So, look, I am the first person to shriek “just because it’s white doesn’t mean it’s only for brides!” A. you can wear white lingerie any time you feel like it, even, brace yourselves, if you’re single (hello fellow singletons!), and B. even if you are getting married, there is no reason you HAVE to wear white lingerie on your wedding day. You can wear any color you want. Actually, related to part B., anyone who tells you that you MUST or SHOULD wear Spanx, a corset, a seamless thong, a strapless bra, a bustier, stockings, a garter or any other particular item of lingerie is 1. wrong and 2. most likely trying to sell you something. Wear something you like that does what you want it to do under your outfit for the day– that’s really the main consideration.
White or ivory lingerie can sometimes be impractical: it shows under sheer or light-colored clothing, it stains easily, and it can feel a little boring or basic. In spite of these considerations, I feel like I’ve noticed a strong uptick lately in thoughtful, creative designs across a range of brands, sizes, and price points that take white lingerie from simple to spectacular. While these styles can appeal to anyone at any point in their lives, if you are in the market for something special for the big day, these full-bust designs have you covered.
Most brands in this post use U.K. cup sizing, which progresses as follows: C, D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K. As a reminder, while it’s totally understandable to want a specific style on your wedding day, I urge you to prioritize your comfort when making your purchasing decision. Weddings can be all-day events that involve standing, talking, getting up and down to greet and hug people, dancing, etc. etc. Whatever style you choose to wear, make sure you feel great wearing it.
This is a long post, but I like to present as many options as possible, because hey, we all come in different shapes, sizes, styles, and budgets.
Click each image to be directed to a retailer with these collections in stock. [Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.]
Serenity basque and thong by Panache Black, 28-38 D-H, XS-XXL. £89 (about $136)
Panache Black has taken over from Masquerade, Panache’s former higher-end label, and the Serenity collection transitions easily from the old brand to the new. The collection includes a basque, strapless bra, plunge bra, brief, thong, and suspender belt, all in sizes 28-38 D-H and XS-XXL. I reviewed the collection here, and I can tell you that it is BEAUTIFUL. It’s seriously like fairy-tale-princess beautiful.
Serenity strapless bra and brief by Panache Black, 28-38 D-H, XS-XXL. £58.50 (about $89.50)
When I think of classic special occasion/bridal lingerie, I think of something like this: floral embroidery, ivory satin, and delicate lace details. There don’t seem to be many US retailers with this collection in stock, especially for the basque, which is unfortunate. I’ll also note that when I tried both the bra and the basque they ran quite small in both band and cup, so I’d strongly recommend trying more than one size if you can. Regardless, it’s a really, really special collection.
Evie basque by Panache, 28-38 D-H. £49 (about $75.50)
Evie is like Serenity’s more relaxed cousin. The collection still feels bridal, but it’s a little less glam and a little more casual. The lace is more delicate, and the tulle and mesh are subtler than the shiny satin of Serenity.
Evie strapless bra by Panache, 28-38 D-H. £35 (about $53.50)
I tried the basque a few years ago and it wasn’t quite right for my body, but one of my good friends (of Project Wedding Cake fame) wore it for her wedding and she looked and felt smashing in it. The Evie basque is also a little more flexible than Serenity, which might be appealing if you’re not used to full-body lingerie pieces.
Maria strapless bra and brief by Elomi. 34 G-HH, 36-42 DD-HH, 44 DD-G, 46 DD-E, 48 E. $76. Brief available in sizes M-4X
Maria is really one of the only full-bust/full-figure special occasions collections out there that is specifically targeted towards brides. Not only is it incredibly beautiful, but the size range is staggering: the basque is available in sizes from 32D to 42HH to 46E!
Maria basque and thong by Elomi. 32 DD-HH, 34-40 D-HH, 42 D-H, 44 D-G, 46 D-F, 46 D-E. $118. Knickers in sizes M-4X.
The collection includes a basque, strapless bra, brief, thong, suspender belt, and babydoll. I reviewed the basque here and the babydoll here, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the babydoll is PERFECTION ITSELF and I really regret that it doesn’t fit me anymore. All pieces are available in black as well as ivory, in case you prefer your fancy undies in a more nocturnal hue.
Freya’s Deco collection, based around their popular molded plunge bra, is unstoppable, and I’m actually surprised it took them this long to design a bridal collection based on it.
