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 risqué. 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.

Buying Lingerie For The Woman In Your Life: How To Shop Online

by: John Barnes

Looking to buy your significant other lingerie as a gift? You’re a brave man, daring to go where most men’s knees shake and palms sweat in pure anxiety. Shopping for lingerie doesn’t have to be too frightening. For starters, forget having to walk into an all-too-feminine lingerie store in the mall where it feels like all eyes are on you. Try shopping online and you’ll find the experience to be much less traumatizing. Still, lingerie is a tricky gift, and there are some very useful tips to shopping for lingerie that will help you find the perfect selection for her. Trust me, if you find the right lingerie gift for the woman in your life. . . well, I don’t have to tell you just how rewarding that can be.

First things first: you have to get an idea of what size she is. If you’re living with your partner, this might be a little easier for you. A little investigating in the top drawer of her dresser can produce a good idea of her size. Don’t let all the numbers and letters confuse you. Bras are sized as a number followed by a letter. Remembering both of these is vital when shopping for lingerie, so write them down if you have to. For panties, chemises, and camisoles, you’ll be looking for numbers and letters as well. Those sized in numbers will be labeled as 5, 6, 7, 8, etc., and those sized in numbers will be labeled S, M, L, XL, etc. If you can’t search her dresser, try going on a shopping trip with her and see what size clothing she buys. If you’re truly desperate, find a woman you know that’s a similar size to your partner and ask her what you should be looking for. Just get a general idea of her size and this will put you way ahead of the game.

Almost as important as finding something in her size is finding something in her taste. You may think that lingerie is more a gift for you than for her, but you have to remember that when she feels comfortable and sexy, you’ll be the one who reaps the rewards. If she’s more flashy than frilly, go easy on the lacy selections. If she’s usually conservative, don’t try anything way too daring or you may not get the reaction you’re looking for. Take into account the clothing she usually wears and this may give you some ideas. Does she favor a particular color or style? Is her personality feminine, flirty, or downright sexy? Most likely you will be able to use this information when you shop online for lingerie.

If you’re still feeling a little confused about finding the right lingerie gift, stick to simple pieces. If you find that the sizing and selection of bra and panty sets is too complicated, try shopping for a simple chemise or babydoll. Women have an eye for detail, so a garment with a little lace or beading around the edges is sure to impress. Fabrics like silk and satin can make any woman feel sexy. Just remember that shopping for a lingerie gift online doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. Take your time and choose something that goes with her personality, and you’ll find the end result to be quite pleasurable.

About The Author John Barnes is the webmaster http://www.lingerieexpress.co.uk. Sexy Lingerie and Swimwear available online.

Lingerie Sizzle You Are Going To Love

by: Bridget Allen

If you are looking for a way to light up your night life, look no further than your local lingerie store or boutique. Simply changing your typical bed time clothing from a frumpy pair of shapeless pajamas to a sexy outfit that leaves little to the imagination can jump start your love life! Your partner will be more than happy to show his or her appreciation once you appear in that next to nothing negligee that is stunningly sexy. If you are unaware what types of lingerie you have to choose from, look no further!

1.) Teddy’s – Get the 411 Now

If you think of a teddy as a cherished childhood toy, think again! No kid ever had a teddy like one of these (and if they did…their childhood was obviously better than yours!) A teddy is a one piece lingerie item, quite similar to a one piece bathing suit. Usually, the legs are high cut and can be a thong in the back. A teddy is much like a body suit. Usually, teddies are quite fitting, so you may need to ensure you have the proper size before buying.

2.) Baby Doll – Put some heat in your nights

Although the name sounds sweet, baby doll lingerie can run from the wholesome to the steamy. A baby doll is generally a very short night dress, often made from some wispy, see through material with a great deal of lace, ribbons, and bows. This piece of lingerie is loose fitting and usually sleeveless, but may have short flutter sleeves.

3.) Chemise – Sexy is as sexy does

Many individuals picture a chemise as the traditional piece of lingerie. This lovely piece of sleepwear can be used for sleeping, where the teddy probably will not last the night. A chemise can be made of any material and is a sleeveless, short night gown. Usually a bit more fitted than a baby doll, a chemise can be a simple cotton gown for hot summer nights or a sultry silk number for heating up the nights.

4.) Pyjamas – Not necessarily for sleeping anymore

Although pyjamas may not seem sexy numbers to wear to bed, think again! Pyjamas are nothing more than a top and bottom worn together as a pair. Slink into a superb pair of silk pjs and surprise your significant other in bed! A pyjama set is perfect for wearing around the house, so that you can display a bit of modesty outside the bedroom that the other types of lingerie usually do not allow.

About The Author Bridget Allen has worked for many years in the fashion industry, at a senior level, and she has written an amazing totally free fashionista minicourse that will thrill, entertain, and most importantly educate you about what you absolutely need to know about fashion. Get the free course " Fashionista Essentials" now at http://www.i-stylish.com.