What are your vacation plans for this summer? Do they involve the beach or a really great poolside getaway? Either way, you’ll need a stunning swimsuit. Since there are so many great plus-size swimsuit options available this season it’s understandable if you want some help sorting through them!

Today we’re going to talk about the five biggest swimwear trends of 2019 and some fun ways to wear them. These are available from a wide range of brands in varying price ranges so it’s fairly easy to find some version of each trend that works for your figure and your budget.

If you’re in the market to try out a trend rather then commit to it then try finding a budget version of it to see how you feel about it on you. If you love it and think you’ll wear it beyond this season you can then pick up a higher quality version to keep!

Unexpected Tropical Prints

Tropical prints used to be associated with bad Hawaiian shirts and Florida matrons, but they’ve made a huge comeback with a fresh new look this season in plus-size swimwear. Skip the giant traditional florals and look for versions that feature fruit, fun cut-out designs and other unexpected tropical details.

If you’re scared of big floral or tropical prints then try this tip: Look for tropicals or florals that are smaller scale so you feel less overwhelmed by them. Sometimes a big and bold print can be easier to wear when it’s small scale as opposed to large scale.

Bright Colors

Plus-size swimsuits used to be available in only ‘slimming’ colors (read: black and navy blue) but now come in a huge variety of bright and electric hues that will make you the star of your beach vacation. These suits are great if you want to stand out and try on a fashionable color. I’m a big fan of the electric orange versions that are out right now, but you can also try something like electric pink or blue if you want a more subdued option.

If you want to tone down your look for vacation, try to find a sheer or crocheted swim cover-up or dress to go with your suit! The bright color will peek through without drawing quite as much attention when you’re walking around or sunbathing.

Related: 3 Reasons To Get A Bra Fitting Before Buying A New Swimsuit

High Waist Swimsuit Bottoms

The retro swimsuit look is still hugely popular in all size ranges! The options are even better in plus-sizes since many brands opt for higher waist panties and bottoms as a general rule. You can go full retro in a polka dot two-piece or go for a more modern look with mix-and-match pieces that look color blocked.

This can be a great route to try if you’re on a budget since you can shop the leftovers that go on sale to create your perfect swimsuit!

Multiway and Convertible Swimsuits

This is the first season that I’ve seen multiple multiway and convertible swimsuits on the plus-size market and I adore them. Some are designed to be worn eight or nine different ways while some simply let you change your top from a strapless swimsuit to a more standard one.

These options give you multiple looks for your vacation without investing in multiple swimsuits. They also let you match your level of support with the activities you’re doing. Going swimming in the waves? Turn your strapless suit into a cross-back. Want to avoid tan lines? Change it back to a strapless. The possibilities are endless.

Bra Sized Swimwear

Bra sized swimwear isn’t new but it is sometimes thought of as a speciality product. Luckily, tons of great and budget friendly lingerie companies have started making it over the past few seasons. If you don’t want to buy online then try the big box stores like Torrid and Lane Bryant, especially if you’re in a smaller cup size range.

If you are a larger cup size or looking for something specific then check out your local lingerie boutique. Many sell a full range of bra sized swim pieces and can fit you into the perfect thing. A quality swimsuit can be an investment, so you owe it to yourself to make sure it fits properly!

Where are you heading on vacation this summer? What are you looking for in a swimsuit? If you’ve got a wish list then let us know in the comments!

Related: How To Shop For Plus Size Swimwear Online

We Highly Recommend

If you’re shopping for a swimsuit that fits your bust perfectly, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find swimsuit tops that stay in place, especially when you’re shopping on your own. If you’re full-busted and you’ve struggled with finding a flattering swimsuit top or if you’ve never tried a bra-sized swim top before, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings and carry a selection of swimsuits and swimsuit tops. Their expert bra fitters can help take the pain and frustration out of swimsuit shopping and do all the work for you. They can help you find a bra-sized swimsuit top with the support and lift that you’re looking for and they can also help you find new everyday bras that fit well and feel good. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best swimsuits are hiding.

