Best plus-size lingerie: 20 sexy styles for curvy women | London Evening Standard

he secret to great lingerie isn’t just that it makes you look like a million bucks; it should make you feel like it too.

The thing is, it’s not easy shopping for sexy date night underwear or pulling pants when your curves are above average. Plus size lingerie used to mean beige, black or grey undergarments with about as much sex appeal as your nana’s false teeth.

Thankfully retailers have cottoned onto this and now there’s more choice in inclusive sizes than there’s ever been, backed by the celebrity spotlight of A-listers like Lizzo, Tess Holliday and plus-size supermodel Ashley Graham.

While plus size clothing is widely regarded as size 16 and above, plus size lingerie is for those who wear a bra cup D or bigger. Online lingerie brand Figleaves says: “Anything 40 (for the underband) and above we would see as plus size, this is equivalent to an 18/20 dress size.”

Your size can change all the time, from exercise to hormones and diet, so it’s important to make sure you’re wearing a bra that fits. Even if you think you know your size, it’s worth double checking – a 2018 survey by US lingerie brand Victoria Secret found a whopping 80 per cent of respondents were unknowingly wearing a bra in the wrong size.

Of course, it’s not all about fit. Lingerie must walk that fine line between looking delicate yet offering Isambard Kingdom Brunel-worthy levels of support to ensure you’ll feel confident wearing next to nothing – however long you’re wearing it.

To help with the search, we’ve rounded up the best plus size designs to shop now.

From balcony styles to bralets, in luxurious fabrics like lace, mesh and silk, here is the ES Best edit of the foxiest plus size lingerie in the UK.

Available up to size 26, this lace and mesh body is a tale of pure seduction. It’s non-padded and has an elasticated back for total comfort. While it looks delicate, it will fare perfectly well in a washing machine so you won’t need to bother with time-consuming hand washing or trips to the dry cleaners. All play, no work.

Not every woman wants to be demure and dainty in the bedroom. This velvet animal print set will help you unleash your inner Jane, Queen of the jungle. The two-piece, composed of a micro bralet and pleasingly high waisted Brazilian pants will leave you feeling comfortable yet confident. Sizes to UK 30.

Badgal RiRi is here to make everyday feel like Valentine’s with her lingerie line, Savage x Fenty. Serving red hot looks at up to 60 per cent off, Rihanna’s collection is, much like her makeup range, broadly inclusive with sizes that should fit up to a UK women’s 26. There’s even options for men on the site.

Shop booty-hugging pants, lace-engulfed bodies, satin slips and seductive bodices. Prepare for ignition.

Celebrate your curves in this opulent Figleaves set, finished with goddess level rose gold fan lace. The plunge-bra (£26) is underwired for extra support and features a classic hook-and-eye fastening while the matching briefs (£16) skim over skin, flattering all manner of shapes. Bras to 48DD, pants to size 26.

Switch your phone to airplane mode and pause that boxset. This mink-hued satin and lace set promises a night of romance. It’s available in sizes 12 – 26, and thanks to the polyester and polyamide mix, should stay crease resistant until it’s next outing. There’s also a chemise (£36) in the same style for those who want a slinkier look.

Find beautiful bras and nice knickers at The Underargument. The clean yet elegant style of this mesh design is available in sizes up to 38E and looks sensational on every body. Finished with French embroidery, velvet and gold-coloured hardware, it’s a look of love through and through.

A cute date night look for those who don’t want to lay all their cards on the table, this two piece is available in sizes to 26. It’s covered in black lace and pleated polyester, and while you can throw it in the washing machine it’s advisable to run it on a cold wash.

If you’re looking to turn up the heat in the bedroom, this lace body is the perfect thing to help you do it. It features a daringly-low plunge neck and skimpy g-string integrated pant to show off your finest assets. Available in sizes to UK 24.

One night in Paris may be off the cards for the time being but this padded balcony bra offers another way to bring the city of love to life. The devastating Leyla design features contrasting lace with strapping detail and silver-coloured finishings. Get the full Moulin Rouge look by adding the matching briefs (£12) to basket too. 

A cut-out plunge bra that’s available in sizes to 48DD, this design is guaranteed to make a lasting impression. It’s made for a night in with a plunge neck, intricate lace, mesh and strapping detailing to the back. The front sports scalloped edging and a centre front fastener. Matching briefs are available to complete the ensemble.

Sexy underwear needn’t mean black; darker tones like teal work wonderfully too. Get ready to knock their socks off in this plunge velvet and lace underwired bra (£30) finished with pretty detailing. There’s a bralette (£26) available in the same style too. For your lower half, choose between a high waisted thong (£18) or Brazilian briefs (£16) and finish the femme fatale look with a suspender belt (£18). 

Quiet night in? Available in sizes to 46FF, keep all attention on you in this full cupped bra, both stylish and supportive. Lace cup tops and small bows finish the classic lingerie look.

Part of a collab with body positive supermodel Ashley Graham comes this seductive babydoll cami, available in sizes 14 to 28. The flared cut and adjustable straps offer a flattering fit, so you’ll look knock-out every time.

Offering a very convincing reason to stay in, this strappy embroidered bra is inspired by the passion and romance of Paris. The adjustable straps ensure a great fit every time while the stretchy mesh offers easy freedom of movement. 

Sleek, simple lines, this non-padded underwired bra offers just the right balance of style and support. The sheer cups will support cup sizes B to G in the balconette style. As one happy customer summed it up: “It’s sexy without being ostentatious”.

Also available in black and red styles.

Get ready to tick off your bra checklist: comfortable, pretty and covered in lace, this full-cup supports your assets with style. The straps are centred so should stay put instead of slipping down your shoulders. Available in cup sizes F to K.

Not into statement hues? Lighter tones can still look the part in the bedroom, especially if paired with fabrics like luxurious lace.

The Fantasie bra is finished with lovely Baroque-style leaf detail, as well as ribbons and an on-trend rose gold trim centre front. As well as this rose, there’s soft beige, white, navy and black to choose from.

Playful Promises has just launched the Deja Day collection, specifically designed for women who wear a cup size D to H.

The pretty pieces are made for celebrating curves, with four cuts to choose from: The Emma, a super comfortable non-wired bralette; The Sophia, a supportive plunge foam lined bra; The Grace, a plunge design made from bonded net and finally; The Rosalyn, a balconette with boned fabric in the lower cup to help lift.

Available in a choice of three colours, this is an every day plunge bra that can hold its own when night falls, thanks to the mesh inserts and pretty bead embroidery.

So often when it comes to lingerie, the last thing curvy women want or need is extra padding. That’s why we’ve included this seam-free non-padded design to our list. With pretty details like bows, lace and satin straps, it keeps all the pretty without adding bulk. Available in sizes 30F to 42DD and available in two other nude tones.