Plus Size Lingerie: 7 Tips For Choosing The Right Underwear for Curvy Women

October 9, 2012 by admin
Filed under Choosing Lingerie

Choosing plus size lingerie tip#1

When buying plus size lingerie it is essential to get the right fitting bra so you bust sits in the right place and fits into blouses and shirts or dresses correctly. Getting a correct fitting will be of benefit however many online stores now offer help and advice on how to measure yourself in order to get the right fitting bra.

Choosing plus size lingerie tip#2

To find out your bra size a simple rule of thumb is to measure under your bust where the under band sits. This is your bra size. If the measurement comes out as an odd number then round up. Now to work out your cup size: measure where your bust is fullest and subtract from the under band size. The difference equates to your cup size: Less than 1 inch – AA Cup, 1 inch – A Cup, 2 inches – B Cup, 3 inches – C Cup, 4 inches – D Cup, 5 inches – DD Cup, 6 inches – E Cup, 7 inches – F Cup, 8 inches – G Cup. However, many now believe you should throw the tape measure away and go for how a bra looks and feels. Use your existing bra as a guide and then try on a selection of bras. The back of the bra should fit straight across your back whilst the middle of the bra should fit flat between your breasts. The straps should offer the correct support and not dig in or slip off and the bust should not bulge out of the cups.

Bravissimo have an excellent fitting guide with videos and a style guide to help you choose the right bra. For example, if you want to create extra cleavage and/or hide the top of your bra under a low cut top they recommend plunge bras. The Polka Bra by Masquerade is the perfect example of a bra that is comfortable and stylish. This bra in stunning purple offers an excellent shape and is underwired for support. This bra is £18.00. Visit Bravissimo at www.bravissimo.com to read their fit advice and view their plus size lingerie selection.

Polka Bra by Masquerade

Choosing plus size lingerie tip#3

It is important to know your boob shape as well as your bust size and buy the style that best supports your shape. Brastop.com offer excellent advice of boob shapes with recommendations for the different shapes. For example, if your boobs are fuller at the bottom then your bust line is likely to be low and will require extra support. Brastop.com recommends balconette bras as they lift the bust and have wider straps for the extra support. The Jasmine Bra is a good example in a flattering and pretty style in a silky fabric and floral lace design. This bra has been designed for the bigger bust and is underwired and has adjustable straps to ensure the best support and perfect fit. This bra is £13.50. You can visit Brastop.com at www.brasop.com to read their fit advice and view their plus size lingerie selection.

Jasmine Bra

Choosing plus size lingerie tip#4

Buy the right fitting knickers for the perfect silhouette, avoiding extra bulges. Don’t buy knickers that you think are ‘your size’ because that is the size you are. Buy knickers that you know will fit regardless of the size on the label. Many brands come out in different sizes and what might be a size 16 from one brand may well not be in another. Measure your waist and hips and buy accordingly.

Choosing plus size lingerie tip#5

Choosing knickers in the right fabric is essential. Stretchy fabric can lack support and result in bulges in the wrong places. Heavy fabric can result in a bulky silhouette. Choose cotton fabrics or silky fabrics that are comfortable to wear and offer the right support. Knickers come in many shapes and sizes as well as offering support in different areas such as bum, hips, and tum. Spanx are well known for offering support and are sold by many lingerie retailers. However, knickers and Marks and Spencer go hand in hand in the UK! Marks and Spencer has a brilliant knickers fit guide based on body shape i.e. apple, pear, athletic, and petite. If you are apple shape Marks and Spencer recommend you minimize your tummy with high wasited knickers that use panels to flatter the apple shape. They recommend the Cotton Rich High Rise Midi Knickers in pretty pink with lace detailing on the leg. These feminine knickers are comfortable to wear and offer good coverage. They are £5.00. Visit Marks and Spencer at www.marksandspencer.com.

Cotton Rich High Rise Midi Knickers

Choosing plus size lingerie tip#6

Choose knickers that are right for the occasion. If you are planning for a special night then you will want lace and frills. For lingerie during the day simple cotton styles may well be more appropriate.

Choosing plus size lingerie tip#7

Know your body shape. If you have a wobbly belly then choose knickers which will support this area and if you have a larger bust choose a bra that will highlight this feature or a minimizer bra if you wish your bust to appear smaller.

And finally, what ever plus size lingerie you wear you must feel good in it and you will feel that extra boost of confidence.

Don’t forget to visit Marks and Spencer at www.marksandspencer.com, Brastop.com at www.brasop.com, and Bravissimo at www.bravissimo.com for more plus size lingerie and fit advice.