The Top Five Secrets
Every Full-Figured Woman Needs to Know About Lingerie by
Katherine Damaske
Size does matter! According to a recent article in the
Washington Post, the sale of plus-sized apparel rose by
more than 13% last year. The average American woman now
wears a size 14, and companies such as 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 ample cleavage and generous
thighs. At long last, full-figured women have finally come
into their own. They can celebrate their shape with more
clothing options now 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 lacy camisoles underneath her blazer.
Would you be able to pull off the same look? Although every
body style is different, the basic rules are the same. There
is an art to choosing (and wearing) lingerie well. Knowing
the secrets to a great fit will enable you to look spectacular
and feel great about yourself!
1. All Curves are Not Created Equal
No body is perfect. Supermodel Elle MacPherson has said,
"The breasts go first, and then the waist and then
the butt. Nobody ever tells you that you get a butt when
you get pregnant." We all have our flaws, but part
of playing up your assets will involve downplaying the parts
of your body you are least comfortable with. If you like,
take a good look in the mirror and identify what you love
and don't love about your body. If you dislike your hips
or waistline, you will want to draw attention to the upper
part of your body. Indulge in bras designed to produce cleavage
and accentuate your curves. If you feel like your breasts
are too full but you've got shapely legs, then they should
become your focal point. A babydoll nightie with an empire-waist
will provide support for your top while letting you flaunt
what's below. If you haven't yet found a comfort zone, indulge
in a full-length satin chemise with an a-line cut and perhaps
a flirty slit on the side. If you do not like your upper
arms, look for a sheer or color-coordinated short robe.
The key is to draw attention away from what you do not like
about your body, and place it where you feel like being
noticed.
2. Everyone Needs a Little Support
The best-kept secret among celebrities and those in the
know has to do with the latest lingerie weapons, which can
keep even the most problematic physiques in check. Modern-day
support garments minimize stomach bulge, lift and separate,
and produce a smooth contour under your clothes. Best of
all, innovations in fabric and design mean that the painful
confinement of girdles (and other instruments of torture)
are a thing of the past. Look for camisoles with built-in
bra support and high-cut briefs that offer hidden tummy
panels. Women with fuller, heavier breasts should make sure
to look for bras that feature wide shoulder straps. If you
are unsure of your bra size, the best gift you could give
yourself would be to get professionally sized by someone
who works in the lingerie section of a department store.
Making sure that you wear the correct bra size serves not
only to make you more comfortable, but it can instantly
change your silhouette and may even cause you to drop a
dress size! Spanx is one particular company that specializes
in producing comfortable, head-to-toe support to keep your
curves looking their best. Sarah Blakely, who founded the
company out of her apartment, said "I bought clothes
that looked amazing in a magazine or on the hanger, but
in reality magnified every panty line and imperfection."
Her brand of footless pantyhose offers maximum control,
and even boasts the tagline, "Don't worry, we've got
your butt covered!" Seamlessbody.com is another company
that specializes in supportive shape-wear designed for looks
and comfort. They feature unique bodysuits that can be worn
under your clothes and provide all-in-one support for your
breasts, stomach and derriere. Both companies feature plus-sized
versions of their products and are conveniently available
online. If you have a belly, choose high-waited briefs over
bikini cuts. Not only will they fit more comfortably, but
they are great at covering any stretch marks or other flaws
and will flatter your shape.
3. Less is More
When it comes to color, keep it simple. A monochromatic
look will do wonders to help elongate the bodyline and slim
your proportions. In other words, keep the pieces that you
wear at any one time as close to the same color as possible.
Which shades work best? Dark tones such as navy, burgundy,
brown or black will give you a more slender appearance.
Another great rule of thumb is to choose colors that flatter
your complexion. It is wise to be cautious of patterns.
Some smaller, more discreet prints may add to an outfit,
but larger designs have a tendency to "clutter"
or look different when they drape over problem areas you
may be want to conceal. This has the unfortunate result
of drawing the eye directly where you do not want it to
go! If you have a personality that must express yourself
with multiple colors or styles, a great way to spice up
your wardrobe can come from adding on a couple of flashy,
attention-getting accessories.
4. Bigger isn't Always Better
One of the biggest misconceptions that many full-figured
women have is the notion that choosing larger sizes will
hide unsightly bulges and ultimately make them look slimmer.
In reality, a shapeless, ill-fitting piece will not define
anything, either good or bad, and will make your body appear
much less attractive than you would look in clothes more
suited to your accurate size. It's fine to shy away from
body conscious items. Lingerie pieces should be a natural
reflection of your personality. If you have a conservative
personality, wearing longer gowns or adding layers to your
look will enhance your beauty and allow you to feel sexy
without having to bare all. Should you have a more playful,
flirty nature, the sky is the limit! Plus-sized lingerie
includes stunning camisoles with delicate embroidery, frilly
boyshorts that provide excellent coverage while exuding
a youthful, sexy vibe, and buttery soft satin chemises that
feel utterly luxurious against the skin. It is always best
to try on lingerie before you buy, in order to make sure
you will have the best fit possible. But if you are in a
time-crunch or browsing over the internet, the best bet
is to stick to your true clothing size.
5. Stores are Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Did you know that many retailers who do not display clothing
over size 12 or 14 often have the exact same styles in larger
sizes on their websites? If you spot a piece of lingerie
that you just like but it isn't in stock, try to find it
online. The internet is such a good resource for plus-sized
women that countless businesses have opened their virtual
stores and specialize in nothing but full-figured lingerie.
With a click of the mouse, you can delight in finding an
elegant slip or searching anonymously for something more
risque. Many of these websites offer a multitude of styles
for every mood or occasion, and most provide detailed size
charts so that you can feel confident in ordering the correct
sized garment. Not only do you not have to cope with impossibly
thin sales associates, but you can have the freedom to shop
from your home, purchase in privacy and even, in many cases,
have your items shipped in generic brown boxes so the postman
will be none the wiser. What you wear closest to your skin
should delight and comfort you, and deliver a knockout punch
to those worthy enough to witness such unmentionables. The
secrets to looking great in lingerie serve to enhance not
only your outer curves, but allow your inner beauty to filter
through as well. According to Wilhela Cushman, beloved fashion
writer, "Just around the corner in every woman's mind
- is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume
which will make an enchanting new creature of her."
About the Author
Katherine Damaske is a professional writer
and contributor to Sexy-n-Sheer-Lingerie.com which offers
advise, opinions and helpful hints on choosing and buying
sheer lingerie
from plus-size-lingerie to bridal lingerie.
