At Beau Dame Lingerie we stock top designer lingerie brands for plus sizes from Freya, Curvy Kate, Elomi, Esbelt, Fantasie, Freya Active, Fleexes by Maidenform, Panache and Wonderbra. Designer Lingerie ranges include Bras, Maternity Bras, Bridal Bras, Shapewear, Swimwear and Nightwear. We offer customers a wide range of brands and we specialise in D+ and plus size lingerie and in creating not only a comfortable fit, but great support and from designer lingerie labels.

Size Guide

Did you know over 85% of the worlds population of women are wearing the wrong bra size. There are many reasons for this but one of the main reason is lack of knowledge of how a bra should fit and feel, also how to measure and fit yourself for a bra After all you are the person ultimately who knows how it feels.

At Beau Dame we have designed an easy to follow fitting guide for you. There are many conflicting ways to measure yourself we have used the tape measure method firstly so it gives you an idea of what size you are. It is very important that you know how a bra should look like and feel like when it is fitted properly. It will take you a few seconds to obtain your correct bra size.

How To Measure for your Perfect Fit Bra

Full measurement instructions below:

Measure your Band Size

Firstly make sure you are wearing a non padded bra when measuring your bra size. The first measurement is around your whole body directly under your bust using a soft tape measure. The tape should be held quite firmly but not too tightly across the rib cage so that it feels uncomfortable. If the measurement is an even number, add 4 inches (10cm).
If the measurement is an odd number, add 5 inches (12.5cm)
E.g. If the measurement is 28 inches then add 4 inches = 32.Therefore your correct bra size is 32 inches.
If your measurement is 29 add 5 inches = 34 inches. We now have your band size.

Measure your cup size

Measure around the fullest part of the bust, you may need some help with this, the tape should be firm but should not be digging into the bust or sliding off the bust. The difference between this measurement and your bra size is your cup size The chart below will convert your measurement into cup size.

E.g. your bra size is 32inches the fullest part of your bust is 36 inches.  The difference between the two measurements is 4 inches. According to the table below this would make your cup size DD.

Cup Size Chart

Size Chart

International Bra Sizes Comparison Chart

Cup Comparison

Parts of a bra

If you are confused about the different parts of a bra, want to know or ask about a feature of a bra, below is an overview of the different parts of a bra.

1. Apex Measurement
   The distance between apexes (industry speak for nipples) depending on size.
2. Strap
   Important factors - rigidity, stability of support, flexible to allow comfortable body motion. Wide straps = greater support. Pleacement - fuller figures = straps closer to the neck.
3. Center Gore
   The most important part of the bra! This has an inner liner (which should be flush with the skin), an outer decorative fabric, and a supportive inside panel, all working in unison to pull breasts together.
4. Wire
   Holds up the bra. Wire length and shape are changed for different types of “push,” which can be up to enhance or down to minimize. Wires mostly made from flexible galvanized steel, doesn’t rust and is mostly nonallergenic. (essential for a strapless)
5. Wing
   The band wrapping around the body, hooking in the back and connecting the cups. This will widen as the size of the bra increases, for additional support.
6. Cup
   Fabric rigidity and stretch = comfortable, supportive cup. Too much stretch can create a “bouncing ball” look and feel. Different plies (each ply equals a layer of fabric) also affect support; the same bra style might use one ply for a 34A while a 38DD needs two plies and an interior sling.
7. Hookup
   Where the wing and cup meet.

Style/shape guide - Bras

Below is a overview of the different bras types available:
Full cup bra - A full cup bra = fantastic support for bigger cup sizes. Straps are slightly wider and positioned more centrally than other bras.

¾ cup bra - Gives a natural support with less coverage. Great with everyday items, e.g vest tops and blouses.

Balcony bra - Gives an uplifting and supportive silhouette. Holds the breast from underneath the bust, wider strap positioning with less control at the top.

Plunge bra - Illusion of increased cleavage due to the low cut silhouette. The wire is more cut away to expose maximum cleavage. Supported from the base and sides of the bra.

Push-up bra - Pushes the breasts together to increase the projection. Many boaster pads available. Great with low cut tops.

Multi-Way bra - Maximum flexibility on how to wear your straps e.g. strapless, halterneck, crossover, one shoulder and conventional. Wear what you want with this one. Correct band size is needed to ensure the bra stays in place and feels slightly firm. Fit with and without straps.

Minimiser bra - Reduces the bust size by 2.5cm. Moves the breast towards the chest and to the side. The minimiser has a wire to allow this reduction without damage to the breast. Best worn under blouses or tighter tops.