If you’re not happy with the swimsuits in your closet, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy swimsuit shopping!

As someone who lives and breathes lingerie during my work time, I sometimes have to make an active effort to stop thinking about it during my off hours. Sometimes I’m more successful than others. The exception is when a new lingerie book comes out or I get a recommendation for one that involves lingerie and fashion. I’ve read a huge list of books that involve lingerie and fashion over the past few years, so today I thought I’d share a few of my favorites. If you run out of reading this summer and want to learn more about your lingerie (or just be entertained by something lingerie themed) then something on this list is probably for you.

These books include everything from a serious textbook to a cozy mystery so you can pick and choose your time and investment level! What they all have in common is that they are good, entertaining and worth taking the time to read.

1.  An Intimate Affair: Women, Lingerie, and Sexuality by Jill Fields

If you read one book about lingerie history it should be this one. It’s comprehensive, huge, and covers lingerie history starting back in the Middle Ages. Lingerie trends have always been about a battle between women and society’s expectations of them, with a big sprinkle of advertising and commercial influence on the side.

Lingerie options changed drastically over time as women demanded access to a wider range of activities. You’ll see how lingerie was used to hold women back, to further their ability to participate in society and to create a picture-perfect version of women and their lives. If you consider yourself a lingerie collector at all, then you should read this book to understand why we’re all consistently drawn to it over time.

2.  Paris Undressed: The Secrets of French Lingerie by Kathryn Kemp Griffin

This book has a breezy tone and combines lingerie history with modern day French inspired shopping tips. It’s more useful if you’re smaller busted and not especially curvy. That said, I enjoyed it as a plus-size woman for its deep dive into aspects of the industry like lace.

I’m not a huge fan of the ‘French women are effortlessly perfect’ genre of non-fiction books as a rule, but this book has a purpose beyond that and is genuinely entertaining. If you can’t go lingerie shopping in Paris then this book is the next best thing.

3.  Vintage Lingerie: Historical Patterns and Techniques by Jill Salen

The popularity of sewing has exploded recently! This book focuses on historic lingerie patterns and techniques. It’s an invaluable resource for people into costuming or anyone focused on the technical details of lingerie who wants to learn more.

This book not only offers annotated historical patterns for personal use but also talks about ways to alter them to suit various body shapes! The patterns go back to the 1890s with a focus on corsetry and goes up to the 1950s. It’s a great resource for fans of vintage and retro lingerie from all time periods.

4.  Murder Unmentionable by Meg London

Now we get to one of my favorite literary genres: the cozy murder mystery! I read a ton of these in my free time so I was thrilled to find a series that involved a lingerie shop. It’s set in Paris, Tennessee and involves a fun cast of characters and a satisfying amount of romance. If you like this one there are two more in the series for you to enjoy!

This would make a great lingerie related beach read this summer. It’s the perfect brainless vacation novel.

5.  The Breast Life Guide to The Bra Zone: How to Find Your Size, Style, and Support by Elisabeth Dale

I have to admit my bias here: Elisabeth is one of my editors and also a fabulous human being. That said, her book would be on this list even if I didn’t send her emails every week! If you’re still looking for your perfect bra or bra brand to be loyal to then this is your book.

What I love about this book is that it focuses on finding a bra that feels right to you rather than on the lingerie “rules” that so many books emphasize. It talks about sister sizing and finding your personal fit, but also doesn’t pressure you to adopt some idea of what you should wear based on your age or size. I think of Elisabeth as a rule breaker, so it’s fitting that she’s written a book that encourages others to do the same.

Are you going to pick up any of these books this summer? Let us know which ones in the comments? Did you learn about any new books from this article? If so, make sure to share it with your friends!

{Editor’s Note: The Amazon links featured in this blog post are not affiliate links. We don’t make any money if you buy any of the books on this page.}

When you work in the lingerie industry people ask you incredibly awkward questions about their underwear all of the time. It’s usually in public, just as you’re trying to pick up your packages or walk your dog or buy some milk or enjoy an appetizer at a party.

