Fashion
Where To Find +Size Lingerie In A Range Of Sizes
I remember shopping for plus size lingerie in high school with my friends. By that point, I was already a size 18 with a chest that could not be tamed. I was also 17 years old, and longed to be able to shop in the same places my buddies were. Sadly, plus size options were few and far between, so instead of trying on cute lingerie (that was also slightly inappropriate for our age group) at Victoria's Secret, I relegated myself to the body fragrance section. Sadly, the long, lonely huffs of Love Spell and Pear Glace did not take the pain away.
Now, my options as a plus size woman in search of lingerie are indisputably better. We might not have quite the same amount of choices as our slimmer counterparts, but there are a healthy sampling of lingerie designers that cater to the plus size woman at all measurements: The women on the plus of cusp, the solidly plus, and those who prefer to have their unmentionables custom made. These are the most interesting brands catering to that wide range of plus sizes. Unfortunately, most of us still can't shop at Victoria's Secret — but these brands prove that our options might actually be much, much better than anything we'd find at the mall anyway.
Up To Sizes 18/XXL
Often, women at this size can find lingerie at department stores or mass retailers, even if those retailers aren't specifically for plus sizes. It's a bit of an in-between size, but that middle ground doesn't likely mean you want to keep buying the same old stuff. Luckily, some brands make interesting pieces that will work with your measurements.
Hopeless Lingerie
Jennifer Bra & Knickers Set, $175, hopelesslingerie.com
This Australia-based lingerie company goes up to a size 18 or XXL, and the pieces it creates are the perfect mix of modern minimalism and old-school romance. "Hopeless Lingerie is designed for late night horror movie marathons, daytime choose your own adventures, and 24-hour self-indulgence," reads the amusing About section on the website.
"Following no rules or trends, inspiration for each collection usually involves B-Grade horror movies, volcanoes, glaciers, and creatures living in the great depths of the ocean. Favoring soft bamboo jersey, provocative sheer mesh, and the color black, the designs are conceived through the use of line and geometry, to accentuate curves and reveal skin with cut-out details."
Up To Sizes 3X/4X
Properly plus sized and in need of some seriously sexy sleepwear? These two lingerie brands will be your salvation. Make sure to check the size chart for each item, as measurements may vary depending on fabrics and cut.
Yandy
Plus-Size V-Neck Lace Romper, $41.95, yandy.com
Yandy sells bras, panties, lingeries, and costumes for plus sizes, and the most impressive part about this company is the sheer amount of products it offers on the website.
Unlucky Lingerie
Eyelash Babydoll, $75AUD, unluckylingerie.com
"Favoring black, like your ex's soul, the garments are constructed with sheer mesh, vintage lace, and jersey fabrics," reads the Unlucky Lingerie website. The pieces are fresh and sexy, and the delicate eyelash lace is particularly luxe.
Want more size inclusivity? Check out the podcast below, and be sure to subscribe to The BodCast for more radical self-love.
Up To Sizes 5X/6X
The larger your size, the more difficult it might seem to outfit your glorious body in lingerie. Don't fret: I've got some great suggestions for ready-made, sexy garments for women up to sizes 5X/6X (or 26/28), without damaging your savings account beyond repair.
Hips & Curves
Venise Lace Trim Long Gown, $49.95, hipsandcurves.com
Hips & Curves has long been a plus size favorite, and many of its lingerie pieces are offered in sizes up to 6X. Bonus: The brand also has amazing sales.
Torrid
Geo Print Crop Lace Bralette, $21.95, torrid.com
It seems like Torrid has made a concerted effort to improve its lingerie game recently, and the most obvious proof of those efforts is its selection of sexy and comfortable longline bralettes.
Big Gals Lingerie
Plus Size Lace Molded Cup Corset, $78, biggalslingerie.com
With a huge selection of seriously scandalous attire in a wide range of sizes, Big Gals Lingerie is the perfect place for the plus size lingerie-lover who likes to get a little bit wilder in the bedroom.
Bluestockings Boutique
Dessous Bra in Periwinkle by Claudette, $39, bluestockingsboutique.com
Bluestockings Boutique carries a variety of size and gender inclusive lingerie, including some fetish-inspired bras. The best part about this company is its mission, which is to empower those who have been marginalized by the mainstream lingerie industry.
Alexandrea Nissa
Rose Mesh Bra, $65, alexandreanissa.com
Many of this brand's garments stop at a 2X, but there is an awesome, albeit small, collection of harnesses that go up to 5X. You could wear the harness above both under and over your clothes for an edgy finish.
Custom Sizes For Any Body
These companies have taken the pre-made size model and tossed it out the window in favor of creating lingerie for their customers' exact specifications. Custom lingerie is a great option for those who have unusual measurements, or want the luxury of having their clothing tailor-made.
Bones Lingerie
Bones Lingerie Holographic Bralette, $39+, etsy.com
Equal parts whimsical and dark, Bones Lingerie offers unique pieces at reasonable prices that are totally customizable.
Toru & Naoko
Toru & Naoko Tempest Bra, $60, etsy.com
Toru & Naoko makes absolutely gorgeous bra and panty sets, and the brand will work with you one-on-one to create something that will fit you perfectly.
Raven Dreams
Raven Dreams Daphne Slinky Gold Satin Ballet Wrap Robe, $82.09, etsy.com
This Etsy shop specializes in vintage-inspired lingerie and bedroom frocks, and you can have each piece made to your exact specifications.
JCB Lingerie
Bettie Page Underwear, $39, jbc-lingerie.com
JBC, or Just Babes Club Lingerie, is a size and gender-inclusive company based out of Melbourne, Australia that will create its pieces for any size, at no extra charge.
As you can see, plus size women now have access to lingerie of virtually any size, and at almost every price point. Now that the weather's changing and we no longer have to sleep in our sweats, it's time to dive into the world of plus size skivvies and get exactly the kind of beautiful pieces we deserve.
Images: Courtesy Brands