Bras in Large Sizes – A Guide
Short answer: A wire free bra in a larger size needs a wide band under the bust, wide straps and a firm elastic fabric to support properly. Choose the right model and you get comfort and hold without an underwire.
Support comes from the band
Most of the support in any bra has to come from the band around the body, not from the straps and not from a wire. That is why a wire free model can carry a larger bust perfectly well, as long as the band is wide and sits firm without digging in. Wide straps spread the rest across the shoulders.
What to look for
Choose a model with double layers of fabric in the cups, a wide back and several rows of hooks so you can adjust over time. The more fabric there is in the cup, the more hold it gives. A bamboo bra without underwire adds softness and breathability, which matters more when the bra covers more skin.
The size has to be exact
The larger the cup, the less a wrong size forgives. Measure directly under the bust and across the fullest point, and write both numbers down. If in doubt, go one size down in the band and one up in the cup, because it is the band that has to sit firm.
Use the scale of the brand
Sizes are not the same from brand to brand, and in the larger sizes the differences are obvious. Check the size guide for JBS of Denmark women before you order, instead of going by the size you usually wear somewhere else.
Signs the bra is too small
The band rides up at the back, the straps leave deep marks, or the fabric cuts in at the side under the arm. If the bust spills over the edge of the cup, the cup is too small even when the band fits. All three can be solved with the right size.
Signs the bra is too big
If you can pull the band more than five centimetres away from your back, it is too big and no longer carries. If the cup folds at the top, or the straps slide off the shoulders however far you shorten them, the model is too big.
For daily wear, training and night
Most people need more than one model: a firm one for long days, a softer one for evenings at home and one with more hold for activity. With a larger bust the hold matters more the more you move, and then a wide band is the most important part of all.
Keeping the shape
A wide band loses its stretch if it is pulled out of shape in the wash or heated in a tumble dryer. Wash at 30 degrees in a laundry bag with the hooks closed, and dry flat. Rotate between several bras so the elastic has time to recover between wears. See also bras without underwire and finding the right size in bamboo clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Can a wire free bra carry a larger bust?
Yes, if the band is wide and firm and the cup has several layers of fabric. The support comes from the band, not from the wire. A wire free model with a narrow band, on the other hand, is not enough.
What if I am between two sizes?
Take the smaller band and the larger cup. The band has to be firm from day one, because it loosens with time, while the cup has to hold the whole bust without anything spilling over the edge.
How often should I measure?
At least once a year, and always after a change in weight. Many people wear the same number for years even though the body has changed, and that is the most common reason a bra does not fit.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
