Ladies, if you’re anything like me, you know that finding the best bra for a plus size frame can be a real challenge. Every bra has pros and cons, but getting all the features you need in one bra feels nearly impossible. How about a few bra hacks for plus size folks?
Throughout my 15+ years of fitting women in bras, I’ve heard the same common challenges about plus size bras:
- Straps that dig into the shoulders
- Wider bands that don’t accommodate smaller cups
- Bands that ride up or feel too tight
- Cups that don’t provide enough support or coverage
- Straps that slip down
…and the list goes on!
Due to the lack of representation of plus size women and styles designed for curvy figures, we need to get creative and support ourselves until the industry catches up.
We have to think of inventive ways to have our own backs… literally!
But first things first: before I share my top 6 bra hacks for plus size women, it’s important to start with this essential step to ensure you get the best fit from your bra…
Get Fitted to Discover Your Baseline Bra Size
You will probably hear me say this again and again, but I don’t want to minimize the importance of knowing your bra size. It will serve as a baseline when you are shopping for bras. A baseline will be a starting point as you hunt for the best style and fit.
Most women have never been professionally fitted for a bra or were last fitted when they were much younger. As plus size women, we often end up in stores that don’t cater to our needs and are squeezed into the largest size available.
Professional fitting is important, but finding bra fitters specializing in plus size bras is equally essential.
Check out my Step-By-Step Guide And Checklist for Professional Bra Fitting here.
6 Bra Hacks for Plus Size Women
#1 Bra Extenders for Wider Band Needs
There’s a misconception that being plus size means having big boobs (buzzer sound), wrong!
Many plus size women have wider band sizes but smaller busts. My sister is one of them, and finding her a bra was challenging.
Most retailers will have inventory based on the most popular band and cup size combinations. Many stores that claim to specialize in plus size lingerie often don’t carry cup sizes like B or C.
Instead, they stock bras with typically larger cup sizes, assuming the cup size increases proportionally as the band size increases.
After visiting three different stores, we finally found a bra fitter with some great advice I hadn’t considered. It was an “Aha!” moment. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t considered it before, but the solution we found required the opposite approach to what I had been trying.
Instead of searching for a wider band to accommodate my sister’s smaller cup size, we needed to find a bra that fit her cup size and then use extenders to adjust the band.
Bra extenders are a brilliant tool for plus size women with smaller breasts. They expand your options, allowing you to enjoy a variety of styles without compromising on looking and feeling sexy.
You can purchase these at Amazon in various colors to match the bra you want to extend.
#2 Front Closure Bras
Trust me when I say that once you try a front-closure bra, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it…
Front-closure bras fasten at the front, making them easier to put on and take off. They ensure a snug fit that effectively supports and distributes your bust. They usually have wider bands and straps, which means they stay in place without digging into your skin.
Many women prefer front-closure bras because they are easier to put on and take off. While it’s typical to fasten the back of standard bras and then twist them around to position them properly, continually twisting a standard back-fastening bra can cause it to wear out more quickly. This makes front-closure bras more long-lasting and durable compared to standard bras.
Seriously, front-closure bras are lifesavers. They’re comfortable and supportive and make getting dressed a breeze. Give them a try, and you’ll understand why they’re my go-to hack for plus size lingerie.
#3 Strap Cushions for Reduced Pressure
Have you ever slipped into your favorite bra only to feel uncomfortable pressure within an hour? This one is for all the ladies who adore the look of thinner straps but dread the discomfort that often accompanies them.
Strap cushions can be handy when your go-to everyday bra lacks comfort.
If your shoulders often hurt when you wear bras, it’s essential to check if the band provides enough support and that your straps are well-adjusted for adequate support. Strap cushions are a great add-on to ensure your bra is super comfy and still looks good.
You may find my next tip helpful if you’re having issues with strap support…
#4 Converting Regular Bras into Racerbacks Using a J-Hook
It’s so frustrating when my bra straps won’t stay put and keep slipping off my shoulders at the worst possible moments! We can all relate to needing extra support to keep everything where it should be.
One of the best hacks for plus size women is converting regular bras into racerbacks using a J-Hook, also known as a bra strap clip. This little accessory pulls the straps closer together, preventing those annoying slips and adding extra support.
If your bra doesn’t already have a built-in J-Hook, don’t worry—you can easily buy a bra strap clip online at Amazon or selected lingerie stores.
These clips can be a game-changer! Anytime I’ve used this hack, I leave the house feeling confident and comfortable, knowing my straps will stay in place without the discomfort of overly tight straps.
#5 Removing Deodorant Stains with Vinegar
Remember this: While many of our tips are about finding the right bra and staying comfy, taking care of your bras is also essential. When you look after them, your bras will last longer and continue to give you the support you need.
I always use vinegar for pretty much everything, just like my mom and grandma. I’ve found that it’s great for dealing with those annoying deodorant stains on my black bras. I only use white vinegar, which works like a charm!
- Pour 1-2 tablespoons of white vinegar directly onto the stains.
- Use a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the vinegar into the fabric or rub the stained areas together.
- Allow the vinegar to work its magic for 30-60 minutes.
- Toss your bra in a bra bag to protect it during washing.
- Wash the bra gently or using a hand wash cycle on the washing machine.
- Lay your bra on a flat surface to dry.
Sure, many experts prefer hand washing, but let’s be honest—that’s a bit too much effort for me. Vinegar removes stains and deodorizes, leaving my bras smelling fresh and clean.
If you’re ready to part ways with your gently used bras, consider recycling them with The Bra Recyclers.
But before you do, follow the above steps to give them a good clean with vinegar to ensure they’re ready for their next life.
#6 Bras with Removable Pads
I love the flexibility of my bra with removable pads—it gives me options based on my activities and plans for the day. If you’re like me and even a slight breeze makes your nipples say hello to everyone, the pads are a lifesaver.
Plus, it’s nice to have a more contoured shape if you wear something like a T-shirt. Removable pads are also great for adjusting the level of support, making these bras perfect for both lounging at home and hitting the gym.
Embrace Your Curves with These Essential Bra Hacks
Ladies, every woman deserves to rock her favorite dress, cute top, or button-down shirt without feeling self-conscious. I hope these simple yet effective plus size bra hacks have empowered you with the confidence to do just that.
If you’re looking for more ways to embrace your summer wardrobe this year, check out my recent guide to identifying the best strapless bras for plus size women.
And don’t forget, if you have bras that no longer serve you and want to reduce textile waste while helping women in need, consider recycling them with The Bra Recyclers.
