Frequently Asked Questions About Plus Size Intimates and Lingerie
How do I find my Torrid bra size?
Measure beneath your bust and around the fullest part of your bust while wearing a non-padded bra. Keep the measuring tape level, then enter both measurements into our Bra Fit Guide and size calculator.
How can I tell if my bra fits correctly?
The band should remain level, the cups should not gape or overflow and the straps should stay in place without digging. Underwire should follow the base of your breasts rather than resting on breast tissue.
What is the difference between a bralette and a wire-free bra?
Both can be made without underwire, but their construction may differ. Bralettes often have a lighter, more flexible design, while wire-free bras may include shaped cups, stronger bands or additional support features.
Which bra works best under a fitted shirt?
A smooth T-shirt or lightly lined bra can create an even appearance beneath fitted tops. The best option also depends on the shirt’s neckline and your preferred amount of coverage.
What bra should I wear with a strapless dress?
A properly fitting strapless or convertible bra is designed for outfits with exposed shoulders. Try it on with the dress and move around to confirm that the band stays securely in place.
How do I choose the right panty style?
Consider the rise, back coverage, leg opening and clothing you will wear over it. Briefs and hipsters provide more coverage, cheeky styles reveal more of the back and thongs can help minimize visible panty lines.
What underwear is least visible under fitted clothing?
Seamless panties and thongs are often less visible beneath close-fitting garments. Choosing a color close to your skin tone can also help when wearing light-colored clothing.
How should plus size lingerie fit?
Lingerie should stay in place without pinching, rolling or restricting movement. Structured pieces should fit your bust correctly, while bodysuits and other one-piece styles should provide enough room through your torso and hips.
Can lingerie bodysuits be worn as clothing?
Some lingerie bodysuits can be layered with jeans, trousers, skirts or jackets when their coverage and construction make them suitable. Check the fit and sheerness in different lighting before styling one as outerwear.
Is shapewear supposed to feel tight?
Shapewear should feel secure, but it should not cause pain, numbness, severe rolling or difficulty breathing and moving. If it does, try another size, shaping level or silhouette.
What shapewear works beneath a dress?
The best style depends on the dress. Shaping shorts can smooth the waist and thighs, while slips and bodysuits offer a more continuous foundation. Make sure the shapewear does not end at a highly fitted or visible part of the dress.
How can I prevent a bra band from riding up?
A band that rides upward may be too loose. Try adjusting the closure or testing a smaller band size while making sure the cups still fit correctly.
Why do my bra straps keep slipping off my shoulders?
The straps may need adjustment, or the bra’s strap placement may not suit your shoulders. Tighten them enough to remain secure without digging, and consider another silhouette if slipping continues.
How often should I replace my bra?
Replace a bra when its band no longer feels secure, its cups lose their shape, its straps stop adjusting properly or its underwire becomes damaged. Rotating your bras and caring for them gently can help extend their useful life.
How should bras and lingerie be washed?
Always follow the care label. Hand-washing in cool water is often the gentlest option for delicate pieces. When machine washing is permitted, fasten closures and use a lingerie bag on a gentle cycle.
How should molded bras be stored?
Store molded bras upright with their cups resting in their natural shape. Avoid folding one cup inside the other because this can crease or distort the molding.
Should I re-measure myself before buying new intimates?
Yes, especially if your current bras have become uncomfortable, your body has changed or it has been a while since your last measurement. Current measurements provide a better starting point than the size printed on an older garment.