Finding the right fit would have to be one of the biggest conundrum’s curvier women face. Sizing remains uneven across the industry, with many brands deciding to ignore bigger bodies altogether. Those that do cater to a wide range of sizes often don’t actually take our bodies into consideration, constructing undergarments from unflattering fabrics or fits that cut into the skin – never a nice feeling.
And then there are the styles! Why do larger underwear sizes never get the sexy treatment? We are buying undies for us, not knickers for our nanna! But if their limited ranges and styles are any indication, many brands seem to believe that our beautiful curvy bodies are less worthy of flaunting.
Here at ELC we think that’s absolute BS, which is why we started this business in the first place. “Everyday underwear doesn’t have to be daggy. Bridget Jones needed our underwear!” says our founder Danielle Sady. “Women want something that offers both support and comfort, and definitely something that makes them feel sexy.”
Curvier women have historically been sold the idea by this type of brand messaging that they need to embrace the full brief, but we believe that underwear should be an extension of your personal style, which means your preference is what’s best for your body. “Women need to decide what works for them,” says Danielle. “Some curvier women love a good G-string but have struggled to find a brand that made one in their size. That’s why we made sure our range went to a size 22, and we will be expanding this even further in the future.”
We’re all about celebrating individuality, which is why we wanted to cater to everybody and every style sensibility. Because why shouldn’t underwear be enjoyable for all of us, regardless of what the size tag says? In fact, when it comes to your fit, Danielle recommends disregarding sizing information altogether. “Don’t look at labels – measure yourself to find what you like and what styles would suit your body and your wardrobe,” she explains. “And remember the key to any great outfit is the right underwear. It all starts from there, so look for something that will allow you to be comfortable. That way you can feel confident and not spending the day picking out wedgies or worrying about visible underwear lines."
Amen to that!
Trying to find the right underwear size can be difficult due to different companies making different sizes. To make things easier we have created a step by step guide to take the guess work out of the equation.
Below we have measuring instructions with images to assist you.
All you need to do is take a couple of simple measurements; your waist, your lower waist and your hips. The best way to do this is by using a soft measuring tape and a mirror to ensure you are accurate. If possible stand in front of a mirror when taking your measurements to ensure that the measuring tape is also parallel to the floor and is flat.
Your waist is the natural in indentation above your hips or just below your rib cage (see image). Wrap the soft measuring tape around firmly without pitching your skin together – write this measurement down.
Your lower waist is approx. 12cm down from your waist. Take your measuring tape and run this down from your waist to 12cm (see image). Wrap the soft measuring tape around this area firmly without pitching your skin together – write this measurement down.
Now wrap the soft measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips, this is approximately 25cm below your waist (see image). Use the mirror to check that your measuring tape is completely straight and parallel to the floor – write this measurement down.
All you need to do is take a couple of simple measurements; your Full Bust and your Lower or under bust. The best way to do this is by using a soft measuring tape and a mirror to ensure you are accurate.
Your Full Bust is the fullest part of your bust (see image). Ensure that the measuring tape is completely straight and parallel to the floor. Wrap the soft measuring tape around firmly without pitching your skin together – write this measurement down
The Lower or Under bust is measured by wrapping the measuring tape around your rib cage directly under your bust (see image). Wrap the soft measuring tape around firmly without pitching your skin together – write this measurement down
ELC Size | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Full Bust Measurements (cm) | 81-87 | 87-93 | 93-99 | 99-105 | 106-114 | 115-123 | 124-130 | 131-137 |
Lower or Under Bust Measurement (cm) | 61-67 | 67-73 | 73-79 | 80-86 | 87-39 | 94-100 | 100-106 | 107-113 |
Waist Measurement (cm) | 75 | 80 | 85 | 90 | 95 | 100 | 110 | 115 |
Lower Waist Measurement (cm) | 90 | 95 | 100 | 105 | 110 | 115 | 120 | 125 |
Hip Measurement (cm) | 95 | 100 | 105 | 110 | 115 | 120 | 125 | 130 |
USA | 4 to 6 | 6 to 8 | 8 to 10 | 10 to 12 | 12 to 14 | 14 to 16 | 16 to 18 | 18 to 20 |
UK | 6 to 8 | 8 to 10 | 10 to 12 | 12 to 14 | 14 to 16 | 16 to 18 | 18 to 20 | 20 to 22 |
EUROPE | 34 to 36 | 36 to 38 | 38 to 40 | 40 to 42 | 42 to 44 | 44 to 46 | 46 to 48 | 48 to 50 |