Photo by Erwin Olaf
Age discrimination is a real issue in the world of lingerie and one that I felt needed to be addressed after I read the article by Joyce Wadler, “Where Did You Go for Your Bra, Mrs. Robinson?” in the New York Times. Ms. Wadler speaks eloquently (and hilariously) about the struggles of trying to find lingerie when everything seems designed for young women who have a totally different style and body type than her. Of her shopping trip, she writes, “There is one big problem, which I have already encountered at other lingerie stores: A lot of the prettiest bras and camisoles and bustiers are too small or designed for a premenopausal body, as if women of a certain age no longer have a fantasy life.”
If you look around, there are tons of lingerie designs that cater to younger women, not considering the needs or styles of women older than (even) 40. The problem with this is not only the way that it can make women who are older than the 20-year-old lingerie models feel like they are not allowed to be sexy, but it speaks to the narrowness of what is seen as sexy. There are women of all ages working in the lingerie industry, but it is the younger women (like myself) who have the most options of what to wear and seem to be the most allowed to talk about lingerie as something we personally wear. In fact, the majority of lingerie bloggers are under 30– if you are looking for a blogger who discusses lingerie who is over her 30s, check out Darlene at her blog Hourglassy who recently discussed her own bikini anxieties and comparing herself to younger women.
Given that I am 23, I am not the best person to speak to those struggles, but I do want to share my lingerie knowledge for people who might be looking for lingerie that is more sophisticated and comfortable. Below I have collected some designers who I think make beautiful designs for older women who want their lingerie to match the way they feel about themselves, especially those that are full busted or full-figured, rather than relegate them to the category of ‘frumpy.’ I’ve tried to address the concern that the lingerie be sexy and not farcical, with a wide size range.
In this topic, I am far from an expert; please let me know what you think, or if you have any suggestions because I would really value your input. Please excuse the lack of images of women appropriate for the subject of this article– most lingerie models are under 30, if not under 20!
Gossard Ooh La La Corsolette
This Gossard Corsolette is one of the first lingerie pieces I thought of when I wanted to do this list. I love how long it is and what a lovely shape it makes. The lace overlay is beautiful and in general I’ve heard really great things about this product. Unfortunately the size range isn’t enormous, but it does covers both core and some full bust sizes. Size Range: 30D-G, 32A-38G (UK sizes).
What Katie Did Tap Panties $55.50
I adore these What Katie Did tap pants because they create such a beautiful shape when paired with any black bra. They are available up to an XL and I think they are an excellent flirty lingerie piece for someone who wants to emphasize or create an hourglass figure. The buttons on the side are a sweet vintage touch which makes them a ladylike and beautiful tap panty. Size Range: S-XL.
Beaujais Sweet Nothings Set in Sorbet £282
Beaujais makes really beautiful lingerie sets for DD+ women. I am a huge fan of the Sorbet color because it is a color that is sexy, but unexpected. The sheerness of the lace cups and panties might be a risky move (and not necessarily offer the best support for everyday wear), but as a bedroom piece, it’s undeniably sultry. Size range: 28F-H, 30D-32GG, 34D-G, 36D-FF (UK sizes) & UK8-16 for bottoms.
Fauve Mia Plunge Bra £54
Fauve is one of my favorite brands to recommend to women who are looking for lingerie that is mature and luxurious because they specialize in sophisticated styles and shapes. I like the 3-piece set because the suspenders are intended for your waist (a more practical place than your hips) and the lace has a very understated flower pattern on it. Size range: 30D-38GG-40FF, panties & suspender XS-XL.
Fantasie Elodie Underwired Bra With Side Support £38
Fantasie is a sister brand to Elomi and Fauve and they also make some beautiful lingerie. I love the complex yet delicate embroidery and I find navy to be one of the most flattering colors on all skin tones. Size range: 30D-38J, 40DD-G, 42GG-F briefs S-2XL.
Elomi Rita Banded Bra $60
Elomi is one of my favorite brands to recommend to women with fuller figures as they have been coming out with some really fantastic designs lately. The pink here might be too bright for some, but the scallops are a lovely touch and the color is perfect for darker skin tones. This is not an overtly sexy set, but I think it makes a big impression. Size range: 36E-46F, 34G-44H, 34-42HH, 34J-40K, briefs, M-4XL
Elomi Maggie Babydoll $87
Elomi has recently been making some lingerie awesome pieces that branch out from the classic bra and panties set and I think this Maggie Babydoll would be one of my top recommendations for someone who wants a pieces that fits, is flattering and also quite seductive. Size range: 36F-42GG.
Miss Mandalay PARIS COBALT BLUE BALCONY BRA £39
This gorgeous set by Miss Mandalay I recently reviewed is an excellent choice for this selection because of how simple yet sophisticated the design is. I also love the unusual, yet lovely color that suits so many skin tones. Size Range: 28F-38HH, XS-XL.
Kiss Me Deadly Vargas Roll-On Girdle £27
If you like suspenders to add excitement to your outfit, this roll-on girdle from Kiss Me Deadly is perfect, as it goes with any black bra and panty set. The roll-on girdle is extremely forgiving and works for almost any shape, while gently smoothing out your lower half. Size Range: XS-XL.
Kiss Me Deadly Red Sirena Panty Girdle £39
This Kiss Me Deadly panty girdle is another great mix and match piece, as it obviously goes perfectly with the matching bra, but also could be paired with any black or red lingerie set. This is a perfect piece to gently contour the lower body and also be sexy, worn with or without suspenders. Size range: XS-XL
Angela Friedman Clair de Lune Corset in Silk and Lace $690.00
A corset is the ultimate bedroom accessory and its price matches that. They can be customized to your shape (for a price) and this one by Angela Friedman is completely stunning. A corset is one of those items that creates an even more dramatic shape if your body is more able to be squished and it’s really never going to look undignified. Size Range: XS-XL
Betty’s Blue Loungerie Nell Robe £250.00
I chose to include this robe from Betty’s Blue Loungerie because of the lovely sheer lace panels. They certainly may not be for everyone (some might prefer the entirely un-sheer leopard print robe), but I think they offer a seductive glimpse of what’s underneath, whether that be lingerie or nothing. Size range: XS-XL.
Hips & Curves Stretch Satin Lace Trim Cami Set
If you ever wear plus sizes, I really recommend you check out Hips and Curves for affordable lingerie and loungewear pieces. This cami and knicker sets comes in a 1X-4X size and 4 gorgeous colors that seem perfect for a woman who want to be both sexy and comfortable. The lace on the cami is slightly sheer, but not in a subtle alluring way that is flattering to women of any age. Size Range: 1X-4X.
Are there any that take your fancy? Do you have any more suggestions?