Deco Darling strapless bra and high-waist brief by Freya, 28 D-G, 30 D-GG, 32-38 B-GG. $78
The Deco Darling bridal collection includes a plunge bra, strapless bra, brief, thong, high-waist brief, suspender, babydoll, and garter, all in a warm shade of ivory with all-over rose embroidery and pretty crystal accents. Fuller Figure Fuller Bust recently reviewed the lovely strapless bra and high-waist brief.
Deco Darling babydoll by Freya, 28-38 D-G. £52 (about $80).
I should also point out that if white and ivory aren’t your thing, there’s also a pretty black/pink colorway that I really, really like, although it doesn’t include the babydoll or garter.
Yet another Deco offshoot, the Deco Shape collection features the same great fit and support as the classic collection while incorporating shapewear elements.
Deco Shape longline convertible strapless bra and high-waist brief by Freya, 28 D-G, 30 D-GG, 32-38 B-GG. $79
The longline convertible bra (while not THAT long in larger cup sizes) offers more back-smoothing than a traditional strapless bra, there’s a great high-waist shaping brief, and the final piece is a really lovely strapless/convertible shaping slip.
Deco Shape slip by Freya, 32-36 D-GG. $108
One thing I really like about Deco Shape is that it’s a collection that can read as “bridal” but that’s not covered from head to toe in bows or ruffles or satin or lace. The digital floral print is a subtle nod to traditional bridal styles that feels much more streamlined and modern.
Ughhhh it’s so pretty. The Allegra collection has been available in black and red in previous seasons, but this season brings us a delicate, crisp white.
Allegra side support bra by Fantasie, 28 D-G, 30-36 C-GG, 38 C-G.
I wish the sheer vertical seam bra came in GG cups too, because I would 100% cheat on the size in order to own it.
Allegra vertical seam bra, suspender, and brief in black, 30-38 D-G. $76
I’ve tried on the red and black versions, and while Fantasie bras aren’t always my friends, this one is pretty divine. The white colorway is new for this season, and the super sheer style means the embroidery creates an almost tattoo-like effect against the skin.
When we learned last year that Fauve, Fantasie’s more luxurious sister brand, would be folded and incorporated into Fantasie’s collections, I was curious to see how this would affect the main brand. I associated Fantasie with sweet, staid, or even stuffy styles; as I’ve been making my lingerie drawer more stylish, would I still be interested in Fantasie? I’ve been so pleased to see that this year’s collections have kept some of the classic Fantasie shapes while introducing more sophisticated and grown up materials, colors, and trims. This new collection, Mae, is an absolute stunner.
Mae half-cup bra and high-waist brief in Champagne by Fantasie, 30 D-G, 32-38 C-G. $84
Pictures do not do it justice– I was so impressed when I saw it at the trade shows. The floral flocking is lush and elegant, the ivory colorway has a romantic, vintage feel, and the collection includes a molded strapless bra, padded half-cup bra, classic Fantasie side-support bra, basque, brief, thong, high-waist brief, suspender belt, and garter– whew!
Lola Luxe basque by Bravissimo, 30-38 F-K, £50 (about $76.40).
You may recall I reviewed it in scarlet for Valentine’s Day? It’s available in F-K cups, the suspenders are detachable, there’s this lovely ivory color, I tried it on when I went to London, and it is very pretty indeed. I’d love to see Bravissimo offer convertible straps if possible, but in its current incarnation I think it’s still pretty darn great. Two thumbs up, would totally recommend.
Lots of people like to splurge on wardrobe choices for a special occasion like a wedding, and if you are one of those people, please buy yourself some Harlow & Fox so I can live vicariously through you. Fine silk, incredible laces (check out that gorgeous gold lace on the Ophelia collection below), and immaculate construction make this luxury brand worth every penny.
Ophelia robe, S/M, M/L ($650), bra, 30-38 DD-G ($286), and brief, XS-XL ($167) by Harlow & Fox
If you’re the sort of person who builds elaborate trousseaux, you really can’t go wrong with ANY of the collections so you should probably just get all of them, but if you want to stick with classic ivories and neutrals I’d recommend Eleanor, Ophelia, and of course the beautiful silk Anastasia kimono for a finishing touch.
Anastasia silk print kimono, S, M, L ($531), Eleanor silk bra, 30-38 DD-G ($257) and brief, XS-XL ($144) by Harlow & Fox
Maybe lace and silk and floral embroidery and appliques and jewels and fluff and fuss and whatnot aren’t your thing.
