Finding a comfortable, well-fitted bra is a challenge for many woman. The process can be much more difficult, however, for full-figured women who have different bra needs and for whom correct bra sizing is even more essential than for less generously endowed women. Fortunately, taking the trouble to locate a properly sized bra is worth the effort: you will look slimmer and sexier and, ultimately, feel better about your appearance.

Definition
Full-figure bras are bras with a cup size greater than D -- DD or E, DDD or F, G, H, I, J, K and L -- and a band size greater than 36 inches. The band size refers to the measurement, in inches, around the chest. The cup size is a measurement of how large the bra's cup must be to accomodate the breasts.

Proper measuring
The key to getting a well-fitted full-figure bra is to measure accurately. Begin by having a helper use a tape measure to measure around your chest, directly beneath your breasts. If you need to, lift your breasts out of the way. Round the resulting number to the nearest whole inch. If the number is even, add 4 inches; if it is odd, add 5 inches. This is your band size.   To measure for the cup size, put on a comfortable bra and have your helper measure around your chest again, this time at the fullest point of your bust. Round the number to the nearest whole inch. Subtract the band size measurement number from this number. Consult a cup size conversion chart (see References) to determine which cup letter size corresponds to the resulting number. The two measurements together -- the band size in inches and the cup size letter -- is your bra size.

Proper Fit
A full-figure bra that fits incorrectly will dig painfully into the shoulders, press uncomfortably underneath from the bra underwires and chafe on the bottom of the breasts. A properly fitted bra will avoid these problems. If the bra is sized properly, there should be no unsightly bulges along the edges of the bra's band and the breasts should be fully contained within the cups. In addition, the breasts should be contained at the visual middle point between your collarbone and waist.

Types
All bras, including full figure bras, come in softcup and underwire styles. The benefit of the softcup style is that these bras are more comfortable to wear over long periods of time. The benefit of the underwire style, however, is that they support and shape large breasts much more effectively than softcup bras.

Common Problems
Full figured women often purchase badly fitted bras because they are unable to find cup sizes to accomodate them and try to compensate with a bra that has a larger than necessary band size. Unfortunately, bras fitted in this manner won't provide the support needed. To get a good fit and a good look, it is essential that full figured women only wear bras that conform to their specific physical measurements.

A sport coat is for men who want a look that's more formal than a shirt and jeans, but much less stuffy than the the traditional suit. Sport coats are perfect for casual lunches or dinners, informal dates and weekend meetings with clients. While sport coats come in a wide variety of styles and fabrics, the key to getting the right look is finding a good fit, picking a material suitable to the occasion, and making sure you have appropriate pants to match.

Step 1
Choose a sport coat made of material appropriate to the weather and the occasion. Corduroy, navy, and gray sport coats are wearable in all seasons, while camel hair and any color sport coat made of wool is good for cold weather. Linen sport coats are best for hot summer months, and velvet is best reserved for out of the ordinary, holiday occasions.

Step 2
Pick a sport coat that fits snugly but doesn't wrinkle when it is buttoned. The most important aspect of fitting a sport coat is how it fits around the shoulders. A good-fitting sport coat should allow enough room for the gentleman to wrap his arms around an object without the jacket lifting up excessively. If the coat fits well around the shoulders, it is relatively easy for a tailor to precisely fit the waist and sleeve length. The sleeves should reach just to the wrist and, even when buttoned, there should be room enough under the coat for layered shirts or a bulky sweater.

Step 3
Look for a wrinkle-free, stain-resistant sport coat. Picking a coat of this type will save time and money in dry cleaner trips in the long run and possibly extend the overall life of the coat.

Step 4
Match the sport coat with the appropriate type and color of pants. To match the coat with similarly colored pants, make certain that the two are made of different fabrics and textures. While sport coats can be worn with practically any type of pants--from dress pants to khakis to jeans--never wear them with suit pants.

Pregnancy is a thrilling time in a woman's life. Emphasize the excitement you feel on the inside by looking your best at all times on the outside. Forget the tent dresses and smocks of yesteryear--maternity fashions today are as stylish and modern as non-pregnancy wear. Pick fitted maternity tops and dresses, a fashionable pair of maternity jeans and a quality maternity bra will help you look and feel great.

Wear Fitted Clothes
The biggest fashion faux pas pregnant women make when they pass into the "I'm finally showing" phase is resorting to shapeless, baggy blouses, t-shirts and dresses in an attempt to hide their growing girth. Nothing could be farther from the truth--baggy clothes will only make you look larger. The key to looking stylishly pregnant and not pudgy is to choose form-fitting shirts and dresses that gently hug your growing bump. The best types are those with ties or gathered hems that lie just beneath the belly or ones with side shirring or ruching. Wrap dresses or ones with an empire waist and a tie-in back are also flattering.

Buy Maternity Jeans
Don't try to make do with a larger size of regular jeans, or (even worse) your husband's or boyfriend's jeans. Maternity jeans come in a dizzying array of fashions, styles and cuts. You'll not only be able to find a pair that fits your personal taste, you'll look slimmer and more sophisticated in jeans specifically designed to flatter your new, exquisitely feminine figure.

Maternity bras
Throughout the course of your pregnancy, your ribcage will expand and your breasts will become tender and increase in size. Don't try to tough it out with your pre-pregnancy bra or you'll end up with unsightly bulges beneath your t-shirts and blouses. There's also possible problems with blocked mammary ducts if you regularly wear a tight bra with an underwire. Invest in a quality maternity bra. And keep in mind that some women's breasts increase as much as two sizes during pregnancy. Regularly check the fit of your bra and purchase a new one if it appears too tight or begins to restrict your breathing.