It’s no secret that those of us with a womanly shape have struggled to find decent underwear.
Too often, women underestimate the importance of well-fitting underwear, both for everyday life and for exercising. We’re also guilty of being complacent about our smalls, not to mention being self-conscious when it comes to shopping.
However, the right foundations will not only improve your posture, protect your assets, minimise back and neck pain, slim your bust size and whittle kilos off your frame – the knowledge that you’re wearing something beautiful is a major confidence booster for most of us. And, unlike days gone by, the options and resources available nowadays have blossomed.
With all that to gain, it’s time you paid your underwear the attention it needs – with the help of our practical, and supportive, guide to the benefits of well-fitting underwear …
What to look for
Avoid anything that restricts your movement or is made of synthetic fabrics. Instead, go for underwear that enhances your natural shape, adjusts to monthly changes in your cup size, is gentle on your skin and is made from high-quality, stretchy combinations of cotton, polyester and lycra.
For larger-busted ladies, it’s immensely important to choose bras that give you gentle support and distribute the weight evenly over the whole surface area of the bra (instead of a tight line around your ribs and that pulling feeling over your shoulders). Many women with large cup sizes hitch their breasts up too high and too tight, which places great pressure on the shoulders, often resulting in referred neck and back pain. A professional bra fitting will ensure your breasts sit at their natural position, allowing the weight to be carried by your back instead of your shoulders. You’ll feel lighter, taller and slimmer – just from choosing the right bra!
How to work out your size
Forget buying the same bra year after year – you need to reassess your assets regularly! Freelance stylist Colette Harvey, who recently made over the Biggest Loser contestants, explains: “Your breasts are unique, and your breast size changes regularly.”
“If you’re not 110% confident in your bra size, then don’t be embarrassed to speak to a professional in any major department store or specialty lingerie store,” she says. “They do this for a living and will guarantee the right bra for your body.” However, if you absolutely can’t bear to be professionally fitted, there are plenty of online options and fitting tips. Try www.bodywise.com.au or www.movingcomfort.com. The Playtex online store is a great bra-fitting guide for those that are too shy to ask the experts. “Most online stores will also happily return for the right size,” she adds.
Minimal impact
“Remember, when you are exercising or dieting and are losing weight, the first thing to change will usually be your boobs,” says Colette. “This means updating your sports bras on a regular basis.”
Since a DD cup size can bounce about 19cm during exercise, it’s important you invest in a good sports bra. Colette says, “I highly recommend Berlei’s sports bras for the fuller-figured lady – they’re tested and approved by the Australian Institute of Sport.”
Take control of your shape
Shapewear may be the talk of Tinseltown, but does it make a difference? According to Colette: “Absolutely, yes! The foundation for a great silhouette and feeling fabulous starts with your underwear. I highly recommend a good pair of Spanx – don’t be afraid … They are a wardrobe staple for A-list stars (those Oscar gowns don’t look that fabulous on their own, you know!).”
The shapewear you choose should be determined by your problem areas and your outfit. For example, if your tummy is an issue for you, invest in good waist-defining piece. “Start with your underwear. The outerwear will only ever look great if you get the foundation right.”
Australia has some fabulous shapewear lines available. With cutting-edge technology and practical, comfy shapes, Nearly Nude is a favourite of celebrities and us mortals alike: “Their seamless shapewear and slimming slips are a must for every women’s wardrobe,” says Colette.
And there’s the rub …
Discomfort is a real turn-off when you’re training, so it pays to employ a bit of prevention. The right underwear will help minimise painful, unpleasant and embarrassing chafing while exercising.
“Chafing under the breasts and between the thighs is common,” explains Helen Tardent, former Aerobics Oz Style presenter and founder of Pilates Moves in Sydney. “As an ex-ballet dancer, I know all too well how off-putting raw, sore skin is, so I recommend my clients take precautions. Ironically, it is often the looser-fitting clothing that larger people prefer that actually contributes to the chafing. In loose clothes, you have more incidence of skin-on-skin contact, so I advise they wear tight leotard-style tops and long bicycle leggings under their baggy exercise gear, which works well – the tighter clothes absorb the sweat and stop skin from rubbing on skin.”
Some other tips include:
- Use petroleum-free and non-staining lubrication or anti-chafing cream to prevent friction.
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Avoid wearing synthetic clothes as they further aggravate sensitive skin. Pure cotton is a much better option.
- Try to always wear clean, dry clothes during and after exercising.
The beautiful bigger bra
No longer do you need to settle for second-best underwear styles. The rise and rise of sexy, elegant, pretty and functional designs has been nothing short of meteoric – look for stockists such as Fantasie (check out fantastie.com for their other ‘larger lady’ labels: Freya, Freya Active, Goddess, Elomi, and Fauve), which is widely available in Australia – call (03) 9646 9305.