What about plus size lingerie that makes you feel… awesome? Whether you’re wearing it for yourself or for your bae, walking around in something lace will have different effects, right? Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always admired the way my mother loved to invest in fancy, fancy lingerie for herself. As an adult, I wish I could say I did, but I didn’t. Until recently while watching a Korean drama, this concept even came to mind. Who knew that “A-Ha!What moments can come from K-dramas? Not me!
Into movie, “One more happy ending“, The main character Han Mi-Mo has a wardrobe dedicated to her underwear. I remember watching it and thinking, “How cool is that?!?“. And I swore in 2022 that I would invest in some underwear. Just for me and because it will make me feel fun, flirty and passionately feminine. Maybe eventually, I’ll try to have a dedicated wardrobe like the Mi-Mo!
But my sudden and passionate statement made me wonder if there are other plus-size fashionistas out there interested in shopping for luxury lingerie! I can’t be the only newbie out there! So I decided to look to a true expert on the subject of Underwear – Cora Harrington, Underwear addict!
Though she’s not plus size, Cora is definitely knowledgeable about lingerie, lingerie brands big and small, and what to look for when shopping! She regularly spills tea on her website Underwear addict, and there’s no lingerie she hasn’t written about. Snake theme? Only one parcel because of that! Inspirational lingerie pins? Only one parcel because of that!
So you see why I felt it was necessary to go to her and get tips on building a plus size lingerie collection! And lucky for us, she is happy to share the knowledge!!
Plus Lingerie 101
What is the rule of thumb to consider when buying plus size underwear?
Have a lot of! But I will try to limit my answer to only 2. Firstly, due to the different intricacies of making intimate wear, there are several specialized brands. And the brands that will give you the best quality, the best value for your dollar, the best materials, etc. will be lingerie brands that specialize in plus sizes.
When I say a brand that specializes in plus sizes, that is not the same as outerwear brands that specialize in underwear or generic brands that make several plus sizes; I’m talking about brands that start with the pluses and still focus on the pluses. The second thing to keep in mind is that each area has its own size chart. The US, UK, EU and AU all have their own sizing systems for both clothing and bra sizes. To get access to the widest range of products and brands, it’s helpful to know your size conversion across all of those systems, especially if we’re talking bras.
Love, Vera 3 Piece Floral Embroidery Garter Set Blue Curacao Curvy$77.00
What’s your favorite place to shop with a plus size option?
If you’re looking for a black-owned brand with an indie, progressive fashion, then I love Love, Vera. For a plus-size bra brand that excels at fitting while creating a cute look, try Elomi. If you are looking for an extremely comfortable cape to wear around the house, then Peridot Robes is the brand for you.
The Tie Dye Kush$ 190.00
What are some of your favorite plus size puzzle pieces?
Elomi Matilda is loved for one reason: combining comfort, support, and cute embroidery. Their rose color is perfect for Valentine’s Day and any romantic occasion. Catherine D’Lish’s iconic evening gowns are available up to 3x and are the ultimate glamor piece. Elila can be a little harder to find, and many of their styles are admittedly a bit out of fashion, but their Tulip-embroidered bodice is surprisingly sophisticated. Other brands worth checking out are Savage X Fenty, Playful Promises, and Thistle & Spire.
Elomi Matilda Underwire Plunge Bra$69.00
Any other shopping tips and tricks you can offer, I’m sure will be greatly appreciated by readers of The Curvy Fashionista.
As mentioned above, not only does each country or region have their own sizing system, but every brand has their own subtle matching variations. This is a good thing because all those little differences increase the chances that you will find the perfect style for you! But it means more trial and error.
Brooklyn Haze Bralette$64.00
It’s okay to try on sizes outside of your normal range or styles you may have avoided. For example, a balconette instead of an underwired style can give you the shape you like, while a seam bra instead of a seamless one provides more support. And if you’re ordering online, always remember to check the return policies. Some countries are required to accept returns (such as the UK), while others (such as the US) may enforce a “final sale only” policy. You’ll want to know the terms and conditions before ordering to avoid disappointment.
Low Balconette Bra with Lace Pads, $64.95
A very special love to Cora Harrington, Underwear Addict for blessing us with her insight and expertise! Personally, I feel ready to make my first few lingerie purchases, how about you?
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO BUY COMMUNITY SIZE LINGERIE? ANY NEW BRAND YOU THINK WE SHOULD KNOW? TELL US ALL ABOUT IT!