Seamless bra - Gives a natural looking shape. Looks great after washing, back to its natural shape. Worn under tight fitting tops with no bra lines.

Sports bra - Reduces breast movement and reduces strain on the ligament of the breast. We recommend a good supportive bra for any sports. Features -  underbands, adjustable straps, support frame through the cup, performance fabrics.

Maternity and nursing bras - Non-wired to protect as the breast develops and the milk ducts grow. Maternity bras are engineered to support the breast with the increased weight in maternity. Nursing bras all have the drop cup feature to help in breast feeding.

Lingery Care

Underwired garments

Underwired garments need special attention when washing — this including bras, swimwear and tops with straps. Hand wash bras, swimwear - anything with wired support. Machine washing can shrink fabrics,leading the the wires losing shape over time, coming lose from the item or even breaking your washing machine. Handwashing will also en-sure your lingerie garments are looked after the best they can be.

Dry your underwired garments away from direct heat. Radiators and tumble dryers can also damage and degrade the wires. Just like any wires, they don't really like water, but hand-washing and careful drying will ne-sure long life for your lingerie.

Swimwear

Swimwear is subjected to sweat, suntan lotion and swimming pool additives, so a rinse in clean water after use, will wash away most of these potentially harmful properties. Take care with the powers and liquids you use with swimwear. Fabric conditioner can affect the fibres of Lycra and other swimwear.

A seperate bag for swimwear is also a good idea to keep potentially wet clothing away from other items, but also to keep the swimwear fabric in the best condition. Suntan lotion/after sun lotion can stain swimwear, so apply at least half hour before wearing the swimwear item. If you think of your swimwear as made of silk, it usually gives themindset to treat the item in the best possible way!

Lingerie

Handwash and with cold water, no hotter than tepid, as hot water can damage delicate fabrics like lace, embroidery, elastic, wires and contecting fabrics. Cool water will also keep the colours fresh. Too many lingerie items just get destroyed by machine washing - too aggressive a wash. Again, treat them like silk and you can't go too far wrong.

Nightwear

Nightwear is a little easier to look after as all are machine washable. However, ALWAYS check the label for washing, ironing and care instructions. If in doubt, hand wash in tepid water. The exceptions are Baby dolls and chemises. Treat these like other lingerie items.

Shapewear

Shapewear can integrate lingerie with swimwear type fabrics and with a vareity of differing designs, always check the labels for care. Depending on the manufacturer. Still not sure, then just ask BeauDame.

Bras | Strapless Bras | Sports Bras

Beau Dame Lingerie specialises in plus size bras from a D to a K cup. We stock a wide selection of beautiful, pretty bra's for great prices from well known brands, such as Anita bras, Bestform, Elomi bras, Panache bras, Curvy Kate Bras, Hotmilk, Wonderbras and Shock Absorber sports bras. You can choose bra types from Balconette bras, plunge bras, underwire bras, soft cup bras, padded bras, strapless bras, nursing bras, sports bras, t-shirt bras, pretty lace bras, full cup bras, floral bras, red bras, black bras and white bras.

56% of women experience pain in the breasts whilst exercising - reduce the pain and motion of the breasts when exercising by wearing a well-fitting sports bra such as the Freya Active Sports Bra or a Shock Absorber Sports bra.

Swimwear Lingerie

Bikinis to swimsuits to DD+ plus size swimwear, tankinis or beachwear. Beau Dame have some fantastic selctions for you this summer.

Panache, Fantasie, Freya , Pour Moi and Miraclesuit all leading brands of swimwear, this also includes bra sized swimwear and swimwear sizes from 8 to 22.

Underwired and shaping swimwear offers great support and comfort which is often required in a swimsuit. Beau Dame Lingerie offer swimwear all year round we include in our range underwired Swimsuits, underwired bikini tops underwired tankini tops and shapewear swimsuits. We have the following ranges in stock now Fantasie swimsuits, Panache Tankinis, Miraclesuit Shaping Swimsuits, Pour Moi swimwear and Freya bikinis at great prices.

Shapewear - Womens Plus Size Shapewear

Shapewear will instantly transform any ladies figure.

Shapewear brands include - Trinny and Susannah Magic Knickers, Spanx, Esbelt, Plie, Miraclesuit, Naomi&Nicole and Fleexes Maidenform. Esbelt, Miraclesuit and Trinny and Susannah even promise that you will drop a dress size as soon as you put a pair of shaping magic knickers on!

Beau Dame Lingerie stock up to a 4XL in shapewear, so now there is no excuse for not trying shapewear!