Plus Size Maternity Bras
From LoveToKnow Pregnancy
Finding good plus size maternity bras can be a challenge as your body changes and grows during these nine months. From cup size to band width, everything seems to be rearranging and growing at a rapid pace.
Buying Tips for Plus Size Maternity Bras
Finding a maternity bra that fits well is key, especially for the all ready well endowed. Some women grow quickly and have to move up two sizes. For others, it is a gradual “popping out” of their current bras. Women usually end up buying two new sizes, one for the early gain and another for the last trimester/nursing time.
To find good plus size maternity bras, consider these tips:
- Widely spaced, cushioned straps provide comfort.
- A four-hook back closure provides support.
- Buy a bra that fits, instead of one that you think will fit in a few months. Purchasing a too big bra to keep from buying later will not provide enough support now.
- Consider using underwire bras for better support, or those with flexible plastic.
- Purchase at least two to three nursing bras to wear at the end of your pregnancy if you plan to breastfeed.
- If purchasing a nursing bra, make sure you can release the cup with one hand, leaving the other free to hold your baby.
Getting a Proper Fit
As with any bra, just getting one in “your size” does not guarantee it will fit correctly. Different styles should be tried on before buying to ensure that your breasts are supported.
To determine cup size, measure around the top part of your chest, above the breasts but below the arms. If it is an uneven number, round up. To determine the cup size, measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Make sure the tape is level and snug around your body.
When trying on a maternity bra, make sure the band is tight enough to provide support. If it is so loose you have to adjust the straps (making it ride up in the back), consider going down a band size.
If your band is too tight, it will ride up in the back before adjusting straps, causing breasts to sag in the front. This problem is not necessarily the band size, but could be a result of improper cup fit. Try going up a cup size before band size.
Cups should contain the entire breast. If the breast is “spilling out” of your bra, it is too small. Additionally, if it gaps, then it is too large or the style is wrong.
While regular lingerie stores can provide fitting experts, most women searching for plus size maternity bras find it best to visit a specialty store. These stores have trained clerks who can steer you in the right direction when it comes to support and comfort in your undergarments.
Places to Find Plus Size Maternity Bras
Searching for good plus size maternity bras can be daunting. Many store carry maternity bras up to a 40DD cup size. But, if you start out somewhere near that size, it can seem almost impossible to find any larger sizes. Check out the following stores and websites to find bras that fit your growing body:
- MomShop.com offers larger styles in a range of sizes. Check out the Fancee Free Nursing bra, which offers support without wire, in sizes up to 50K.
- Motherwear.com has a range of styles in fashionable and pretty lace designs, along with standard smooth cup options. The Maternity and Nursing Extra-Support Underwire Nursing bra comes in sizes up to 44G and is made especially for plus size women.
- Motherhood Maternity offers plus size maternity bras at an affordable price. For those who need support at night, consider their Plus Size Sleep bra that comes in sizes up to a 2x.
- JCPenny also offers nursing and maternity bras in a range of brands. Brands to choose from include Glamorise, Bali, Exquisite Form, Medela, and more.
If you find that your cup size is staying relatively the same, but you continue to need a larger band size, purchase a bra extender. These can add up to two inches to your band size. They are a cheaper alternative than buying new bras each time your rib cage expands to meet the needs of your growing baby.
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