What I’ve also learned is that most people ask the same questions over and over again! Not all of us get a great education about lingerie and how to care for it, although most of us know that we are supposed to know something and somehow take care of our bras “properly”. If you find yourself in this group of lingerie wearing consumers you’re definitely not alone.

Today I’m going to answer some of the questions that I’m asked most frequently! There’s no shame in wanting more information, so feel free to leave any other burning questions you have in the comments below and I’ll try to answer them as well.

How often do you really need to wash your bra?

Everyone always asks this in the summer. Always. I also know that this isn’t as easy to plan for as we’d like. Handwashing can take a long time and everyone is busy. It’s hard to make time and have your favorite bras out of commission for a few days but I promise it is worthwhile.

The answer to this question is pretty individual. Most people need to wash their bras every other wear or so in the summer and less often in the colder months. If you’re sweating profusely into your favorite bra three or four days a week then you should definitely be washing it often. This is about more than just smell: Sweat breaks down elastics and will drastically shorten the lifespan of your bra over time.

Can I really not put my bra through the washer and dryer?

Everyone I know cheats and washes their bra in the washer. Even my own mother does it! I know it’s common and I’ve even done it in an emergency, but you really should avoid it if at all possible. If you have to go for it then at least stick your bra in a lingerie bag.

Whatever you do, do not put your bra in the dryer. Ever. Heat is the greatest enemy of elastic out there and it will destroy your bra fast. Don’t even be tempted by the air fluff cycle.

Related: Bra Care 101: How To Wash Bras

How do I know if my bra fits?

The best way to guarantee that your bra fits is to go to a reputable bra fitting boutique and have them put you in one! If you can’t do that though, try these basic rules:

• Scoop all of your breast tissue into the cups when you try it on
• Make sure the center part (the gore) is flat against your chest in between your breasts
• No tissue should be spilling out anywhere. If it is, the cups of your bra are too small.
• Your bra band should be tight but also comfortable enough to slip two fingers underneath it.
• Your bra band shouldn’t ride up when you move around. If it does, your band is too loose.

Are there any alternatives to fancy lingerie wash?

Yes – and it’s not Woolite! Woolite is for wool and not for lingerie. If you don’t want to spend the money for fancy lingerie wash or run out then baby shampoo is a decent alternative.

There are some great affordable lingerie washes out there and some brands that may be worth the splurge so make sure you check them out online. Many companies sell sample size versions of their lingerie wash so you can try it out cheaply – take advantage of it! You might find your new favorite.

Do those expensive period panty things really work?

This is a question that has only been popping up in my life recently, which speaks to the growing popularity of period panties as an alternative to solutions like pads and tampons. Like bra cleanliness question, the answer to this is really individual.

I am among the masses who have switched entirely to period panties and wish they’d been around my whole life. I have friends who tried the same brands and types who hated them. I think it mostly depends on how heavy your period is and how big your budget is. I find them to be a worthwhile splurge, but others don’t find them to be the perfect period solution.

Do you have any other burning lingerie questions? Leave them in the comments! Did you have one of your lingerie questions answered in this article? If so, make sure to share it with a friend!

Related: 5 Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Favorite Bra

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Elissa Contour Strapless Bra | Elissa Bikini in Black

Body positive pool parties were happening all around the country before Shrill aired on television this past year but very few people were talking about them. In fact, they were common enough that there was an argument about the source material for the party famously portrayed on the Hulu streaming series. On Instagram, Virgie Tovar wondered if the scene had been taken from her own book “Flawless” and associated TEDx talk, while other activists fired back about the genesis of the scene that happened organically in the writer’s room.

What this debate does prove is that body positive pool parties have been around for ages. Many plus-size women remember being invited to them in the 70’s and 80’s, but only recently have they become fashionable events that combine activism with fashion and body positivity. Many plus-size and curvy women have had their lives changed by these type of events and now they are more accessible than ever.

So what happens at a body positive pool party? Mostly, you go and hang out in a pool in a non-judgmental environment. Many women pick out fashionable swimsuits but you can also go in whatever you are comfortable in. Many events have music, a bar, and even food trucks to snack at. The idea is to create a space that anyone can feel comfortable in at any weight.

