How do I know what size bra I should be wearing?
Measuring is a tool that gives us a better idea of size and even style, that would suit you best. It helps to know what size you are wearing now and how tall you are.

How do I measure to get the right size bra?
Measure your rib-cage (under your bustline) and across the fullest part of your bust. Your height is important too. Short women generally do better with a non-wired bra.

Do I have to wear an underwire bra to get the support I need?
I hear this question so often. My answer is always NO. If the style, cut and straps are adequate, an non-wired bra will match or beat any support of a wired bra. And no poking, gauging or pain...That is a huge advantage to me. There are many quality non-wired bras available, such as the Goddess Plus Size Bra 110 (for the very full breast), the Goddess Bra 304, and Aviana Full Figure Bra 2353 .

How long should a bra last?
Another question that haunts all of us! They are made to last 3-4 months. When the life of a bra is over it can no longer do its job. The job in many cases is to support alot of weight and work through a heavy work day. When your shoulders, back or body aches, it may be time to dump the bra you are wearing. I have made the analogy many times- when your feet hurt, get new shoes. When your your back or shoulders ache, replace your bras.

How do I wash my bras to get the best wear?
A bra should be washed every time you wear it for a day. It should be washed in cold water with mild soap and hung to dry. Dryers eat wired bras and cut the life of a non-wired bra. Everyday body soil deteriorates fabrics. Do not think that the life of a bra can be extended by avoiding daily washings.

Why do some manufacturers fit perfectly and others of the same size don't?
I hear this alot. Generally the name brand bras have truer cuts and you are paying for the continuity. Some styles run differently. Goddess 110 large bra is a great example of a quality fit, for those looking for support and fit and comfort without a wire. The band size runs a bit small in the Goddess 110 but the cup is wonderfully adequate to the size you will require. Personally, I cannot wear every brand but the Glamorise 1000 full figure bra is my favorite and it works well for me. We are all different and require options for maximum comfort and support. One size fits all, does not work in bra fitting.

I am pregnant, how soon should I buy a nursing bra?
It is best to buy a nursing bra no sooner than 3 weeks prior to delivery. You may change a size or 2 before that and remember the life of a bra will be 3-4 months! I always recommend a non-wired nursing bra. The Goddess 511 is excellent for comfort and support. The Leading Lady Nursing Bra 488 (discontinued) is a wired nursing bra that is popular for those who insist on a wire. Wires can do damage to tissue and even cause problems with nursing.

Do you have a comfortable leisure bra that can be slept in?
Yes, the Leading Lady Bra 108 and Leading Lady Bra 110 provide comfort and support without wires. You should never sleep in a wired bra.

How many bra extenders can I use for a bra that wouldn't fit without them?
Bra extenders are wonderful items . For a small price of $2.00, it can provide the perfect fit. When you are between sizes by 1/4 of an inch, the extender can be used and it will not throw off the fit of the bra. More than one extender is like wearing a size 10 shoe when you really wear an 8. The shoe fits, but poorly providing no support or comfort. The best use of a bra extender is when you have a large band and a small cup size. Generally, the cup is too big. You can go down a band size with an extender and the cup will be a much better fit. I have seen women with 2 or 3 bra extenders come in and tell me that they are a 40c for example, but in reality, with the extends they are closer to a 44-46. There is no comfort or fit with more than one extender.

I have been wearing that size for 10 years, why do I have to try them on?
I hear that question daily. Our bodies change is the simple answer. Denial is alive and well in all of us. I have seen hundreds of women who truly believe that they are one size and leave our store in a much different size than they came in with. Take the time to try on new styles and brands. At Ann Murdock's, for a small shipping charge, you will have a risk -free opportunity to try on each and every style and/or several sizes. Our goal is to provide the plus size bra that works for you. We want to help you find it! If the size you had on when you started doesn't begin to fit and you can't understand it- take a good long look at the bra you had on when you started. How old is it? How many extenders are on it? Do you ache through your back and shoulders? Are you pouching out under your underarms or bubbling out of the top? You owe it to yourself to buy and wear what fits and is comfortable.

Is there such a thing as a Wonder Bra for large women?
A 'wonder bra' can be incorporated with any plus size bra with the use of soft shoulder pads. Strategically placed, they can give the boost you may be looking for. Pads can be placed on the sides or under the bust. Virtually, with no cost, since most of us have unused shoulder pads.

Do you have a strapless bra in my size?
The short answer to this is YES! The Goddess bra 689 is a wonderful convertible strapless bra that goes to a 52ff. Occasionally, I have built a larger size with the use of extenders. The detatchable shoulder straps are not required to hold you up. The uplift is amazing. This is one of the best values available for your wardrobe. You will have a a strapless bra that will give wonderful support and will nip in the waist and even offer back support.