Plus Size Lingerie a Booming Market

Despite a flagging economy, plus size lingerie is one of the success stories of 2008.

The fashion industry dictates that plus sizes start at 14 in the US. Half of American women wear this size or larger. This fact makes plus size bras, panties and undergarments a lucrative market. In fact, this market has continued to grow overall in 2008 despite economic woes.

Being fuller figured does not mean that you don’t want to look good in your underwear. (I can attest to that.) It also doesn’t mean that you are undesirable. (My beloved can attest to that.) Given the numbers and the need, it’s no wonder that lingerie designers and brands are flocking to provide attractive skivvies to the larger set.

There are a host of brands that cater to the fuller-figured customer. Think of Bali, Barely There, Chantelle, Natori, Olga, Sassybax, Vanity Fair, Playtex and Wacoal. While these brands also make lovely lingerie in regular sizes, they have all added or expanded their offerings in the plus size range.

Then there is the shapewear phenomena. It seems like everywhere you go now, the big item is shapewear. These garments are clearly targeted at individuals who want to have a smooth line – and the plus size market is no exception. With the right shapewear, a woman with a fuller figure could actually look sizes smaller – and that’s a plus that most of us can live with.

The female lingerie buyer has made Spanx into the “Kleenex” of shapewear. Everyone knows what Spanx are – in the same way that folks will understand when you ask for a Kleenex that you mean a tissue. At HerRoom.com, the Spanx Power Panties with Tummy Control are one of the most popular items. These little beauties can be worn instead of underwear for a touch of control in all the right places.

Source: Reuters.com and reporting from BraWise