Empreinte

Pretty Plus-Size Bras

June 21, 2010 by Kelly

When we showed you Alegro a few days ago, dcsurfergirl commented:

So pretty! I wish I could fit those bras!

Can The Lingerie Post feature posts on plus-size bras (the prettier the better)?

Her problem is a common one – all too often, bras get uglier (and more reminiscent of your grandma) when you get into larger sizes of band or cup. This is generally explained away with the reasoning that larger sizes need more support. There’s truth to that statement, but that explanation doesn’t help the plus-size gals feel hot their skivvies! This post is for dcsurfergirl and any others like her who are having trouble finding bras you like and that fit. For the purposes of this article, “plus size” will be considered band sizes 38 and higher. While there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule about where plus size bras begin, plus-size retailer Hips & Curves starts at 38 bands so that is a good point for us too.

Empreinte

Empreinte bras (and bathing suits!) come in sizes 32C-46G. The brand has sexy down, too – their styles have seductive lace, sheer fabrics, and other pretty details. Where so many plus-size lingerie brands cover up, Empreinte manages to show off your assets! You can find Empreinte at Figleaves UK, Figleaves US, and HerRoom.

Elomi

The first brand that comes to mind when I’m asked about plus-size bras is Elomi. The brand often has styles similar to smaller bras, but adjusted for the fuller figure. Bras come in band sizes 34-52 and cup sizes C-HH. Some of their everyday bras can veer toward a lot of coverage (which is not necessarily a bad thing), but when they create a sexier style it’s a home run! Find Elomi at Figleaves UK, Figleaves US, HerRoom, and Bare Necessities.

Oola

Oola is a brand we haven’t covered before, but is sure to make a name for itself with its fun, fresh, and young styles in band sizes 38 to 48 and cup sizes B to G. They come in vibrant colors, and Oola isn’t afraid of a deep plunge! Find Oola at Oola-Lingerie.com, Figleaves UK, and Figleaves US.

Hips & Curves

This isn’t a brand, but a retail website. It’s an important one to mention though, because Hips & Curves has one of the best and largest selections of sexy plus-size lingerie out there; what’s more, it only focuses on these sizes, so you don’t have to wade through thousands of sets that aren’t anywhere near your size. The only drawbacks are that Hips & Curves doesn’t have sales as frequently as other retailers, and they don’t reveal brand names so unless you recognize a style, you will have a hard time finding it somewhere else. But with a selection like this, it is probably well worth the inconvenience!

Did we leave our your favorite plus-size brand? Leave us a note in the comments and we’ll share your suggestion!

Empreinte Lingerie Summer 2009

April 21, 2009 by Kelly

We’ve talked about Empreinte before, but we haven’t checked in with the company in a while. I perused the website the other day and I really like what I see! The brand, which is dedicated to the fuller bust, has some modern and sexy styles for the new season. Anyone with a large chest knows how hard it is to find a pretty, even delicate-looking bra. Empreinte has a whole collection!

According to the website, the new Summer 2009 collection “offers natural style, comfortable materials, elegant colours, contemporary shapes, and a beautiful escape towards modernity for radiant women.” I see a collection full of sets with the perfect amount of skin revealed, and the perfect amount concealed. There are fresh colors, thoughtful details, and a splash of bold graphics.

See the Empreinte website for more styles and more details, as well as to review the swimwear line. It looks like the bras are available in sizes 30D-44F, and there is a selection at Figleaves UK, BiggerBras, AmpleBosom, and at various boutique locations.

CILA 2007

August 15, 2007 by Krista

The 2nd annual Contours International Lingerie Awards (CILA) were held in the Grand Ballroom at the exquisite Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York last Monday, August 6th. This gala event, celebrated and recognized the creativity and design within the intimate apparel industry. This brainchild of Contours publisher, Ben Yedder, also highlighted and honored the influence this industry has on mainstream fashion.The event featured over 80 designers from 8 countries competing in 19 different categories. An international panel of judges selected 5 finalists from each category whose designs were displayed in the runway show. The jury is composed not only of buyers and designers, but also consumers.

Upon entering the ballroom after a cocktail party, guests took their seats around the runway where models were already placed on stage wearing designs from the competitors. Following dinner, guests were treated to the runway show and the presentation of awards. The competition in each category was tough indeed, particularly in the Best Fashion and Best D+ competition. That one is closest to the heart, of course.