If you haven’t attended one of these phenomenal events yet, here are some reasons to do so.

1.  Looking at a wide variety of shapes and sizes is better for your brain.

It’s been proven that looking at a wide variety of people can counteract the media effect of only seeing models who tend to look alike in magazines and on television. If you haven’t seen a lot of bodies that look like you (or even that don’t look like yours) then a body positive pool party is a great place to put this theory into action.

2.  Seeing people who are comfortable in their own skin can help you be more comfortable in yours.

Body positive pool parties have an amazing effect: Seeing others hanging out in their bathing suits may encourage you to hang out freely in yours! Lots of us are sensitive about feeling like we stand out in a bathing suit in public, but at a body positive pool party you’re just one person in a mass of bodies in swimsuits. It can be a shockingly freeing experience that changes your view on how your body fits in.

3.  You can meet new body positive friends.

One of the best aspects of attending a body positive event is that you can meet other people who have explicitly stated that they don’t believe in judging people based on their shape and size. Sounds like a good qualification for potential new friends, right? These are fun social events where everyone gets to know each other and is super welcoming, so it can be a great way to meet people if you’re new to an area or looking to widen your circle of friends.

Related: 5 Body Positive Habits To Develop Every Week

Oceane Padded Bikini Top | Oceane Bikini Bottom in Splash Print

4.  Private pool parties are always fun.

All of these events are private so you can hang out at the pool without worrying about someone judging you! The private nature of these parties give you space to exist and make new friends and actually enjoy the pool – without all of the stress that can come along with going to a public pool full of strangers. Add in music, drinks, and potentially food and you have a fun afternoon out all planned.

5.  You don’t have to go alone.

If you’re nervous about heading out to a body positive pool party near you then try an easy solution: Grab some like minded friends and make it a group outing! You can give each other swimsuit recommendations and have a built in social group to hang out with in case you get nervous about meeting a bunch of strangers. You can also provide support to each other if you’re nervous about crowded parties or hanging out in your swimsuit.

Have you been to a body positive pool party? If so, what was it like? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Related: Beyond “Body Positive”: A Passport to the Curvy World of Instagram

Keira Bikini Top | Keira Bikini Bottom in Peach

We Highly Recommend

If you’re shopping for a swimsuit that fits your bust perfectly, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find swimsuit tops that stay in place, especially when you’re shopping on your own. If you’re full-busted and you’ve struggled with finding a flattering swimsuit top or if you’ve never tried a bra-sized swim top before, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings and carry a selection of swimsuits and swimsuit tops. Their expert bra fitters can help take the pain and frustration out of swimsuit shopping and do all the work for you. They can help you find a bra-sized swimsuit top with the support and lift that you’re looking for and they can also help you find new everyday bras that fit well and feel good. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best swimsuits are hiding.

If you’re not happy with the swimsuits in your closet, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy swimsuit shopping!

Featured image swimwear:

Farah Bikini Top | Farah Bikini Bottom in Black/Emerald

Summer is here and it is hot out! As a long time resident of the city of New Orleans, I consider myself an expert in the art of surviving insanely hot weather with ease. We all know about linen blend clothing and other summer fashion items, but do you know that your lingerie can make a big difference in your summer heat survival strategies, too?

In general, surviving the summer heat is about something counter-intuitive: layering. In the winter you’re always layering items that will keep you warm, but in the summer layering is all about letting your skin breathe.

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite tips for surviving the summer heat in style — and it all starts with your lingerie choices.

1.  Look for breathable natural fabrics.

We always think about this for clothing but we don’t often apply this idea to our lingerie. There are more great silk and cotton lingerie items available in a range of sizes than ever before! Even if you can’t find bras in your size range that use natural fabrics, you can focus on breathable panties and camisoles that will help your skin stay cool.

Another trick is to make sure that your underwear isn’t too tight. Sweating in summer is the worst so focus on increasing airflow to your skin. Incredibly tight underwear and other lingerie can make you feel awful on a really hot day.

