Plus Size Body Types & Lingerie Guide
Every body is beautiful. Understanding your shape helps you choose lingerie that highlights your favourite features and feels incredible to wear. Here is how to find the most flattering styles for your body type.
Apple Shape
Also called: Round
You carry more weight around your midsection, with a fuller bust, broader shoulders, and slimmer legs.
Best lingerie styles:
- • Empire-waist babydolls that flow from just under the bust
- • V-neckline lingerie to elongate the torso
- • High-waisted panties that smooth the midsection
- • Avoid tight, clingy bodysuits that compress the middle
Pear Shape
Also called: Triangle
Your hips are wider than your shoulders/bust. You carry more weight in the hips, thighs, and buttocks.
Best lingerie styles:
- • Lingerie sets with decorative or padded bra tops to balance your silhouette
- • A-line babydolls that flare at the hip
- • Boyshort or full-coverage panties for complete comfort
- • Corsets and bustiers to draw attention to the waist and bust
Hourglass Shape
Also called: Curvy
Your bust and hips are roughly the same width, with a well-defined waist. The classic curvy figure.
Best lingerie styles:
- • Fitted bodysuits and teddies that follow your natural curves
- • Waist-cinching corsets and bustiers to highlight your proportions
- • Matching bra-and-panty sets that showcase your shape
- • Avoid boxy or shapeless styles that hide your waist
Rectangle Shape
Also called: Straight
Your bust, waist, and hips are fairly similar in width. You have a balanced, athletic-looking figure.
Best lingerie styles:
- • Lingerie with ruching, ruffles, or lace details to create curves
- • Push-up or padded bras to add bust volume
- • Peplum-style babydolls that create the illusion of wider hips
- • Belted robes and cinched-waist pieces for definition
Inverted Triangle Shape
Also called: Athletic
Your shoulders and bust are broader than your hips. You may have a fuller bust and narrower lower body.
Best lingerie styles:
- • A-line or flared babydolls to balance a wider upper body
- • Full-coverage bras with wide straps for support without adding visual width
- • Ruffled or embellished panties to draw attention down
- • Avoid strapless or halter styles that emphasise broad shoulders
Flattering styles for every plus size body type
Find Your Perfect Fit
Check our size guide, then browse our collection - every piece is designed to celebrate plus size bodies.
Body Type FAQ
How do I determine my plus size body type?
Measure your bust, waist, and hips. If your hips are wider than your bust, you are a pear shape. If your bust is wider than your hips, you are an inverted triangle. If bust and hips are similar with a defined waist, you are an hourglass. If your measurements are fairly uniform, you are a rectangle. If you carry weight around the midsection, you are an apple shape.
Can my body type change over time?
Yes. Weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy, ageing, and hormonal changes can all shift where your body carries weight. It is normal for your body type to evolve over time, so it helps to reassess periodically and update your lingerie styles accordingly.
Does body type really matter when choosing lingerie?
Body type is a helpful starting point, not a hard rule. Knowing your shape helps you choose lingerie that accentuates your favourite features and feels comfortable. But the most important thing is that you feel beautiful and confident - wear what makes you happy.
What lingerie works for all plus size body types?
Babydolls, chemises, and wrap-style robes are universally flattering because they drape from the bust and skim over the body without clinging to any one area. They come in sizes S to 5XL and work beautifully on every figure.