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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MCLA chapter.

Bras are a big part of the fashion industry. They are often sold with high sex appeal, modeled by twiggy women with small chests. Unfortunately, that only represents a small portion of the population. A lot of women are finding themselves in the bustier section of bras, and the industry has not been kind to them.

Sizing is an absolute nightmare when it comes to bras. Every store is different depending on where you go. It is recommended that women be measured for bras twice a year because the body can change in a period of six months. The problem with getting measured, however, is that most stores have different sizes when it comes to styles. Take Victoria’s Secret, for example. They only sell bras that go up to a DDD. So, when they measure you, they’re trying to find a size in their store that might fit you so they can sell it and make money. They aren’t looking out for your comfort or your style. Plus, while you may be a D or a DDD at Victoria’s Secret, you could end up being a G or an F at a place like Soma

Speaking of Victoria’s Secret, they are not plus-size friendly in terms of bras. As I mentioned earlier, they only sell sizes up to a DDD. As someone who is a little bustier, I cannot buy any bras at Victoria’s Secret because they don’t carry my size. It has recently been reported that Victoria’s Secret has been closing hundreds of stores because of a drop in sales. While online shopping may play a part in this, I truly believe it’s because Victoria’s Secret doesn’t cater to the bigger chested woman. If they were to sell sizes above a DDD, they may be able to regain the profits they have lost

Another problem with the bra industry is cost in general. Smaller sizes in the A or B range cost significantly less than those of D and up. A typical A or B cup bra costs between $30-$40, while a D or over can start at $45 and go up from there. It’s almost like the industry is punishing us chestier women for having larger boobs. It isn’t our fault that our bodies are the way they are. Women with a bigger bra size should have the same cost as those with a smaller size. You shouldn’t have to put a price on comfort and style

Bra models are another problem in the industry. Oftentimes, models are portrayed as being skinny, with hardly any chest at all. Girls are forced to see this and believe they aren’t beautiful just because they have a big chest. I know, for a long time, I was extremely self conscious of my chest because I actually had boobs. But recently we have begun to see stores utilizing models that emphasize all body types, such as Lane Bryant and Torrid. It gives me hope that we can start to see a major shift in bra modeling, so girls don’t have to feel the way that I did for so long

Bras can be a real pain. But it is my hope that we can move towards a time where bras are inclusive of all body types, and we can be more accepting of the different chest types that women have. No one should have to suffer through wearing an ill-fitting bra. I’ve done that for years, and it’s made me so uncomfortable and irritated. If you’re someone struggling to find a good fitting bra, don’t give up. There is a bra out there that fits you, it’s just a matter of time. Keep trying styles and sizes and, I promise, you will find the perfect fit. 

 

Shana is an English Literature and Secondary Education major. She loves to write and has been writing since early middle school. She hopes to have her first book published within the next few years. She also enjoys knitting, singing, and cooking.
Meghan is a sophomore who majors in Psychology with a minor in behavior analysis. She is one of the two campus correspondents of the MCLA chapter. Writing has become first nature for her- it's like riding a bike into paradise. She primarily writes about love with the hope to become the female version of Nicholas Sparks someday.