2.  Embrace slips and layering.

Slips are an old fashioned idea but they can make a huge difference in your comfort level when the temperature goes up. Focus on slips and camisoles that are breathable and layer well under your clothes. As a bonus, you can sweat into your slip instead of into your expensive dress!

It’s almost always easier to wash a slip or a camisole over and over again then your valuable clothing, so embrace the vintage-inspired lifestyle and try some! You can often find great and cheap options at local resale, vintage, and thrift stores. If you find a great deal on some then just buy a bunch. You won’t regret it.

3.  Stock up on mesh bras and underwear.

Mesh bras are really trendy right now, but they’re also perfect for the summer heat. Mesh bras only used to be available in smaller cup sizes but now are available for lots of different sizes and body types. Some have underwires and some are bralettes but they all will keep you cool and comfortable during the next heat wave.

Mesh bras also air dry faster when you hand wash them so they are perfect for the summer when you are washing your bras more often!

Related: These 11 Bras Are Summer Must-Haves

Parfait Active Wireless Sports Bra in Tea Berry

4.  Explore the world of wireless bras.

Bralettes used to be associated with unsupportive pieces in a small range of sizes. If that’s still your idea of what bralettes are available, you should check out all of the options that have emerged in the past few years!

Wireless bras in larger sizes have evolved immensely with several companies focusing on breathable wireless bra options that support more like a traditional underwire bra. These can be great for sleeping and lounging but also double as a regular bra when you have to run to the store on Saturday.

Wireless bras are comfortable and breathable when the temperature goes up and perfect for lazy weekend activities.

5.  Try layering camisoles.

Do you need to make a piece of clothing work appropriate but hate the idea of adding extra layers? Try a cropped layering camisole for maximum breathability. These come in a wide variety of colors and styles and are perfect for summer layering. Some are even fancy and fashionable which allows you to style the same piece of clothing different ways.

Like slips, layering camisoles are also easy to wash and help you keep sweat and dirt off your favorite outfit! Since they are cropped they also won’t add bulk underneath your outfits or bunch up. Once you try them you’ll want to start a collection!

Do you have any tips for surviving the summer heat? If so, leave them in the comments! Did you learn any new summer lingerie from this article? If so, share it with a friend!

Related: How To Shop For Wireless Bras

Adriana Lace Bralette | Adriana Bikini in Raspberry

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Vanna Plunge Padded Bra | Vanna Hipster in Bare/Ivory

Have you ever found the perfect bra? Whether it’s that t-shirt bra that looks good under everything or that lace plunge bra that is perfect for date night — we all have a favorite bra. Today I’m offering some tips to help you preserve your favorite bras so they continue to serve you well over their lifetime. Just follow these tips and you’ll never have to worry about a popped underwire or stretched elastic again!

1.  Buy a good lingerie wash.

While you can wash your bras with baby shampoo in a pinch, a good lingerie wash is better. Well made lingerie wash both removes dirt and helps preserve the fabrics and elastics in your bra so it holds up better over time. As a bonus, a great lingerie wash can make your bathroom smell incredible for hours afterwards! There are lots of different versions of lingerie wash out there, so it can be fun to test out different options and find your favorite.

Lingerie washes come in scented and non-scented versions, as well as types where you have to rinse your lingerie and types where you don’t have to. Experiement with what works for your style and sensitivities to find your perfect version.

2.  Don’t wash with hot water.

Heat is the enemy of elastic so never ever wash your bra with anything but cold or lukewarm water! Stretch fabrics and elastic are what ensure that your bra fits so well so you really want to be gentle with them and keep them away from heat when you wash and dry them. Be patient, wash in cool water and enjoy the longevity of your bra!

Remember that when you wash your bra you should swish it around gently and soak it for at least fifteen minutes to get all of the dirt out!

Related: Bra Care 101: How To Wash Bras

3.  Never put your bra in the dryer.

You never want to put your bra through the dryer due to the high heat. We all cheat on hand washing now and then but do not cheat on air-drying your bras! If you want to speed up the drying process try using a towel to squeeze all of the excess water out of your bra before you put it out to dry.

