Any plus size woman who has navigated through the horror of Victoria Secret’s B-cup jungle knows the importance of having accessibility to undergarments designed for those who don’t fit a mannequin’s shape. Purchasing lingerie at any size can be an ordeal, and if you are large-breasted you have more than likely experienced an even bigger challenge.

Fortunately many manufacturers have caught on to the increasing demand to provide more options for those beyond a C or D cup, and even the opportunity to purchase a custom-made plus-size bra is now available.

So how do you obtain one of these diamonds in the rough? Chances are, it’s easier than you think!

Many custom-made plus size bras start in your favorite lingerie boutique. It never hurts to ask if they create special orders in larger sizes. Remember, just because it isn’t on the store shelves does not mean the company does not provide it. A store can only carry so much merchandise on their displays, so they are going to appeal to a more mainstream crowd. For the real treasures, you oftentimes have to inquire at the counter for information.

Try stores like Victoria’s Secret or a boutique specializing in formal attire that you know carries a variety of undergarments. Since brides are often top bidders for customized items, you will be smart to try your luck at a bridal boutique or somewhere similar.

You can also order custom bras online at stores such as The Bra Shop. However if you choose to order online, know that you’re taking a risk. The Internet robs the customized lingerie experience of – well, customization. The best a company can do from afar is to guess your contours and without ever seeing you in person you are risking a bra as awkward fitting as what you could have just as easily purchased down the street.

Many women in the quest for bust fulfillment have learned to sew their own plus sized bras, and the results have been impressive. If you don’t like the patterns or styles available even for custom options, you can indeed create your own lingerie.

To make your own custom bra, you will need a bra bad, straps, some sort of closure, and the bra cups. You can select what sort of style you want by getting thicker straps, fancier closures, or varying textures of cups. Since most full-busted women are looking for full support for their unique shape, choosing the individual components can be rewarding when the final result is being worn.

Next, obtain fabric and a bra pattern from a company such as Kwik Sew or McCalls. Most major pattern manufacturers make undergarment designs, and you will find it to be easier than you may suspect to find a plus sized version. Patterns can also be ordered online if need be.

Check your initial fit by making a sample cut with the fabric and pattern you have chosen. Hold it up to yourself and make sure it completely covers your breast and gives you a little extra room for seams after bra is complete. As embarrassing as it sounds, many women’s breasts are different sizes so be sure to try the cup on BOTH breasts to ensure the best possible fit.

Take your time when you begin to cut your fabric and follow the pattern. Bras demand such a concise construction that even being a minute centimeter off course can cause your product to be uncomfortable and useless. If you are making your first homemade customized bra, set aside an adequate amount of time to do it the right way.

Sewing the cups first will give you the best fit, and adding elastic to the bra’s band should be your last step. You can find out more about sewing your own bra at Web sites such as Taunton.com.

Being a plus sized woman does not need to feel like a burden when in actuality it is just another form of being beautiful. Getting a custom bra (whether purchased or homemade) can boost your self-confidence and protect your health at the same time.

Initial Author: Tamara Warta Recent Contributors: Mary Beth

From LoveToKnow PlussizeProperly fitted extra large bras will provide comfort and the right look under your clothing. Finding the right bra isn't a mystery once you understand bra-sizing basics.

Plus size women often struggle with the blended look when their large breasts hang to their waist giving them an undefined shape. This is due to wearing a bra that doesn't fit properly. When measuring for bra fitting, two measurements play an important role.

When measuring yourself to determine your bra size, use a cloth tape measure; drape it around your back and under your bust. This measurement equals the number of the size you will wear. For example if you measured 44, your bra size would be 44 followed the letter representing your cup size. However, if the measurement is an odd number add one to the number because bra sizes only come in even numbers.

To determine your cup size, use the same tape measure and draw it around yourself and across the fullest part of your breasts. Take this number and subtract your chest size from it. For each one inch difference add a letter starting with the letter 'A'. If the difference is 4 inches your cup size would be 'D'. However, after that it grows a little more complicated. The following information should help:
.  1 inch = A cup
.  2 inches = B cup
.  3 inches = C cup
.  4 inches = D cup
.  5 inches = E or DD cup
.  6 inches = F or DDD or EE cup
.  7 inches = G or FF or EEE cup
.  9 inches = H or GG or FFF cup
.  10 inches = I or HH or GGG Cup
With your current measurements and this information, you should be able to find the right size and fit for your body, but remember that fit may differ depending on the manufacturer. It's important to try on extra large bras.

If the band of your bra fits loosely and does not hug your body it will shift with your movements and does not support you properly. Because of this improper fit, the straps bear the weight and will cut into your shoulders. Straps are supposed to adjust the height of the bust, not bear weight. If you tighten the straps too much, your bra will ride up in back. Finding a bra that fits allows the straps to function to adjust the lift and support of the bra giving your full figure that defined look.

To avoid straps digging into your shoulders, they should be wide and tight enough to raise the bust above the bend in your elbow and still be comfortable. When adjusted properly the straps are more likely to stay put and not slip off the shoulders.

Plus size women often overflow their cups resulting in the breasts dropping out at the bottom, overflowing under the arm or billowing over the top of the cups. This means that the cup size is too small.

On the other hand, if the cups wrinkle because your breasts don't fill out the cup this means the cup size is too big. This creates an unattractive line under your clothes.

Another thing to take into consideration is that most women have one breast larger than the other. The bra should be purchased to fit the larger side.

Trying on bras may seem inconvenient, but it's the best way to ensure a proper fit. Once you determine your size note or do the following when trying on bras:
.  Bra should fit comfortably when fastened on the middle set of hooks
.  Try standing and sitting down to ensure the bra is comfortable
.  Be sure cups fit all around the breasts
.  Make sure straps are wide enough they don't dig into your shoulders
.  Retrieved from "http://plussize.lovetoknow.com/Extra_Large_Bras"

Initial Author: Donna Sundblad    Recent Contributors: Mary Beth