cut when buying lingerie.

Style

Bras: Different bras are good for different outfits and styles but every plus size girl should invest in at least three really good 3 part bras. The 3 part bra gives you lift, separation and control because the seams work to give you support (see this video to see how seams work). You don’t want to spoil your style with the dreaded quadra-boob that you get from a bad bra.

Underwear: High-waisted underwear has come a long way since the scary knickers your grandma used to wear. Using control fabrics mixed withsilks and cottons, these modern day shapers keep your curves smooth and supported so your silhouette is fantastic! When wearing a short or full brief choose one that has a tapered edge (i.e. gets thinner at the edges rather than a hard seam) this will prevent visible lines under your clothes.

Don’t let anyone tell you that curvy girls can’t wear thongs, but be sure to buy ones in seamless designs that don’t cut into you (the eternal trick for all women is to buy a size bigger than your dress size).

Material

Microfiber is a plus size girl’s friend. It’s a supportive material that stretches with your movement keeping you comfortable and sleek. Microfiber is also great at keeping you cool as the breathable design wicks moisture away from your skin which prevents skin irritations. 

Size
Plus size women tend to have weight fluctuations caused by water retention, periods and seasons. These fluctuations can equate to a whole band or cup size so make sure you keep an eye on your bust size. Once you get into the habit of doing this it’s not a big hassle and the benefits of being in the right bra are significant! You may find that you need a couple of bras in a bigger cup for the week you are on your period then return to your regular size. 

The best thing about being in the right lingerie is that you’ll revolutionize your wardrobe over night and discover you had a waist after all! If you want some tips on the best places in Canada to find plus size fashions and services then check out www.plusshe.ca  and www.plussizefashion.ca

Regardless of your size you can only ever look your most beautiful when you feel it. Your confidence radiates in your posture, smile and walk. Remember beauty is not defined by a dress size. People want to be around happy and confident people and getting your fabulous self into the right plus size lingerie will make you feel great! xx