If you can, try to try your bra flat. If you don’t have the space for that then you can hang it by the straps without letting it twist around. This is especially important for t-shirt bras and moulded cup bras that can crease and wrinkle permanently when pushed out of shape.

4.  Don’t wear the same bra two days in a row.

Bra fitting boutiques don’t try and sell you multiple bras just to make money — they do it so you can rotate between them to prolong their lifespan! Rotating through your bras will make each bra last longer. Even if you only have a few bras that you love, try hard to alternate which days you wear them so the stretch elements have time to pop back into shape.

If you can’t afford to buy multiple bras at the same time then make sure to write down the size and model of the one you love so you can look for another down the road! It is always easier to rotate among multiple bras than to try and preserve one that you wear seven days a week.

5.  Store your bras carefully.

The easiest way to mess up a t-shirt bra or a moulded cup bra is to store it in a drawer with stuff on top of it. Once a moulded cup bra creases or flattens out it can be almost impossible to get it back into shape! If you have extra tissue paper and some additional storage space, you can stuff some balled up paper in the cups to help them keep their shape. If not, just make sure that the cups nest inside each other and aren’t being damaged during storage.

If you can’t find space in your regular drawers, try getting one of those clear storage boxes from the store. They are just the right size to store a bunch of bras in and have lots of room to have them lie flat.

Do you have a favorite bra that you really love? If so, make sure to tell us about it in the comments! Did you learn any new lingerie care tips from this article? If so, make sure to share it with your friends!

Related: How Should I Dry My Bras After Washing Them?

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra | Sandrine Brazilian Thong in Cameo Rose

I am at the age where everyone I know is either getting married or having babies. As a result, I get asked about wedding lingerie and where to find it a lot – at least once every two weeks. When most people get married their mind turns to shapewear but I think that no one should feel like they are forced to wear shapewear on their big day. If you’re dreaming of something less industrial and more romantic, there are lots of great options out there.

Read on to find out about some of my favorite bridal looks for plus-size brides!

Longline strapless bras

If you do want a little bit of shapewear and serious support then this type of bra is a great option. These bras are classic and beautiful but also come down almost to your waist so you get some shaping all the way down. They also come in a huge range of cup sizes and band sizes, so it’s easy to find one that gives you a good fit.

Remember that above all, your wedding lingerie should be comfortable! If you can’t dance or eat in it then don’t buy it.

Long gowns and robes

There are lots of vintage style robes and long gowns out there now at all kinds of prices from budget to luxurious. These can be a great look for everything from a bridal boudoir shoot to your honeymoon getaway, so buying one can be a useful investment. Many of them are generally stylish enough that you can wear them over and over, so pick something you really love and treat yourself!

Related: 7 Things To Consider When Buying Your Bridal Lingerie

Ciara Bralette | Ciara Bikini in Ivory

Vintage style slips

It’s hard to find vintage slips if you’re plus-size, but vintage style slips are everywhere these days. Plus-size mall stores and online stores can be good sources, but your local thrift or consignment store can also have some surprising treasures.

Fashion bras in white

Many white and blue fashion bra sets make great bridal lingerie. These have the added bonus of being wearable after your big day as well as pretty, so they’re great if you’re more practical or on a budget. Think outside the box for this option since the range of plus-size fashion bra retailers covers a lot of ground right now.

Remember that ‘bridal’ as a look is only defined by what it means to you, not what it looks like in the media or to others. Want to go for that stealthy skull and roses bra? Go for it – it’s your wedding day!

Modern stretch lace options

Lace is always bridal, but we tend to think of it as stiff and uncomfortable. Embrace the modern age of comfort with gorgeous stretch lace options. There are tons of beautiful bralettes and chemises out there that are breathable, comfortable, and bridal.

Are you getting married this summer? Did this article help inspire you to find the perfect bridal lingerie? If so, make sure to leave a comment and share it with a friend!

