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Plus Size Lingerie - Plus Size Bra

For the plus size woman, buying plus size lingerie can be a pleasure or a very frustrating experience. In general, shopping online affords the plus size woman a huge selection of styles and the hard to find sizes. Knowing your correct size is imperative. In general, the plus size bra is somewhat less attractive and sensual than those for smaller busted women. Plus size bras usually have more rows of hooks to do up, sometimes up to eight rows. Sometimes the plus size woman complains that plus size bras either push the breasts together into a single unibreast, or push the breasts out to the side. Many plus size women report problems finding plus size bras in large enough sizes that are not minimizers, plus size bras designed to flatten the breasts as much as possible. For the higher cup size, H and above, it is sometimes easier to wear a nursing bra than find a plus size bra in the correct size. When buying a plus size bra it is imperative to have the plus size bra fit properly. First, determine the band measurement. Measure under your bust without a bra on, using a cloth measureing tape. Ensure that the tape measure encircles your back in the position that the bra would be worn. If the number you measure is odd, round up to the next even number. This is your bra size. A good thick, wide band is important for comfort. Next , without your bra on, measure across the widest part of your bust. This measurement should be comfortably snug. Never round this measurement up. To calculate your cup size, take the bustline measurement and subtract the band measurement. This difference will be the cup size of the plus size bra according to the chart below.

0-1.5 - A     1.5-2.5 - B     2.5-3.5 - C     3.5-4.5 - D     4.5-5.5 - DD/E

5.5-6.5 - DDD/F    6.5-7.5 - G     7.5-8.5 - H     8.5-9.5 - I     9.5-10.5 - J

10.5-11.5 - K

The band/cup combination of the plus size bra is flexible. If the band isn't snug enough, go down a band size and up a cup size. The following are some common plus size bra fitting problems:
Wrinkled cups - go down one size
Breasts spilling out of the cups - try a larger cup size
Falling straps - try adjusting the straps, if this doesn't work, your breasts probably are not completely filling out the cup, so go down one band size
Strap marks - loosen the straps, or find a bra with padded straps, or a more supportive plus size bra with a wider band.

The following are signs you are getting a good fit from you plus size bra:
The band fits if it stays level across the upper torso in the front and across the back. Itdoes not ride up of down.
Arrange your breasts in the cups manually. Bend at the waist and let the breasts fall into the cups. Cups should be full and smooth.

Other designs of plus size lingerie can make you feel special, feminine and sexy, even if you just wear them under your clothes. Plus size lingerie can come in many styles, including backless, halterneck, strapless, push up, cleavage enhancing, corset, merry widow bras, and thongs, boy shorts, high legged panties and G strings. According to the professionals at Hips and Curves.com, the key to the perfect plus size lingerie purchase is making sure the item fits properly.
One of the latest fads in plus size lingerie, is allowing the tops of your thong to show above your hiphugger jeans. If you were wearing a thong such as the Thong With Lace Waistband (see picture) from
Hips and Curves.com, you would want it to show too. If you are going to show off your plus size lingerie, do it on purpose. Take the black Lace Cami/Boy Short Set from Hips and Curves.com. Be daring and wear the camilsole top with your jeans and a black blazer or jeans jacket, for maximum impact, or feel super sexy and wear the set under your clothes.

Another area of plus size lingerie we need to consider is sleepwear. Plus size lingerie for sleepwear comes as babydolls, teddy bears, gowns, pajamas and robes. See some of the selections from Hips and Curves.com. Personal preference dictates the color when purchasing your plus size lingerie. Maybe your man loves seeing you in sultry black or sexy red. But, as a general rule, your hair color can give you insight into what colors you look best in. Blondes look best in black or dark blue. Brunettes look fabulous in white and red, and redheads look delicious in green, teal and other pastels.

When buying plus size lingerie you may want to shop in your favorite department store, most carry plus size lingerie now or shop online, where you will probably have the broadest selection. Here is a guide for some of the styles you may want to consider as you shop for your plus size lingerie:
Baby Doll Set - a two piece set consisting of a loose fitting top that tapers in just below the bust, in an empire waistline. The top usually ends just at or below your rearend with matching bottoms, painties or boy shorts. Baby dolls are made of silk, satin or sheer lace.
Camisole - is loose but form fitting undershirt-like top with spaghetti straps. It usually comes with a matching bottom, usually delicate panties.
Corset - a corset is a structured garment that has boning that molds your upper body, making the most of your contours. Some corsets can be worn as outerwear, as made popular by Madonna.
Merry Widow - this is the bridal set. It consists of a form fitting top, usually a bra or corset, matching panties, a garter belt and stockings.
Bikini Pantie - bikini bottoms fully cover your front and backside with thin strips as side straps.
Boy Shorts - underwear cut like short, short hotpants.
Thong - Some coverage in the front, with thin side strips and comes to a 't' strip at the rear end. There is no coverage over the rear end.
G String - some minimal coverage in the front, the sides and comes to a 't' in the back with string. This items provides the minimalist coverage.

Enjoy shopping for your plus size lingerie. Wearing beautiful lingerie under your clothes make make you feel sexy and more beautiful as you go about your day.

by; Anna Marie, Fashion Editor