What’s The Difference Between Full Busted and Full Figured?
Bra sizing is nothing if not a complex matter, with multiple elements at play that can leave any shopper scratching their heads. Still, it’s well worth the effort to understand how it works. By having a firm grasp on bra sizing, you can ensure that you accurately identify your own, thus helping you to better find pieces that fit your particular body type and bust size/shape flawlessly. One of the most perplexing topics in the world of bra sizing is what distinguishes the terms full busted and full figured. While it’s easy to confuse the two (and to make matters worse, they’re sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably), there’s a distinct difference between the two sizing terms.
So, what separates these common terms? And furthermore, how can you tell if you’re full busted, full figured, or both? In this guide, we’ll break down the difference to help you determine where you fall.
Full busted vs full figured
Let’s get straight to the point. In the lingerie business, the term full figured means you have a band size of about 40 or higher, and the term full busted means you have a cup size of D of higher. Some women fall into both categories (for example, a size 42G).
Of course, it’s not quite that simple. Figuring out whether you’re full figured or full busted means taking your body type into account. You can think of full figured as the plus-size counterpart of the bra world. On the other hand, full-busted ladies may wear straight sizes — they simply happen to have larger breasts.
Related: Top 5 Best Bra Styles For Big Boobs
Why it matters
Whether it’s T-shirt bras, convertible bras, or longline bras you seek — in order to find styles that are well suited to your body, it’s crucial to know whether you’re considered full busted or full figured (or both). Certain lingerie brands specifically cater to particular body types — with some carrying an extensive range of bras in D cup and above (ideal for the full busted ladies), others carrying larger band sizes (essential for the full figured ladies), and some even designing for both categories.
Moreover, some brands that specialize in full figure and full bust lingerie will actually utilize entirely different methods and materials to construct their bras — which is key to ensure that the garments have a consistent shape across a range of sizes. These brands may implement sturdier fabrics and underwires to ensure that full figured and full busted wearers have sufficient support. (It’s worth noting that some brands simply can’t or don’t invest in the materials required to accommodate the size ranges for full busted and full figure bras). Bras that are designed specifically with the full busted woman in mind will likely have additional coverage and seaming in the cups as well as other features that focus on support, while bras that are designed with a full figured woman in mind will likely feature wider, sturdy underbands.
The bottom line? These are terms to pay attention to — they can definitely make for a better shopping experience overall, and more importantly, better fitting bras.
Related: Where To Find Plus Size Lingerie
We Highly Recommend
Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.
If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy bra shopping!
