The world of fashion often is full of contradictions and fuzzy lines of distinction. In some cases, the apparent meaning of a phrase can be not only misleading, but more or less wrong. This is particularly true with bras.
Look around you. A majority of the women you see are wearing the wrong size bra. The question, of course, is why? The answer is found in the fact that bra sizing and styles are so varied that getting a perfect fit is maddeningly difficult. Since there is no universal sizing, you will find a 36D with Le Mystere does not fit at all like the same style 36D by Freya. Neither brand is wrong per se in their sizing, they simply measure things slightly differently.
One area that causes a massive amount of confusion in this area is the full figured bra. I had a friend who was frantic after speaking with a bra sizing professional. The professional measured her and suggested a full size bra was the answer when it came to finding a fit. My friend works our frequently and is someone I would consider thin. She obviously agreed and wonders how she could possible be a candidate for a full figure bra?
This "problem" is a common one. It comes from the fact that most women do not understand what "full figure" means with bras. It does not mean a bra with a band and straps that are designed for a larger body per se. Instead, it means cup sizes and bands that are designed to accommodate bigger breasts. Now you might think the two go hand in hand. They often do, but they do not have to.
Let's assume you are a woman who works out a lot and really watch what you eat. Breasts are very fat sensitive. If you are thin, your breasts will tend to be smaller. To accommodate this, you get breast implants. Now you have a thin, athletic body with larger breasts. What kind of bra is going to be best for you? In most cases, it is going to be a full figure bra. Although your body is petite, the actual area of your breasts is not. It will need larger cup sizes for support.
If you have a larger bust line and find your bra uncomfortable, try moving up to a full figured option. It does not mean you are overweight, just that your cup size needs to be oriented to a larger size.
By Tiffany Hart