Plus Size Market in the US

According to a recent report from Packaged Facts, U.S. Market for Women's Intimate Apparel (Lingerie), the plus size lingerie market is still going strong. The report provides an in-depth look at the $9.6 billion lingerie market and covers everything from a history of women's intimate apparel to shopping habits, trends and predictions for a variety of specific markets, including plus size lingerie.

According to the fashion industry, plus sizes start at size 14 in the US and half of American women wear clothing in sizes 14 and larger. However,being plus sized does not mean being unattractive. Better-than-Bare.com offers a wide selection of plus size lingerie to flatter the fuller figure.

At Better-than-Bare.com, the selection of full figure and plus size lingerie products available include several brands that specialize in the plus size market, as well as those who have traditionally offered average figure apparel and have added plus size lingerie to their lines.

Some of the lines you will find are Bali, Barely There, Playtex and Smooth Illusions specifically making shapewear, but there is also a large selection of fine lingerie styles now offered in more curvaceous sizes.

For more information on the report, visit www.PackagedFacts.com. For more information on full figure and plus size lingerie, visit http://www.better-than-bare.com/.

Aviana Bras - Designed specifically for larger sizes

Seems we have been getting a lot of good information for our plus size readers, and now even more choices for styles.

The Better-than-Bare Lingerie store in proud to announce that they will be carrying the full line of Aviana Bras. The entire line is designed strictly to meet the needs of the larger busted woman, while at the same time offering quality and style.

Aviana is the result of a vision. A vision to create a collection of bras exclusively full figured, with all the sophistication of European design and the comfort women deserve.

Supportive and stylish, Aviana was designed from the beginning to fit in cup sizes D and up.Size range: in Bands from 32 to 56 and Cups from D to K.

Most full-figure bras are merely "sized-up" versions of an existing bra style. Aviana, however, is the original full-figure bra. Thanks to the careful study of body types and bra fittings, women finally have a bra that "feels like it was made for them".

Better-than-Bare will carry the entire line. Some of the style and color combinations are complex, so they may not be shown in the store. Please feel free to communicate with them at support@better-than-bare.com for any questions, or for a list of styles, colors and sizes that meet your custom needs.

In Defense of the Bigger Bust

Europe has arguably lead the world in terms of "Supporting" larger bust sizes, but the US is starting to take note. While Victoria's Secret is still pretty much limited to smaller than DD and 40 band sizes, even moderately priced department stores are carrying sizes for the full figured gal. They are launching new brands, and offering fitting services. So your choices are increasing.

First, let's qualify the market here. Looking at the media message, you may find it hard to believe that one recent survey showed more than 50% of women are size D and above. Even worse, estimates are up to 85% of women are wearing a bra that is not the right size for them. Sometimes this is because women are fitted for proper size and support, but when their body changes they just keep buying the same old thing. Sometimes it is because women have just plain been fitted wrong. But a growing number are improperly fitted because they insist on "Vanity" sizing.

Vanity sizing is when the number becomes more important than the fit. Sure, it is difficult to admit you have grown from a 36 band to a 40. Or you may not want to admit you are an DD cup, or a DDD cup. So you buy something that 'kind of' fits but is in an acceptable sounding size. Well, resolve to forget the number and just wear what is right.

Now, we started talking about the bigger bust. But what does that mean? Did you immediately think of Dolly Parton, or some similarly endowed example? If 50% of women are considered large busted, what does that really look like. For example, can you estimate what size this model is?

This is an honest 32DD customer. See, not mis-shapen or freakish. But many women this same size are wearing 34D or 36C bras. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it actually is bad for you. Lack of support can lead to back pain, breast pain, shoulder pain, improper posture and can even cause abnormal functioning of the lymph nodes.

So, give up your hang ups. A big bust does not mean a small brain. You wouldn't wear a hat that was too big, or gloves that were too tight, would you? Cut out the tags if you must. If you must, lie to your friends about your measurements. But don't lie to yourself!!! Measure yourself or get fitted, and buy the right size. Then do it again in 6 months, and again, and again. It is not unusual to go up or down in size if you gain or lose weight, go through pregnancy or menopause, or even just change your workout routine at the gym.

Plus Size Lingerie

Don't be fooled by the media in to thinking only stick-thin bobble-head dolls can look good in lingerie. Many manufacturers are expanding their line of available styles to reach in to more womanly sizes.

But the other side of the coin is true as well; don't think that just because they make something in a larger size that it is appropriate for everyone. The most important tools you can use to determine what outfits you should be wearing are a mirror and your own eyes.

The very first post we did for this blog was a discussion of what to choose and what to avoid for several body types. Check that out for some pointers. But let's just say you don't have the time to go back and review that, here is a list of a couple do's and don'ts for the curvey woman:

• Don't feel you have to hide behind lots of material. That can draw more attention to exactly what you don't want.
• Do feel free to wear something skimpy, if it is the right style. Light and airy can reduce visual weight if done properly.
• Don't wear things that are too tight. There is a difference between an ample busom and mounds of flesh straining out of an outfit. One is alluring, the other looks like you are wearing someone else's clothes.
• Do show off your best features. Wear outfits that show off your cleavage, if that is something you are proud of.
• Don't wear articles that cut you off horizontally, especially around the waist area. This draws the attention to width, which is not a friend to anyone but the skinniest waifs.
• Do wear articles that draw the eye vertically. Things such as a plunging neckline, or high cut panty legs, can stretch your appearance and minimize width.

Follow these simple suggestions, and be realistic when you look at yourself in the mirror. Ruebenesque women have nothing to hide, and there are more than enough styles of beautiful and sexy lingerie that will complement your exact image.