How do you manage heavy breasts?

How do you manage heavy breasts?

As a woman, I understand entirely that sporting large breasts can complicate life.

Some think that it’s marvelous, but the reality is that keeping them in check can be challenging.

So I thought I’d take the plunge (pun intended) and list a few ways to help us busty ladies.

How do you manage heavy breasts? Tips and advice

Tip #1: Maintain a good posture

Some females develop poor posture by stooping over simply because they are trying to hide their breasts.

Sorry to tell you, but it doesn’t look good and will probably cause back pain. It really isn’t a good idea.

Tip #2: Use the right bras: Shopping tips for bras for large breasts

Many brands do not offer cup sizes in the E to F range, and there isn’t much available for fashionable choice for the larger sizes.

So don’t let this stop you! You deserve a great bra for heavy breasts that can meet all your desires.

Choose a well-fitting bra that will minimize your bust while at the same time giving you enough support.

Here are some guidelines to point you in the right direction.

Consider the materials

It’s a misconception that heavy, industrial-feeling bras are the only lingerie choice when you have huge boobs.

Brands have recently started to experiment with a variety of fabrics, such as lace and mesh, which do not compromise comfort or support for larger busts.

It’s quite simple, actually.

The trick is to ensure that the bra, whatever the material, offers adequate wing assistance.

Simply put, the panels on the sides of the bra (the ones that link the cups to the clasp in the back) are correctly designed and made strong enough to hold up a larger bust.

How do you manage heavy breasts? Look for:

• Underwired or padded cups, which add great shape and definition
• Side boning to stabilize the structure of your bra
• Interior slings for lift, shape and side support, and
• Cushioned shoulder straps that can cope with holding up larger volumes without digging into your shoulders

I’ve put together a list with a range of bra types for different plus-size needs and tastes, which you can discover in the blog post Comfortable bra for plus-size ladies.

Ask yourself if you’re wearing the correct size

It’s the most common thing in the world for us ladies to choose bras that don’t fit.

For us who are bigger on top, we often try to squeeze into a bra that doesn’t offer enough support.

Then you’ll find some of us who buy a bra that’s too big around the torso with a too-small cup.

It’s pretty easy to realize when you’ve got it wrong!

I’m sure you’ve worn bras with straps that are constantly slipping off your shoulder, underwire that digs relentlessly into your boob; cups that don’t fit comfortably… And the list goes on.

If you’re encountering this right now, it’s time to change.

What about the shape of your breasts?

When searching for a brand-new bra, it’s essential to think of the size of your bust and, something that is rarely done, the shape of your breasts.

For instance, if your boobs are teardrop-shaped, a demi or balconette design will give you an excellent fit.

If they’re rounder, a plunge or triangular shape may feel more encouraging, as it pulls the breast tissue in on the sides.

If you have a fuller bust, unpadded bras are generally the most comfortable, as they enhance your breast shape and make your boobs look smaller.

Our related article Is there such a thing as a comfy bra? contains particularly interesting information if comfort is very important to you.

Know what a well-fitting bra feels like

The cups should always fit smoothly throughout the breasts without gaps, overflowing, or digging into your body.

If you see that you’re bulging over the top and sides, then the cup is too small, or your straps are too tight.

The piece of material between cups, called the gore, should lie flat on your chest and hit the center chest bone.

At the same time, an underwire must follow the edge of the breast tissue and lie snugly on the rib cage.

The straps must never slip (you should be able to fit just two fingers under it) or go into your shoulders.

They’re not the ones supplying the assistance, the band is.

Regularly change your bras

Specialists agree that you must change your bras every 6 months as a rule of thumb. Just as your favorite shoes, they break and extend with regular use.

If you’re not sure how to realize that your bra is past its expiry date, read on.

Clear indications would be slipping shoulder straps (when they didn’t before), a “double bubble” at the cup, torn edges, exposed underwires, and naturally, not getting as much lift as you used to.

It’s actually a good idea to have multiple bras.

Fibers need enough time to rest and pull back after every wear to extend their life span, and alternate wears are recommended.

I do recommend having at least 4 bras in routine rotation.

Really take note of the band: How do you manage heavy breasts?

Circa 75% of support comes from the band around your torso that supports the bust weight.

It should fit evenly from front to back and not move when you raise your arms; it should lie comfortably against your back without humps at any point.

If it does, then it’s too big in relation to the weight of the breasts.

Use your bra on the loosest hook so that when the band gradually extends, you can get more wear out of it by just tightening up.

You’ll understand you’re using the best band size when you can slip just two fingers below the back of it.

Tip #3: Focus on workouts and physical activities that do not cause high impacts

There is nothing quite so discouraging as physical activities that make you self-conscious or, worse, leave you in pain.

Find ways to exercise that won’t trigger pain or make you feel awkward.

You might want to look into low-impact activities such as swimming and yoga.

Walking on a treadmill set at a steep slope, for instance, can offer you the same workout benefits as running without the uncomfortable bouncing and wiggling in front of everyone.

Make sure you invest in a sports bra made for those of us with big chests.

Tip #4: Try to drop some weight if needed

If you’re overweight, drop a couple of pounds; your breasts may slim down with the rest of your body.

Tip: Read What do large breasts indicate? for more interesting facts and insights about the correlation between your breasts and your weight.

Tip #5: Dress your top-heavy body cleverly

Wear designs made to flatter a big chest, like V- and sweetie necklines and corset-style tops.

Avoid shirts with breast pockets, spaghetti straps and broad belts.

Pick bottoms that balance your bust, like wide-legged trousers and flared skirts.

Do NOT, at any cost, try to hide big breasts under saggy clothes.

It won’t take away attention and will only make you look heavy and matronly.

Tip #6: Keep a positive mindset: How do you manage heavy breasts?

Lady, you got this. If anyone is catcalling or making rude remarks, keep your head high and ignore them.

This behavior speaks volumes about them and has nothing to do with you.

And remember: Each year, hundreds of thousands of women worldwide spend thousands of dollars on breast surgery to get what you currently have naturally!

Tip #7: Breast reduction surgical treatment as last resort

It’s one thing to be proud of what you’ve got, but on the other hand, if a larger chest is really causing severe physical pain and you cannot bear it, consider a surgical reduction.

Some insurance companies will cover your treatment.

For example, if your bust size triggers physical grievances, speak to a trusted doctor and evaluate your options.

Examples are consistent back, neck and shoulder pain, sores and cuts caused by bra straps and under-wiring, rashes under each breast and you having trouble sleeping.

And remember: You deserve to be happy.