While I know there's been a recomendation to go with the larger cup size, I will insert my warning here that most of the full breast plates (not hubcaps) run LARGE. Ie- had a friend who is a B, ordered a B, and got... well, she had a LOT of free space in the plate. On the other hand, I fenced with a too small plate for a while too, and while it didn't hurt, it got in the way. You can't parry across your body well, and your close quarters are restricted if you've got the wrong size (or were for me).
But as to the halter-top vs plate-with-straps, I'd say go with the plate-with-straps (just like most other people). If anything else, being able to take off the breast plate when you're done but still have a shirt on is prefered by most of the women I know. I mean, its the end of a 12 hour trounament, you're sweat soaked and exhausted, and you finish your last bout. You stand there pulling off jacket and glove and what not while cheering on your team mates. The last thing you want to LEAVE ON is a solid piece of plastic that traps heat and sweat. (And sorry if someone just can't deal with the image, but oh well!)
And Katman, might I add that I actually think the breast plate for the birthday (to me) is worth more than dinner or anything else! And while those are really sweet, the breast plate is a wonderful present in and of itself.
Not to mention 2 things...if Mother Nature was REALLY good to you, the hubcaps may not provide enough protection...and they don't protect against shots to the sternum...which REALLY hurt!
Mother Nature was most generous to me, and I got my 38DD Xena plate from Physical Chess, which carries large sizes.
What a great gift idea--"Your heart belongs to me, love, and I'm gonna protect it!"
"Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never . . . never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense." Churchill, 1941
Mother nature may like or hate you, depending on your opinion. I say "well endowed" is hatered, but thats a personal bias. I do know that those hubcaps have a way of leaping out of the way of an oncoming blade and leaving what they were supposed to be PROTECTING to take the brunt of it. So I was never a fan.
Mother nature may like or hate you, depending on your opinion. I say "well endowed" is hatered, but thats a personal bias.
No...I understand. Before my wife's breast reduction a couple of years back she wore a 42DD bra...and her cups still overfleweth...she lost a full kilo off each one and is STILL a 40D...but her back's in a LOT better shape...and she can breathe, too!
Just because it bears on a subject near to my heart (if in lucky....) I thought I might reopen this thread with the following link as well as an attached image. Look - a NEW kind of breast protector - it's not a suit of plate, and it's not a pair of "combat yarmulkes"
Chiswick, fresh horses! We ride at once to rebellious Stoke where it is my sworn intent to approach the city walls, bare my broad buttocks, and shout "Behold! I honor thee most highly!"
Those are made by the same company most of us vendors get the "Barbie Boobs" from. They're hubcaps on steroids, but I don't piush them because I don't beliebve they provide for the sternum, where the full chest plates do.
They may be fine for other sports (the manufacturer is NOT soloely fencing oriented), but not for our sport.
Originally Posted by Purple Fencer 
I do know that those hubcaps have a way of leaping out of the way of an oncoming blade and leaving what they were supposed to be PROTECTING to take the brunt of it. So I was never a fan.
