The Top 5 Secrets Every Full-Figured Woman Needs to Know About Lingerie
Author: Jacquie Cattanach
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.
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