Plus Size Fashion Spotlight: Amoena Mia (And some great tips on finding the right bra!)
If you've been keeping up with the awesome plus size tips that my Fierce experts have given these past couple of weeks, you should know that having right undergarments is essential in plus size fashion. Bras are definitely no exception, having the power to make you look instantly slimmer if you have the right one. So in honor of the fabulous bra, I'm spotlighting Amoena Mia . After serving the needs of breast cancer patients with pocketed bras, breast forms and prostheses, they took their company main stream, offering full cup sizes in six styles with The Comfort+ technology, described as the fabric's ability to transfer "heat away from the body as needed, absorbing excess body heat during a rise in temperature and warming the body with stored heat during a drop in temperature". I had the opportunity to review a bra from the Adriana collection , and it fit quite nicely! The fabric is nice and soft, I have full cup coverage (because my "girls" need it!) and I was rather comfortable in it. The design itself is simple, yet feminine, which is something I like in a bra!
What do you need to know when shopping for the perfect bra? Amoena Mia has five great tips to get you started!
The Band
The bra band should be snug, but not tight, using the middle set of hooks to fasten the bra. With a proper fit, you should be able to comfortably insert one finger under the band on each side, front and back. If the band rides up in the back, the bra band is too large.
The Straps
The straps should fit snugly without cutting into the shoulders and sides. You should be able to place two fingers under the strap. Women who are large breasted should wear a bra with wider straps. Properly fitted bands and underwire bras will help take some of the pressure off the shoulders.
The Cups
The cups should not force the breasts toward the sides or the center. There should be a natural looking separation of the breasts. The center portion of the bra should lie flat against the chest wall between the breasts. If the cup is not filled out or if it wrinkles, a smaller size, fiberfill or contour cup may work better. If the breast tissue overflows, a larger cup or a style with more coverage should be suggested. The underarm area should lie smooth without cutting into the flesh.
Double Check the Fit
To test the fit of a bra sit down and take a deep breath. Does the bra feel binding? If so, it may be too snug. Too loose? Maybe the next size down would be better.
Proper Care
Bras should be washed by hand with a delicate wash or a mild soap and line dried. This will prolong the elasticity of the fabrics and the lifetime of the garment. The average lifespan of a bra is four to six months or about 30 washings.
Happy Bra Shopping Ladies!
Photos courtesy of: Amoena Mia
