While I write about both full bust and plus size lingerie around here, over the years I've come to identify more with the "inbetweenie" category of body sizes. I suspect I'm not alone in this, as the average women's clothing size in the US is now a size 14.
Just as bras have begun to divide up into ever more specific categories (full bust, full figured, plus size) our ideas of clothing size categories are expanding as well. Many women fall into the 10 through 16 category, which tends to put you smack in the middle of standard retail sizing and plus size clothing sizing. If you want to buy lingerie or loungewear, you'll run across this same size division.
While some designers offer custom sizing, others make lovely luxury lingerie that fits this size range already. Today I'm featuring five of my favorites, as well as some suggestions for where to start with their ranges if you haven't tried them yet.
Kriss Soonik:
Kris Soonik makes a wide range of pieces in a very small size range - at least on paper. While I've heard that their lace and non-stretch pieces run true to size (read: small) their stretch jersey pieces are fabulous for us inbetweenies. Their suspender tops are a great way to pick up a luxury lingerie piece that also functions as a fun basic that you can actually wear out. I love this limited edition burgundy version with the marabou puff detail -- just enough boudoir combined with just enough practicality.
Heather Satin Robe by Betty Blue's Loungwear
Betty Blue's Loungewear:
I picked up several pieces in the Betty Blue's Loungewear sale this summer and I'm now singing their praises to anyone who will listen. Their designs are insanely luxurious and work on a wide variety of body shapes and sizes. Their satin robe fits me well in the XL due to some really smart design details. If you want to splurge on something that you'll treasure for years to come and you also love the vintage look, this is the place to find it.
Asceno Diamond Print Pajamas
Asceno:
I pretty much lived in silk short robes by Asceno during this past summer, but most of their loungewear is pretty inbetweenie friendly. I'm really excited that they're now offering classic pajama sets in their creative and fun prints, which seems like a natural move for the brand. If you love luxury lingerie but you also want a more youthful look, this brand is perfect.
Coco Romper by Blackbird Underpinnings
Blackbird Underpinnings:
You may have heard of Blackbird Underpinnings as a result of their Kickstarter campaign, but now they've gone ahead and launched their online store. I picked up a pair of velvet Edith Knickers as part of the Kickstarter, but I've currently got my eye on this classic silk romper inspired by Coco Chanel. Their sizing is generous (my XL knickers are nearly too big on my size 14 frame), and they're the perfect brand for those of us stuck in the inbetweenie size gap.
Kiss Me Deadly Basbleu Set
Kiss Me Deadly:
I always feel like it's cheating to recommend Kiss Me Deadly yet again around here since pretty much everyone who writes for TLA seems to be a super fan. That said, they're a great brand for those of us stuck in the size 10 to 16 gap and I recommend their pieces highly. While the new Vargas dress is probably more practical, my heart will always belong to their classic bras and high waist knickers.
What designers have you fallen in love with in this size range? Did I miss any?
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