Related: The Definitive Guide To Picking Out Bridal Lingerie

Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra | Sandrine Hipster in Ivory

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Sandrine Plunge Longline Bra | Sandrine Hipster in Ivory

One of the best things we can do as lingerie lovers is to learn how to use fewer resources to fuel our collections! Water is a precious resource that is becoming harder to come by and the process of growing crops and turning them into textiles pollutes it. Dyes that are used to create beautiful colors can hurt plants, people, and animals.

The best way to help the environment and continue to grow your collection is to buy quality pieces and wear them as long as you can.

While you’re doing that, here are some other easy to ways to reduce your water consumption and to make sure your lingerie does as little damage to the planet as possible.

1.  Handwash your lingerie in batches to minimize water waste.

One easy way to consume less water is to hand wash your lingerie and to do it in batches rather than each bra individually. You can use the same tub of water for multiple bras – just make sure you’re only changing the water if it is dirty!

2.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions about packaging and environmental practices.

The things we buy in life come with a lot of packaging. Think about the last small thing you purchased from Amazon or another big retailer. How much plastic or cardboard packaging came with it? Overpackaging is a persistent issue for retailers, but they don’t have much incentive to do anything about it without customer feedback. If you’d prefer less packaging or more eco-friendly packaging, make your wishes known! Also, make sure to buy from businesses that are thoughtfully packaging their goods in more environmentally friendly ways.

3.  Don’t throw away your old or unwanted bras – donate them!

As Americans, we throw away a lot of barely used clothing items. Those items have already generated pollution, put dyes into water systems and used labor to make them. If you’re not going to wear them yourself, the best thing you can do is give them away to someone who will. There are lots of great lingerie based charities now from Free the Girls to I Support the Girls. Whether you’re helping set up a female entrepreneur in another country or donating a bra to a female prison inmate who really needs it, your gently used bra can have a long life ahead of it and do good in the process.

Related: Here’s Why Bras Cost What They Do

4.  Buy natural fabrics with minimal dyes and processing when possible.

This is both harder to find and more expensive, but it can be worth it for really special pieces. There are lots of fabrics out there that have a lesser environmental impact, from peace silk to fair trade cotton. Lingerie made from vintage fabrics is also great for the environment – and you can end up with a totally unique piece of lingerie that no one else has!

5.  Look for textiles made from recycled fabrics.

Companies are starting to develop lots of textiles made from recycled fabrics, so look for lingerie and swimwear lines that are using them! The future of sustainable fashion is in renewable textile development, so make sure to support companies that are taking that leap into the future.

Related: Where To Donate Your Old Bras

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Will you be trying out any of these environmentally friendly tips? If so, make sure to share this article with a friend!

Part of learning to love the body you’re in is practice! Practicing things always makes learning new skills easier – from learning a new crafting skill to learning to love your body. In part, you’ll need to practice because everything in the media tells us we shouldn’t love our bodies. Any fashion magazine is filled with diet advice and articles about how to dress to disguise our less desirable features, so to fight back you’ll need to spend lots of time getting used to the body you’re in.

Luckily, learning to love yourself can be a rewarding and fun journey once you find some activities that help you shift your mindset.

Today I’ve made a list of my five favorite ways to get started on your journey to body positivity and acceptance so you can spend ‘beach body’ season learning to love yourself instead of hating yourself.

1.  Dance in your underwear every morning.

All credit here goes to @bodyposipanda, who is a constant source of joy on Instagram. Her videos of her dancing in her underwear have spawned a movement of women who are doing the same. Seeing your body in motion can be a revelation, but it’s also a great way to start learning how your body moves and to appreciate what it can do. It doesn’t have to be a formal thing or for a certain amount of time. Dance with your coffee, dance with your dog or just put on your favorite summer jam and jump around.

2.  Consume media that shows a range of body types.

Lots of us wind down at the end of the day with a show on Netflix or Hulu, but once or twice a week try picking a show that shows larger bodies than the standard. There are lots of great options right now, so this is actually both fun and easy to do! This Is Us is great for drama, Shrill is fun and entertaining and Dumplin’ on Netflix made me both laugh and cry.