Envy bra and brief in Ivory by Panache, 30-38 D-K, $65
Maybe a nice houndstooth pattern with comfy stretch lace in a nice cool ivory is more your thing. Envy is a classic balconette bra that’s become a best-seller for Panache thanks to the great lift, easy fit, and rounded shape it gives. If you’re looking for a simple ivory bra that will keep you supported through a day of standing, hugging, eating, drinking, and dancing, this bra will be there for you.
Look at this precious darling babydoll. It is SO CUTE.
Ewa Michalak Koszulka Babydoll Noc poślubna, band sizes 30-42, cup sizes D-KK depending on band size. 259.00zł (about $69)
Don’t worry, if babydolls aren’t your thing, there are also some really pretty white and neutral bras in the current collections that give great support in equally lovely style. I particularly love this delicate lace collection!
I’m still new to Comexim, but I adore the Arizona bra I reviewed earlier this year. If I wanted a fabulously comfortable plunge bra for a special occasion, I’d go straight for the pretty Ginger collection.
Ginger by Comexim, band sizes 60-90, cup sizes D-J (depending on band size). 120,00 zł (about $31.72, although I imagine it will retail in the US for around $50 after fees)
I have been SUPER impressed with the fit of both Comexim and Anna Pardal, the special collection designed for Comexim by Anna herself.
Milk and Honey by Anna Pardal, 28-44 D-J, depending on band size. $68
While technically one of Anna Pardal’s “basic” collections, this gorgeous Milk & Honey bra looks extremely elegant, and it would feel comfortable and supportive on a big day. Erica reviewed Milk & Honey at A Sophisticated Pair; you can also order Anna Pardal and Comexim styles through her store.
Elissa collection from Parfait. Strapless contour bra ($56), longline bra ($54), and babydoll ($69) all in sizes 30-40 D-G, bikini brief and Brazilian thong in sizes S-XXL.
As Mademoiselle K pointed out in the comments on this post, it IS a little odd that this new bridal collection is named for Dido, who famously died after famously not getting married to Aeneas, so that’s awkward. Nevertheless: it’s a longline bra that’s NOT A PADDED HALF CUP! A miracle! I’d love to see it go to higher cup sizes (dear anyone and everyone PLEASE where is my non-padded G+ longline bra?!?) but this is really, really lovely. I also like recommending Parfait since their price points come in a little lower than many of the other major full-bust brands.
Dessous by Claudette in Periwinkle/Cream Soda. 28 D-G, 30-34 A-G, 36-38 B-G. $62
How about a little something blue? The Dessous collection from Claudette is super-sheer, light, breezy, and totally lovely. Yes, please.
Bridal collection in Champagne by Adina Reay, 32-36 DD-G. £130 (about $199)
Adina Reay has been EXTREMELY quiet on the publicity front, and as such I haven’t heard any reviews about the fit yet. That being said, the materials and designs look absolutely exquisite. Custom in-house embroideries, sheer tulle, and a unique cut-out center gore make this new full-bust luxury brand one of the ones I’m most eagerly watching. I mentioned this in my preview of new full-bust brands for 2015, but Adina Reay reminds me most strongly of Fleur of England, a luxury brand I love but will never be able to wear. I’m extremely eager to see these pieces in person.
I saved one of my favorites for last: I know many of you are fans of animal print, and I suspect that for a special occasion you would rather wear animal-print than flowers or ruffles, and for you, there is this utter, complete and total beauty from UK full-bust luxury brand All Undone.
Willa bra, brief, and suspender belt by All Undone, 28-34 D-GG. £95 (about $145)
The gorgeous textured silk leopard tulle is made in the UK, as is every piece of All Undone lingerie. This is crisp and sleek and sexy and sophisticated; it’s so chic I can’t even stand it.
*****
What do you think of these styles? Anything catch your eye? I was surprised while writing this post at how long it got, and how I even chose to leave some brands off the list in the interest of time. The full-bust market has grown so, so much since my first fitting in 2007– I’m so thrilled to see so many varied designs. What do you think is still missing? Obviously some brands’ size ranges are smaller than others, and there are lots of reasons for that (primarily economic), but I’d love to know: if your dream set isn’t on this list, what would it look like?