Perhaps what stood out in my mind the most, that many others attending the event also mentioned, is that women of all shapes and sizes were represented in the runway show.

One line, Best Plus Size award winner Tia Lyn (also appearing at the trade show), is an all-inclusive line that spans sizes small to 3x. This vintage inspired line features a variety of chemises, gowns, camisoles, and panties.

Also a contender for both Best Plus Size and Best D Plus finalist, Empreinte, is seeking to become more of a presence in the U.S. with its beautiful and well constructed pieces for fuller figure women. This 60 year old company based in France offers numerous options in sizing (up to a G cup) as well as high fashion and glamour. I am most impressed with the delicate embroidery and variety of moods the collection fits.

Other contenders for Best D Plus include my personal favorites, Panache and Elixir, Barbara, and the amazing Australian based line, Bendon. So expect more about some of those lines soon!

Best Fashion was probably my other just-can’t-pick-my-favorite category of the evening. With TLP favorites Marlies Dekkers, Madame V, Chantelle, and Elle MacPherson and one of my trade show finds, Lou, it was stiff competition! Lou will be debuting this fall with parts of the collection arriving in both September and November so check your local boutique. Perhaps my favorite part of the evening might have been when the team from Marlies Dekkers was accepting their award and shared their design philosopy. They design pieces to please women, but if it also happens to please men, then that’s great. I like their way of thinking!

Overall, it was a phenomenal evening of great food, great conversation, and GORGEOUS lingerie. You can drool over all the beautiful pieces like I did! See the video coverage of the show at Zoozoom.com.

Empreinte Emma Bra: “my twins love Empreinte!”

November 5, 2006 by Mandolina

I received a great e-mail message earlier this week from Laura, a Dutch girl blessed with a natural E-cup, and a fan of sexy lingerie just like me… She wanted to share her love for Empreinte lingerie with us, and after making sure she wouldn’t mind me posting an excerpt of her e-mail here I’m so glad I can share this with our readers… Check it out:

“[…] I used to go into these boutiques filled with hope, and it hurt so bad having to leave them again feeling so dissapointed. Yes, they had the big-sized bra’s, but they just didn’t feel well. I ended up buying the same lingerie over and over again simply because it was the only lingerie I knew I’d feel good in. Can you imagine my anger at all my co-workers with their C-cups who can pretty much wear anything they want. […] Well, ever since I’ve gotten to know Empreinte and their awesome lingerie I feel like I’m the one laughing. Empreinte lingerie isn’t available in smaller sizes, simply because that’s not what it’s made for… I feel so at home in these bra’s, my twins just love Empreinte! […] I suggest you take a look at the sexy Empreinte Emma line which is one of my favorites.”

We checked out the (French) Empreinte website and must admit this one looks pretty good. I’ll have to take Laura’s word for it though if she says these bra’s fit better than any other bra she’s ever tried…

Anyways, I did my part, and went checking some prices: $104-$120 at biggerbras.com, Â£61.00 ($114.68) at Rigby & Peller and the bargain of the day is surely amplebosom.com where you can get the bra in all sizes for under $100. Thanks for the e-mail, Laura!

Empreinte Lingerie: Thalia Underwired Balcony Bra

October 3, 2006 by Mandolina

Empreinte Lingerie is one of the most sexy lingerie brands for the girls out there with a fuller bust. Their sizes start at 85C (up to 115F), and they always seem to come up with amazing lingerie. Bigger breast sizes mean more need for support and more stress on the fabric, and they know that at Empreinte. Bigger cup sizes need special care, and the Empreinte lingerie combines that care with great looks. The bra I’d like to talk about today, the Thalia Underwired Balcony Bra, is no exception.

Rigbyandpeller.com advertises this balcony bra as follows:

“The femininely desirable Thalia balcony bra is gentle and extremely light in appearance. Crafted from a selection of quality lace and embroidered tulle, this bra is supportive and immensely comfortable. Ideal for the fuller bust, the Thalia balcony sits straight across the chest, creating a desired shape.”

Sounds good, no? Well, I can tell you they’re not lying. The bra is very comfortable, and doesn’t feel like it’s putting tension on anything, while still giving great support…

Now, why pay $130 for a bra when there are much cheaper alternatives? Easy: Empreinte has so much experience with larger busts that you’ll feel the difference! The support is excellent, and because of their A-brand quality you’ll be able to wear it for quite a long time… Any big-busted girl should have at least one of these in her drawer!