Related: Here’s How Body Positivity Can Improve Your Life

3.  Consult the Experts.

There are lots of great books out there right now that are fun to read and have thoughtful messages about body positivity. Dietland was my favorite last summer, but you can also try non-fiction works by authors Jes Baker and Lindy West.

4.  Try to separate health from dieting.

No matter what size or shape you are, moving our bodies is good for us. That doesn’t mean you have to hate the body you’re in though! Try to separate your health or fitness goals from your weight. Do you want to be able to take a picturesque hike with ease? Do you just want to drink 8 glasses of water a day? Do you want to learn how to do a specific style of dance? Your goals can be small or large – or you can have no goals at all! No matter how you approach it, try to take weight out of the equation.

5.  Create a curated Instagram account.

The body positive community is taking over Instagram and there are so many great accounts to follow as a result! If you don’t want your body positive content mixed in with your personal stuff, try making a separate account that purely curates a wide variety of body positive images. You don’t have to post on it yourself, but you can have fun scrolling through it several times a week to see what is new.

It can be hard to stay body positive on a regular basis, but these weekly activities will help you get into that mindset all of the time! If you found this useful, why not share this article with a friend?

Related: How To Boost Your Friend’s Body Confidence

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Aline Wire-Free Padded Bra & Bikini in Nude | Emma Wire-Free Soft Padded Bra & Hipster in Bare

Sit down and think for a minute — how many women do you know that are plus-sized? Are you plus-sized? According to recent statistics, the answers are likely to be: a) many and b) yes. As of last year, 68% of women in the US now wear a size 14 or above, which puts them firmly in the plus-size fashion category.

If plus is the new normal, what does this mean for the fashion industry? As the customer base shifts into a large size range, fashion designers will have to learn how to work with new body types and how to appeal to a new (and discerning) set of customers.

Today we’re going to talk about some of the recent shifts in the fashion industry and how this new normal is being incorporated into our shopping experiences.

1.  The Growing Popularity of Size Free Stores

Companies haven’t shifted the way they talk about sizing, but what many companies are talking about is developing size free stores. In this new type of brick and mortar store customers could shop every piece in a wide size range, so two friends who are a size 2 and a size 28 could walk out with the same dress. This erasure of sizing when it comes to plus-sizes has had some pushback, but many stores are doubling down on this model as the way forward.

2.  More Luxury Options for Larger Sizes

The launch of 11 Honore changed the landscape of luxury plus size options several years ago. Their proven sales record and clout have allowed them to help and encourage more luxury designers to participate in the website. While not everyone can afford the pieces on offer, it’s good to see high-quality pieces off the runway being made available in larger sizes.

3.  An Amplified Voice for Plus-Size Influencers

Larger fashion bloggers used to be rare, but now they’ve gone mainstream and wield a huge influence over what people buy and wear. This helps companies see what consumers want and create trendier pieces that reflect the desires of the plus-size community.

Related: Are Full Bust Bras and Plus Size Bras The Same Thing?

Marion Unlined Wire Bra | Marion Hipster in Tango Red

4.  Better Designer Collaborations

The last two years have produced some heavenly designer collaborations from people like Rodarte and Jason Wu for plus-sizes. While we used to have to compete to pick up the designer leftovers from Target collaborations, plus-size fashion lines have come into their own and are attracting seriously desirable designers.

5.  A Treasure Trove of Influencer Collaborations

Influencers are generally great representatives for their community, so it’s encouraging to see both small and large brands designing so many collections in collaboration with them. You can now find your favorite influencer working on the designs of everything from lingerie to evening wear! Many influencers have also started their own fashion likes, like Premme.

Final considerations

As larger sizes become the new normal, options for great plus-size clothing and lingerie have improved dramatically. While there is much work to be done, there’s now more space than ever to advocate for what you want and to vote with your money by purchasing pieces that speak to you. What do you think has changed in the plus-size market in the last few years? Did anything in this article surprise you? If so, make sure to share it with your friends!

Related: Where To Find Plus Size Lingerie

Marion Unlined Wire Bra | Marion Hipster in Tango Red

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Marion Unlined Wire Bra | Marion Hipster in Tango Red