Plus size lingerie: Finding your perfect fit

Pretty detailing. Shape-boosting styles. Colour palettes straight from this season’s runways. Who says shopping for plus size lingerie can’t be fun? Not us. Here at Pour Moi, we’re on a mission to make everybody look and feel fabulous. From our everyday bras to our sexiest chemises, we’re obsessed with giving plus-size women their pick of the best lingerie pieces that will never compromise on comfort, style and support.  

And unlike brands where the plus-size section is tacked on as an afterthought, we’re constantly innovating to make sure all our lingerie is available to everyone, whether they wear a J-cup, a size 44 back or a size 22 brief. But before you splash out on new plus-size styles, what are the features you should look for when buying plus-size lingerie? Our guide has all the answers. From bras to bodices, bodies to briefs, read on to discover how to find your perfect plus-size lingerie. Instant body confidence, guaranteed!

The clothes you wear everyday look so much better when you’re wearing the right size and cut of underwear underneath. Briefs that dig in can ruin the look you’re going for and not to mention are just downright uncomfortable, while a lack of support on your top half can cause discomfort on your power walk to the bus stop. 

When it comes to everyday briefs, don’t just stick to your tried and tested old favourites, there are so many different styles out there that will look fabulous on you. Every body shape is different, but if you’re an apple (with narrow hips and a wider mid-section) classic briefs can feel comfortable and supportive. Our gorgeous pear ladies (those with a small waist and wider hips) may prefer a Brazilian style brief, because they sit much lower on the hip. 

When it comes to plus size everyday bras, support is going to be your number one priority. Followed closely by how much it complements your everyday outfit. One of our favourite go to styles for everyday wear is a t-shirt bra. Offering undeniable support and all-day comfort t-shirt bras will provide a smooth finish under any outfit. From padded, push-up and lightly padded t-shirt bras such as our bestselling Sofia Embroidered Smoothing Lightly Padded T-Shirt Bra, these styles are a favourite for everyday plus size bras. Another firm favourite with all of our plus size ladies is a side support bra. Designed with strengthened side wings, side support bras give a forward facing and rounded shape for a comfortable and flattering look. It’s no surprise that we’re the Sofia Lace Embroidered Side Support Bra and Rebel Underwired Side Support Bra D-J are some of our bestselling styles.

Shapewear is a must if you’re looking for supportive styles that complement your natural figure and outfit. Gone are the days of thick and restrictive shapewear, you’ll find that all shapewear styles at Pour Moi are firm without feeling tight or restrictive, allowing you to feel comfortable and move freely all day long. But what are some of our favourite plus size shapewear styles you ask?  

Look no further than the Definitions collection, from the Definitions Lightly Padded Multiway Strapless Bra, Definitions Shaping Control Brief, Definitions High-Waist Shaping Brief or the Definitions Wear Your Own Bra Control Slip. All designed to support your natural figure comfortable while creating a smooth silhouette under your clothes. Or if you’re looking for a bodyshaper, why not try the St Tropez Underwired Bodyshaper with built in supportive underwiring.

Not sure of how to find your perfect plus size bra? Follow our simple step-by-step guide. No tape measures? No problem! You won’t need one with our handy method - you just need a mirror and your favourite bra to use as your guide.  

To find the perfect fit there are four key fit areas you’ll need to check.  The first thing to check is the under band, it should lie flat to your chest and feel firm but comfortable - you’ll still want to be able to run a couple of fingers underneath. If you cannot, you’ll need to go up a back size or it’ll feel like it’s digging in. The under band should be horizontal all around your body, so stand side-on to a mirror and check it’s not riding up at the back. If it does, the bra’s too loose to provide the support you need, and you should go down a back size. 

The next thing to check is the underwires, this should sit flat to your chest, in between your breasts and all around them, without digging into the breast tissue. A big no-no here is if the wire sits on your boobs - it means you need a bigger cup.  

The cups need to fully encompass your breast tissue to give you smooth line at the top with no bulging. Even if you’re going for a bra that gives you some uplift like a balconette, it shouldn’t dig in or it’ll give you the dreaded ‘quad boob’. If that happens, you need to go up a size. Any gaping at the top? You need to go down a cup size. 

The straps shouldn’t have to work too hard as most of the support should come from the under band and the cups. A bra that digs in at the shoulders is a sure sign that you’ve got the wrong size and it’s not giving you enough support. Make sure you adjust the straps regularly as your breasts will change size over time (and sometimes over the course of a month).