Size does matter! According to a recent Washington Post article, plus-size clothing sales increased more than 13% last year. The average American woman now wears a size 14, and companies like Dove and Nike have taken notice. They are among the first national brands to recently launch major ad campaigns designed to embrace the beauty that comes from having a plunging neckline and generous thighs.
At long last, full-figured women have finally become a reality. Now they can celebrate their shape with more clothing options than ever before, and lingerie has become one of the hottest trends on the fashion map. You’ve seen it on Desperate Housewives, with the female executive who wears nothing but lace camisoles under her jacket. Would you be able to achieve the same look? Although each body style is different, the basic rules are the same. There is an art to choosing (and wearing) your underwear well. Knowing the secrets to a great fit will allow you to look great and feel good about yourself!
1. Not all curves are the same
Nobody is perfect. Supermodel Elle MacPherson has said, “Breasts come first, then waist, then butt. No one tells you you have a butt when you get pregnant.” We all have our flaws, but part of highlighting your assets will involve downplaying the parts of your body that you’re less comfortable with.
If you want, take a good look in the mirror and identify what you love and don’t love about your body. If you don’t like your hips or waist, you’ll want to draw attention to your upper body. Enjoy bras designed to produce cleavage and accentuate your curves.
If you feel like your breasts are too full but you have shapely legs, then they should become your focal point. An empire waist babydoll will support your upper body and allow you to show off what’s underneath.
If you haven’t found a comfort zone yet, treat yourself to a long satin shirt with an A-line cut and perhaps a flirty slit on the side. If you don’t like your upper arms, look for a sheer or color-coordinated short robe.
The key is to draw attention away from what you don’t like about your body and place it where you want to be noticed.
2. Everyone needs a little support
The best kept secret among celebrities and insiders has to do with the latest lingerie weapons, which can control even the most troublesome physics. Today’s support garments minimize bulging of the stomach, lift and separate, and produce a smooth contour under clothing. Best of all, innovations in fabric and design mean the painful confinement of girdles (and other instruments of torture) is a thing of the past. Look for camisoles with built-in bras and high-cut briefs that offer hidden tummy panels. Women with fuller, heavier breasts should be sure to look for bras that have wide shoulder straps. If you’re unsure of your bra size, the best gift you could give yourself would be a professional fitting from someone who works in the lingerie section of a department store. Making sure you wear the correct bra size not only makes you feel more comfortable, it can instantly change your silhouette and can even drop you a dress size.
Spanx is one company in particular that specializes in producing comfortable support from head to toe to keep your curves looking their best. Sarah Blakely, who founded the company in her apartment, said: “I bought clothes that looked amazing in a magazine or on a hanger, but actually magnified every line of underwear and imperfection.” Their brand of footless pantyhose offers maximum control, and even features the tagline, “Don’t worry, we’ve got your butt covered!”
Seamlessbody.com is another company that specializes in supportive shapewear designed for looks and comfort. They feature unique bodysuits that can be worn under clothing and provide all-in-one support for the breasts, stomach, and butt. Both companies have full-size versions of their products and are conveniently available online.
If you have a paunch, choose high-waisted briefs over bikini cuts. Not only will they fit more comfortably, but they are also great for covering stretch marks or other flaws and flattering your figure.
3. Less is more
When it comes to color, keep it simple. A monochromatic look will do wonders to help elongate your body line and slim your proportions. In other words, keep the pieces you use at any one time as close to the same color as possible. What shades work best? Dark shades like navy blue, burgundy, brown, or black will give you a slimmer look. Another great rule of thumb is to choose colors that flatter your complexion.
It is advisable to be careful with the patterns. Some smaller, more understated prints can be added to an outfit, but larger designs tend to “clutter” or look different when they cover problem areas you may want to hide. This has the unfortunate result of drawing attention directly where you don’t want it to go! If you have a personality that needs to be expressed with multiple colors or styles, a great way to spice up your wardrobe can be to add a couple of eye-catching accessories that turn heads.
4. Bigger is not always better
One of the biggest misconceptions many full-figured women have is the notion that going for larger sizes will hide unsightly bulges and ultimately make them look slimmer. In reality, a shapeless garment that doesn’t fit you won’t define anything, good or bad, and will make your body look much less attractive than you would in clothes more appropriate to your exact size. It’s okay to shy away from body-conscious articles. Lingerie garments should be a natural reflection of your personality. If you have a conservative personality, wearing longer dresses or adding layers to your look will enhance your beauty and allow you to feel sexy without having to show everything. If you have a more playful and flirty nature, the sky is the limit! Plus size lingerie includes dazzling camisoles with delicate embroidery, ruffled shorts that provide excellent coverage while exuding a youthful, sexy vibe, and buttery-smooth satin camisoles that feel utterly luxurious against the skin. It’s always best to try on lingerie before you buy it, to make sure it fits you as well as possible. But if you’re short on time or surfing the web, sticking to your actual clothing size is the best option.
5. Stores are just the tip of the iceberg
Did you know that many retailers that don’t carry garments larger than a size 12 or 14 often have the exact same styles in larger sizes on their websites? If you find a piece of lingerie that you just like but it’s not available, try finding it online. The internet is such a great resource for plus size women that countless companies have opened their online stores specializing in nothing more than full figured lingerie. With a click of the mouse, you can delight in finding a stylish combination or anonymously search for something riskier. Many of these websites offer a multitude of styles for every mood or occasion, and most provide detailed size charts so you can feel confident ordering the right size garment. Not only do you not have to deal with impossibly skinny sales associates, but you can have the freedom to shop from home, shop in private, and even, in many cases, ship your items in generic brown boxes so the mail carrier isn’t available. the wisest
What you wear closest to your skin should delight and comfort you, and deliver a knockout blow to those worthy enough to witness such unspeakables. The secrets to looking fabulous in lingerie serve to enhance not only your outer curves, but also allow your inner beauty to seep through. According to Wilhela Cushman, beloved fashion writer, “Just around the corner in every woman’s mind is a beautiful dress, a wonderful suit, or an entire suit that will make her a lovely new creature.”