The straps are cutting into the shoulder, the breast is constantly trying to escape its confinement and when you finally get to take off the bra you have painful indentations on your back? That’s a sure-fire sign that you need a new bra that actually fits right. Comfort and feeling good are everything. You won’t even feel a bra that fits perfectly. Anita can look back on 130 years of experience in the Big Cup segment and is continuously working on innovations in the plus size area. We know exactly what a bra for large breasts must be able to do – and we want to give you some pointers in our interview with the expert Katja Hartenstein, Shapewear Designer at Anita.

 

Katja, at which cup size is a bra considered to be a Big Cup bra?

Here at Anita, Big Cup bras start with an F cup. Many fashion chains talk about D cup bras as plus size and offer those as their largest size. There really is no standard definition out there.

 

How can I tell if a bra is made for large breasts?

There are some typical features a bra for large breasts should definitely have: Wide straps, large cups, a high bridge and a robust back panel. For those, who aren’t really experts, it may not always be easy to tell, whether or not a model is designed for large breasts. That is why you should see a sales professional, who can tell you at a glance. And that is also why I would always advise women with large breasts to go and see a specialist retailer for a consultation.

Women with large and heavy breasts can’t wear all bra types. Why is that?

There simply are some cuts that support the breast a lot better. That will result in much more comfort for the wearer and women will feel more confident and attractive.  Some bra types will help improve the shape of the breast or simply make them look nicer.

 

What types of bras are a good choice for a large bust?

You’d definitely want a bra with good lateral support (that can be completely invisible and hidden in the fabric). Those bras can be underwire bras or Soft bras that properly encase the breast.

A large breast can be nice and firm, or very soft. It might sit high up on the chest or it can hang. What kind of bra should a woman with softer breast tissue choose?

For them, a bra should be made of a firm material to support the breast. A bra with moulded cups could also be a good choice. There are quite a few women, who wouldn’t even consider one of those with the argument “I’ve got enough already, I don’t need more”. But then they are pleasantly surprised about the good support and the firmness such a bra can offer. My tip: Give it a try.

 

Many women with large breasts go for a “minimizer” in the hopes to make their breasts appear smaller. Does that really work?

Oh yes, the myth about the minimizer. All it does is that it flattens the chest, which makes it appear smaller when you look down or look in the mirror. But all that tissue needs to go somewhere. So it is then squashed to the sides and into the middle. Wearing a minimizer from time to time is fine – just like wearing high heels: At some point it gets uncomfortable and starts to hurt.

 

Heavy breasts and sports: What will a sports bra have to be capable of?

Hold – hold – hold. Support – support– support. And the straps should be comfortable.

 

Which sports bra would you personally recommend?

I can recommend all Anita models – depending on the type of sport. Best would be the ones with high functionality.

Which five bras should a busty woman have in the drawer?

A pre-shaped bra, one with seams – with and without underwire, a moulded cup bra, a sports bra and a support bra. Here you can find the entire selection of Big Cup bras.