“Imogen”. Padded Half Cup Bra, $72, 36-46 D-F, 36-44 FF, 36-42 G. Full Cup Bra, $76, 36-44 E-FF, 34-44 G, 34-42 GG-JJ (UK). Matching Brief ($34), Thong ($32), M-4XL, Matching Waspie Waist Cincher, $48, M-2XL
“Izzy” babydoll in Hummingbird ($94). 34 G-H, 36-42 E-H. Bra ($64) 34 G-JJ, 36-42 E-JJ, 44 E-G. Brief ($30), M-4XL.
“Betty” Babydoll by Elomi. $92 Available in sizes 34 G-H, 36-42 E-H.
4. ”Juliette” Corset from Hips and Curves
While you won’t get the same fit from a ready-to-wear corset that you would from a custom one, Hips & Curves has a really fabulous selection of both steel-boned and lighter fashion corsets in some really lovely colors. This “Juliette” style features an unusual stripe in a rich cranberry shade. Gorgeous! For RTW corsets you generally order a size between 4-6 inches smaller than your waist measurement.
“Juliette” Luxe Steel-Boned Corset ($159.95), available in sizes 28-44 at Hips & Curves
“Isabella” Shelf Bra ($39.95), available in sizes 38-42 C-D, 42-44 D-DD. Also available in turquoise.
Stretch Lace Strappy Bra ($34.95 or 2/$49) by Hips and Curves. Available in sizes 38-44.
6. ”Dina” by Sculptresse
Oh Sculptresse. What am I going to do with you? Sculptresse is one of the few brands out there offering G+ cup sizes in 44+ band sizes, yet their first two seasons have felt so, so staid. They seem a little tentative about offering some of the same variety as Elomi (no waspies or babydolls here), instead sticking to lace molded cups or classic seamed full-cup bras. I’d LOVE to see Sculptresse borrow some of Panache’s best-loved styles, like Sienna, Jasmine, or even Cleo’s Marcie, and adapt the shapes and colors for their full-figure customer. Nevertheless, I do like the subdued elegance of this pretty “Dina” set. Rather than default to oversized embroidery or floral lace, the cups feature a light geometric pattern and subdued, wine-colored lace trim. It’s elegant and subtly sultry.
“Dina” by Sculptresse (Bra $62, short $34). Available in sizes 36 F-J, 38 E-J, 40 DD-J, 42 D-J, 44-46 D-HH. Brief sizes 14-26 UK (10-22 US)
7. Retro Shapewear by Rago, with custom dyeing by Girdlebound
Calling all you vintage-loving vixens, you should probably know Rago. Made in the USA for over 50 years, Rago is THE go-to brand for authentic retro shapewear, from girdles to corselettes to pin-up panties to everything in-between. Secrets in Lace stocks some of the more colorful options, while retailer Girdlebound offers custom dyeing in a huge range of colors.
Open-Bottom Body Briefer by Rago ($63), available in sizes 34-40 B-DD. Also in black, white, pink-black, and black-mocha.
Rago panty girdle ($39), available in sizes S-4X. Girdlebound offers custom dyeing, as in this lovely yellow example.
8. Indie Brands
Holly at The Full-Figured Chest is an inspiration to me in terms of taking the plunge into custom work from our favorite independent designers. I tend to assume that smaller, independent brands will only work well for women with more average or slender figures than mine, and Holly has taught me that this is absolutely not the case! I spoke with several designers this week, and all of them said they absolutely will produce custom, made-to-measure pieces for their plus-size and full-bust customers (with some restrictions– full-figure D+ bras require a special skill set). Taking a cue from Holly, here are some lovely holiday-appropriate pieces from my favorite indie brands.
“Cabin Fever” knickers by Ohhh Lulu ($29).
A stunning custom bridal set by Dottie’s Delights, including a plus size girdle and a size 44C bra. Image via Dottie’s Delights’ Instagram feed
“Gem” high-waist ruffle panties with flounce by Sandmaiden Sleepwear ($48). THAT COLOR, Y’ALL.
Red Deco Camisole ($200) by Honeycooler Handmade, size XXL. Many of her pieces are made of vintage silks and materials, like this one-of-a-kind piece.
Christmas reindeer knickers by Knickerocker ($24)
A beautiful custom corset by Angela Friedman. Corsets start at around $225 for waspie waist cinchers and around $450 for overbust corsets, subject to fabric choices and embellishments.
What do you think? Have I missed any beautiful pieces that are on your own wishlist? Let me know in the comments! There are more gift guides to come, including some great lingerie and boudoir accessories, no sizes required!
