Curvy Couture | Bra FAQs
1. Are there plus-size bras available that are pretty and functional?
For women with larger busts, finding a bra with style and function doesn't have to be difficult. It is as important for a woman to have lingerie that looks good, as it is to have the right fit and support. After all, if you feel good inside, you want to project that same confidence on the outside. Curvy Couture bras do just that. Made with beautiful lace and breathable fabrics, these bras are specifically designed for full-size women. They provide enough support for the breasts that you can feel confident, secure, and sexy, at the same time. Curvy Couture bras have technology built into each bra: from our hot melt technology, foam cup research and development to double layered sides and cushioned straps. All these technologies come together to make a bra that is supportive, smooth and slimming for all day comfort.
2. What is the basic design of a bra?
In order to understand how a bra should fit, it is important to understand bra structure. A bra consists of cups~ an area to hold the breasts, a band ~ which goes around the body to hold the bra in place, a center gore~ which acts as a stabilizer for the bra, and shoulder straps on each side. The bra should have a fastener for adjustment purposes on either the front or the back of the bra. Some bra designs incorporate padding to give a look of additional fullness and lift. The band around the body should bear the weight your breasts; not the shoulder straps.
3. What is the most common mistake that women make trying to find their correct bra size?
The most common mistake among full-figured and plus-size women is buying a bra with cups that are too small and compensating by going up to a band size that is too big for them. Find out what your measurements are and only buy bras that are made specifically for your measurements.
4. Why is it important to have a proper fitting bra?
Wearing the wrong bra size can result in unsightly bumps, bulges, backaches and other medical conditions. Avoid these problems by using the Curvy Couture fit guide to find the best fitting bra.
5. How do I know when my bra does not fit properly?
Use the Curvy Couture Bra fit guide to identify an ill-fitting bra and get some fit tips! Some immediate signs are:
Rising back band: When your bra rises up in the back, this means it is not supporting the weight of your bust.
Falling Breasts: Your breasts are not being properly supported if they do not sit upright in the center of your chest.
Falling Straps: If your straps slide down your shoulders or leave red marks in your flesh, your bra may be too big around the bust and too small in the cup area.
6. What is the best way to put on a bra?
Wearing your bra properly is as important as finding the correct bra to wear. Use these steps:
Place your arms through the straps and slide them over your shoulders.
Bend forward from the waist and adjust your breasts so that the nipples are on the fullest point of the cup. Make sure your breasts are completely in the cup.
Fasten the hooks to the middle position
Stand up straight and adjust your straps again so your breasts are at the right level in the bra
7. I have narrow shoulders and my straps keep falling down. What should I do?
Women with narrow shoulders need to find a bra style with close-set or convertible straps. One great solution is the Curvy Couture Perfect (Plunge bra with Convertible straps. This bra can be worn conventionally, crisscrossed or haltered. It’s like having 3 great bras in one!
8. What is the benefit of a wider bra strap?
Full-figure women may find more comfort and support in bras with wider straps. Comfortable straps are of focus at Curvy Couture, where all bras are designed to have a slightly wider, cushioned strap for your everyday comfort. Thin straps can distress the shoulders due to the amount of pressure exerted on a thinner piece of fabric. Wider straps alleviate some of the pressure and are able to help properly support large breasts without causing stress in the shoulder and arms.
9. What do you do if your breasts are unevenly sized or asymettrical?
This is a common problem for many women, with some having more extreme differences than others. The best solution to this problem is to purchase a bra with stretch cups. Check out the Curvy Couture, Natural Luxury Cotton Bamboo bras available Spring ’13.
10. What is the best way to care for my bras?
All-around bra care is important whether your bra is underwire or soft cup. It is always best to follow the garments care instructions. The most common washing instructions include hand wash and line/flat dry. It is also important to rotate the bras in your bra wardrobe so your bras wear evenly.
11. What is the benefit of a cotton or cotton blend bra?
Fabrics that don't breathe make you sweat and can irritate the sensitive skin around your breast area. A cotton or cotton/bamboo bra is made of a breathable fabric that will help keep you cool, dry and comfortable. The Curvy Couture Natural Luxury underwire and wire free bras are wonderful examples. They offer stylish lace insets, cushioned straps, a supportive seamless and molded cup, for a smooth, sexy look and comfortable all day experience.
12. What color bra should I wear under a sheer, light or dark colored shirt?
When choosing a bra to wear under a light-colored or sheer shirt, choose a nude bra or a color that is close to your skin tone. That will help the bra show up less than if you picked pure white. If you are wearing a black top that has a low neckline and movement could reveal the edges of your bra, the best color is black.
13. What is “VPL”?
Visible Panty Lines are a fashion faux-paux. Rid yourself of the VPL curse forever. When wearing form-fitting garments, opt for the Curvy Couture “whisper light” signature panties. The bonding technology allows panties to lie flat against the body without digging.
14. Is there a way to get shaping in a panty without having to buy constricting shapewear?
Yes, some panties have additional support built into the front panel of the panty. Take a look at Curvy Couture “Whisper light” signature bonded panties. These panties have a light front panel for shaping and bonded edges that lie flat against the body for a smooth seamless shape.
15. Where should my boyshort or hipster fall on the body?
While every body type is different you can expect that a boy short would fit close to the body with the waistband hitting just above the hip bone. The leg should hit about 1" on the leg. While the hipster is also a close fitting garment the waist is meant to sit at the top of the hip bone and the leg opening should fall in the natural crease where your hip and leg meet. The biggest difference in these two bodies is the "side seam". A boy short will typically have a 6-7" side and the hipster typically has a 3-4" side.
16. Will a T-shirt bra work for me?
T-shirt bras are perfect for every body type. Often seamless, a t-shirt bra is frequently made with molded cups, which gives you great lift and support, and looks great under the thinnest of material. Try the Curvy Couture T-shirt bra for the perfect fit.
17. Is underwire better than a soft cup bra?
Known for their comfort, soft cup bras can provide average to full support, but are gentler on the skin than underwire. Often referred to as wire free, soft cup bras come in an array of colors and styles and are just as sexy as their wired counterparts. Historically, soft cup bras were limited in the number of styles. However, in recent years, soft cup bras have made a comeback, with revolutionary technology to help soft cups give more lift and fullness to your breasts.
18. What is a Convertible bra?
A convertible bra has its place in every woman's bra collection. The beauty of the convertible bra is that they are all-purpose and give you so many options! You can wear it under a variety of different shirts and still get the support of a full coverage bra. Choose a convertible bra with proper support so that no matter which way you decide to wear it, you still look your very best. Try Curvy Couture’s Convertible Spacer T-shirt Braor Perfect Plung Multi- and have a “bra changing” experience.
19. Where exactly should my breasts sit on my body?
One important factor of bras is their "lift" ability. The way to know if your breasts are in the right place is to bend your arm at the elbow and form a 90-degree angle. Then, lay your arm down across the middle. Your breasts should be sitting about half way between your shoulders and your elbow.
20. What is a Bustier/Corset?
A great bra-like addition to your intimate lingerie collection is a bustier. More commonly know as a Corset. Corsets have really made a comeback in the fashion world. This garment extends from the bust to the hips. Corsets are usually very slimming because of their overall structure (most contain a fair bit of boning). Some have removable straps that make it a great addition for a special occasion. Be sure to purchase a corset based on your current bra size as many also double as a bra. It is important that your corset offers the right support and fit for your breasts.