How to know if you have a fuller bust
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Why do I need to know my body type?
As online shopping continues to grow, it's essential to know YOUR body type. This helps you buy clothing that fits right, reducing returns and waste. With the average bra size in the U.S. being 34DD, having a fuller bust is actually quite common.
Fuller bust can have different definitions but they all conclude the same thing, YOU HAVE BIG BOOBS.
What is Fuller Bust?
A fuller bust can have various definitions, but it generally means one thing: YOU HAVE BIG BOOBS. One key indicator is if your over-bust measurement is larger than your hips' widest point. This suggests a larger cup size in proportion to your body. Often, this places you between sizes, which can be a struggle when shopping for fuller bust clothing.
But remember, having a fuller bust isn’t just about your cup size. It’s about how your cup size relates to your overall figure—making this term a reflection of your body as a whole, rather than just one feature. What we love about brands like Bodycon the Brand is that they recognize this and create pieces tailored for fuller-bust figures, including corset dresses for big busts that actually fit.
Another critical distinction is that fuller bust doesn’t equal plus size. While plus sizes may also accommodate larger cups (like I, J, or K), they typically come with wider waist sizes, maintaining similar ratios to smaller sizes. This is why finding the right fuller bust dresses or fuller bust tops can be challenging if you're in between standard and plus-size clothing.
Signs you may have a fuller bust
Aside from conducting measurements, as discussed in the last section, there are a few more signs that can indicate that you have fuller bust. They include:
Your boobs are heavy
- Did you know that breasts also come in different levels of fullness? Some breasts maybe have a lot of skin, but not much fatty tissue inside, so they tend to be lighter. However, if you have a fuller bust, then your boobs are more likely to be on heavier side. Even causing back pain in some cases
You experience common bra fit issues
- Are you frequently spilling out over the cups of your bras? Do your bra straps dig into your shoulders from the weight of your boobs? These are both common signs of ill-fitting bras, which is extremely common for fuller bust women. I know for a fact that Victoria secret doesn’t carry the fuller bust sizes in store, and if you’ve never been professionally fitted, you’re likely wearing the wrong bra size.
You experience a lot of underboob sweat
- This is often the result of the cup size on a top or dress being too small. With no lift, your boobs are smashed on your ribs. And we all know it can get a bit musty in there….
Measuring your bust in 5 steps
Step 1: Measure Your Band Size
Using the measuring tape, measure around your ribcage, right under your bust. The tape should be snug but not tight. Ensure it's parallel to the ground and doesn't droop in the back.
Note the measurement in inches and record it.
Step 2: Measure Your Bust Size
Measure around the fullest part of your bust, making sure the measuring tape is level and not too tight. Keep it parallel to the ground.
Note the measurement in inches and record it.
Step 3: Calculate Your Cup Size
Subtract your band size (underbust measurement) from your bust measurement. The difference will determine your cup size based on the following scale:
5 inches difference: DD or E cup
6 inches difference: DDD or F cup
7 inches difference: G cup
8 inches difference: H cup
9 inches difference: I cup
10 inches difference: J cup
11 inches difference: K cup
Step 4: Final Check
Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy. It can be helpful to take the measurements a couple of times to ensure consistency.
Step 5: Determine Your Bra Size
Combine your band size (underbust measurement) with your calculated cup size to determine your bra size. For example, if your band size is 34 inches and your bust measurement is 37 inches, your bra size would typically be 34C.
Conclusion
Most women have a fuller bust and they don’t know it. We spend a majority of our lives wishing for a smaller body for so many reasons. Trying to fit into clothes that aren’t made for us isn’t the way forward. Having a fuller bust means that the proportion of our breast size to our waist or hips, is more exaggerated then the conventional sizing mechanisms. This makes it super difficult to find pieces that fit, flatter and support us. Our mission is to solve this problem!