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Best plus-size lingerie: 14 sexy styles for curvy women
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The secret to great lingerie isn’t just that it makes you look like a million bucks; it should make you feel like it too.
The thing is, it’s not always the easiest task shopping for seductive date night underwear or finding pulling pants when your curves are more generous than your average. Plus size lingerie used to mean beige, black or grey undergarments with about as much sex appeal as your nana’s false teeth.
Thankfully retailers have cottoned onto the power of the plus size pound and now there’s more choice in inclusive sizes than ever, backed by the celebrity spotlight of A-listers like Lizzo, Tess Holliday and Ashley Graham.
While plus size clothing is widely regarded as size 16 and above, plus size lingerie is for those who wear a bra cup D or bigger. Online lingerie brand Figleaves says: "Anything 40 (for the underband) and above we would see as plus size; this is equivalent to an 18/20 dress size."
Your bra size can change all the time, from exercise and hormones to pregnancy and lockdown weight, so it’s important to make sure you’re wearing a bra that supports you in all the right places.
Even if you think you know your size, it’s worth double checking regularly - when’s the last time you had yourself measured?
According to research by Pour Moi lingerie, one in five women in the UK say that the last time they were fitted was from 6 - 10 years ago. Meanwhile, more than 27 per cent of the 1000 women surveyed admitted to never having a professional fitting at all.
How to measure your bra size - a few helpful tips from Figleaves:
- The underwire should sit flush against your chest, your breasts should fit fully into the underwire without spilling out. If cups are too big, there may be excess fabric or creasing, so try going down a cup size.
- The underband should sit parallel around your back without riding up. It should be a snug fit; to check. simply raise your arms. If your breasts spill out, you may need to go down a back size.
- Straps should sit comfortably on the centre of your shoulders. If they’re digging in, your underband may be too big, so try going down a back size.
- For a great fit, the centre front should sit flush against your chest, with the cups fully covering and supporting your breasts with no excess fabric or spilling out. The underwires should sit against your chest securely.
- Straps should be supportive but comfortable with the underband providing most of the support.
Of course, it’s not just about fit. Lingerie should walk the tightrope between looking delicate yet offering Isambard Kingdom Brunel-worthy levels of support to ensure you’ll feel confident wearing next to nothing – for however long you’re planning to wear it.
To help with the search, we’ve rounded up the best plus-size designs to shop now. From balcony styles to bralets, in luxurious fabrics like lace, mesh and silk, here is the ES Best edit of the foxiest plus size lingerie in the UK.
See our favourites below
Ann Summers Birthday Suit Hold Me Tight Body
Available up to a size 2XL, which should fit a UK22 - 24, Ann Summers' lace body toes the fine line between support and seduction. The 'birthday suit' is offered in three hues of neutral tones and comes with a low back and Brazilian-style briefs. If it's an hourglass figure you're hoping to showcase, this will do it in style - and all without breaking the bank.
Bluebella Vermont Luxury Satin Teddy Baked Clay
This skimpy little playsuit is made for spending time in bed with your favourite playmate. The rich colour makes it look far more expensive than it is, while the satin and lace fabrics skim over the skin. Available up to a UK20.
M&S Boutique Anna Lace Wired Longline Balcony Bra F-H
For underwear with stop-and-stare appeal, trusty M&S comes up trumps.
This scarlet longline balcony bra shapes and sculpts and there are matching knickers for the full effect. It comes in cup sizes ranging from A to H with underbands going to 42. A flirty, boudoir look best worn with Hollywood curls and bold lippie.
Savage x Fenty See Thru U Teddy
Feel like a jungle cat closing in on her prey in this sleek teddy from Savage x Fenty. The high leg cut promises to lengthen the look of your pins, while the thong back leaves little to the imagination. Available in sizes XS - 4XL.
PLAYFUL PROMISES Ramona Black Illusion Strap Plunge Bra
This barely there look is perfect for turning the heat up a notch. It's made for girls with curves with waistbands up o 46 and cup sizes to G. It's not always easy to showcase your assets in all their glory when you're plus size, but Playful Promises manages it well.
Figleaves Curve Adore 1/2 Pad Underwired Corset
While we concede that corsets aren't the comfiest thing to have on all day, lingerie is a whole other ball game. Whip it on for the crucial moment, and wait for the commotion to begin. Fits up to 44DD.
ASOS DESIGN Curve Cate lace body in black
For underwear that can just about pass as outwear (with a strategically placed nipple tassel or two), this lacy black body works just as well outside of the bedroom as in it. The scoop neck design offers a pleasing level of coverage and light control over the midriff, while the thong back and lace keep curves nicely on show. It’s available in sizes 18 - 30.
Savage X Fenty, Women's, Romantic Corded Lace & Tulle Maxi Slip
Savage x Fenty continues to be a go-to label for statement undies that won’t break the bank - and now it's available via Amazon, making it easier than ever to get the pieces delivered to your door.
If you’re looking to add drama to the bedroom, Rihanna’s lingerie label gives you cause to stop the search. This bralette-come-slip falls in pleated drapes offering a look that's both romantic yet sexy. The tulle feels as light as a feather against the skin while the lace cami offers just the right level of support - structured and comfortable.
The collection is, much like Rihanna’s makeup range, broadly inclusive with sizes that should fit up to a UK women’s 26. This piece comes in sizes XS to 3XL.
Boux Avenue Mollie unpadded balconette bra - Black
High street brand Boux Avenue offers a range of bra sizes in fashion-forward shades, and all at a price that won’t break the bank. Recognising that women with more generous assets don’t need padding, this balconette bra comes without any extra boosting, instead relying on the shape of the cup to highlight your chest. Available in sizes to 44G.
Oti Mabuse x Bravissimo Samba Bra
Views of Strictly look forward to Oti's outfits almost as much as the dances, so it's little wonder that inclusive underwear brand Bravissimo has teamed up with the show’s judge for a collection that’s available in cup sizes D-J.
The collab is an upgrade of the brand's bestselling Stella design, this time available in jewel green and finished with luxury details: think luxury eyelash lace, silky satin details and gold trim details. There are three different knicker designs to choose from, allowing you to build a set that's comfortable to wear but devilish to look at. It’s a perfect 10 from us.
YOURS Berry Red Lace Satin Trim Balcony Bra
So often sexy lingerie means red or black tones, but this elegant design from Yours proves that muted tones can be just as seductive. Offered in a red wine hue, the underwired piece is non-padded and comes in a universally flattering balcony cut. Lace and pretty bow details add to the femininity of the look. Available in cup sizes C-G.
SCANTILLY Authority Balcony Bra Blue Lagoon
Make your siren call in the bedroom with help from this lagoon blue number, available at Curvy Kate, a lingerie label specialising in people who wear a D to K cup. This lace and pink heart design comes in 38HH at the top end and has a subtle sheen that looks best in candlelight.
Lovehoney Plus Size Late Night Liaison Blue Crotchless Lace Body
If you’re looking to turn up the heat in the bedroom, this lace body is the perfect thing to help you do it. It features a daringly-low plunge neck and skimpy g-string integrated pant to show off your finest assets. Available in sizes to UK 24.
Love doesn’t need approval - Longline triangle bra
Find beautiful bras and nice knickers at The Underargument. The clean yet elegant style of this mesh design is available in sizes up to 38E and looks sensational on every body. Finished with French embroidery, velvet and gold-coloured hardware, it’s a look of love through and through.