Plus Size Picks: Lovely Lingerie In Larger Sizes

In the run up to Valentine’s Day, every women’s publication in the country is required by law to publish a lingerie story. Ok, perhaps not, but it definitely feels that way. Sadly, the skimpy offerings in most of those features are only really good if you’re small of boob and narrow of back. If you need a bigger size (either cup, band, bottoms or all three) the options quickly become more limited. You are going to have to make some allowances - support and fit are key and you'll probably need a little more fabric, wider straps and so on if you need a wider band size or wear a larger cup size (Large Cup Lingerie is a good place to start with that). But you can have pretty knickers for 14th February and beyond. Here are some of my favourite labels to look out for.

First up is Elomi, from lingerie giants Eveden. This ranges combines the best bits of both of Eveden's other big players; Fantasie’s tactile fabrics and subtle details, and Freya’s knowledge of how to craft a bra that offers support without being frumpy. The Paloma set is, to me, the perfect V-day pick because it’s not red, black or covered in hearts, but its still got a bit of subtle sex appeal. It's available in sizes 36D - 42G and it's currently in the sale. The bra is £20 and the briefs are £5 at Ample Bosom. If you can't find your size in both pieces, try ebay - I've made some really bargainous matching sets this way!

Next, is the new(ish) plus size range from Panache, called Sculptresse. They’ve drafted in America’s Next Top Model babe Whitney Thompson to be the face of the range and, while I’m pretty sure this girl could sell me anything, she does a particularly good job of flogging the May bra (£35). So much so, in fact, that Figleaves barely has any sizes left in either colourway. However, you can find a list of alternative stockists on the Panache website. There are other styles from the range on Amazon, with briefs up to size 26. Yep, bras and knickers from Amazon. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.

Now one for my retro ladies! Etsy seller Coco’s Retro Closet has knocked it out the park with the Rose Garden soft cup bra (£30) which has a matching suspender belt or high-waisted open girdle and kind of looks like it's been made out of grandma's curtains (in a good way). This baby comes in a good range of sizes (32AA - 42DDD) and is a particularly good pick if you are plus size but not very busty, as there are wider back sizes in A to C cups. I am currently deciding if I can squish my Es into a DD so I can get one. Don’t try this at home!

Next, it’s time for some black-that-isn’t-boring, from the very well-priced Gorgeous range at Debenhams. Now I do have to knock off a few points because the briefs are only available up to a size 20 (harass them on social media if you want this to change - they do listen to their customers), but the bras go up to a 40H and you could easily match this surprisingly delicate sheer black bra (£22.50) with any other black knickers you can get your hands on. This bra wins because it has those pretty sheer sections without being too niptastic thanks to the cleverly placed lace.

And finally, Anna Scholz, she of the bold prints and amazing maxi dresses, has branched out into Lingerie with a range for Simply Be. It’s shapewear-based, but manages to be about as sexy as hold-your-tummy-in pants can be. The lime green colour she’s picked for the lace-covered range is also a nice change from the usual baby pink or nude. The bra is £29 (sizes 34B to 46DD) and the high waisted knickers are £16 (sizes 12 - 32). There are also classic briefs if you prefer it when your pants don't come up to your neck!

Obviously, the right lingerie starts with fit, and for that you need an understanding of how a good bra should fit your body. The old 'measure under your boobs and add four inches' method is outdated and can be particularly unreliable on plus size women. I'll defer, at this point, to two ladies who explain it far better than I ever could: Georgina of Fuller Figure Fuller Bust and Cheryl of Invest in Your Chest. Consider them your bra gurus from now on.