Holiday Gift Guide: Lingerie Picks for Full Busts

You guys, I can’t even hold it back: New York City is breaking out the holiday decorations ahead of the parade, I’ve got my King’s College Cambridge Christmas Carols on shuffle, and it’s making me feel SO FESTIVE, and now we need to pick out our favorite holiday lingerie.  Yes, yes we do.  My goal is to have all holiday posts published before Black Friday (the last Friday in November), so that we can all take advantage of any pre-December sales and discounts that may pop up.  Let’s kick things off with the category dearest to my heart (as it’s my personal category): full bust lingerie!  I had a TERRIBLE time narrowing down my selections: there are some really outstandingly lovely pieces out there now, so I’ve tried to stick to pieces that either scream “holiday” to me (red, green, shiny, sparkly, etc.), or pieces that I just think are awesome, because this is my list, after all.As a reminder: “full-bust” in the lingerie world GENERALLY refers to what we think of as “average” band sizes (usually 28-38) and any cup size over a D.  I’ve included items that go up to at least a UK G-cup, if not higher.  Without further ado: pretty things!1. “Bronte” by Fauve

Bronte has been a quiet new favorite from Fauve, popping up earlier this year in an unusual, vibrant orange.  Longline bras will always be popular amongst some customers, but I have to admit the orange had the potential to be polarizing.  And then this stunning silver appeared for Autumn/Winter, and it is the most beautiful, Snow Queen-appropriate lingerie I can’t even handle it.

SEE?  It glimmers.  It gleams.  It takes a lot for me to get super-fired-up about very pale or white lingerie, and I LOVE this.  And if icy loveliness isn’t your thing, there’s also a gorgeous Jade color.

2.  Babydolls by Cleo, Parfait, and Curvy Kate 

2013 should probably go down in some kind of history as The Year of the Full-Bust Babydoll.  There have been pretty, sexy, sophisticated lingerie options for a while now, from bra to basque, but this year is the first year there have been the sassy, flirty, lingerie-loungewear hybrid pieces widely available to the consumer.  First up is Cleo, who decided (brilliantly, in my opinion) to release their popular “Marcie” bra (my reviews here and here), with its rounded shape and sweet polka dots as a sheer, sexy babydoll.

Next up is Curvy Kate, with “Lola”, based on their lightly padded “Daily Boost” style.  Unlike Marcie, Lola features a full skirt (Marcie is completely open in the back) with pretty satin edging, and (my favorite part) there’s an adorable matching sleep mask!  It’s BEGGING to be wrapped up and given as a gift.  It’s also available from size 28D up to a size 40K, a truly phenomenal size range.

Parfait by Affinitas has offered some pretty ground-breaking shapes for full-bust figures from day one.  In their initial few seasons they carried multiple basques, camisoles, babydolls, and longline bras for D-G cups, and this year saw them expand three styles up to a K-cup.  One of these is the beautiful “Alexis”, with semi-sheer lace cups (there’s a foam interior side sling) and a very, very soft sheer floating skirt.  As with the Charlotte, I had to size up in the cups for a good fit, but it’s lovely and classic, and the crystal accents at the center gore make it a great special occasion piece.

3.  “Sienna” by Panache 

Sienna is one of Panache’s classic styles, and even though it occasionally disappears for a season or two, it usually comes back.  I adore this season’s warm, romantic “Spice” colorway: it’s like rich wine and autumn leaves and mulled cider and all sorts of good things.  I also like that it’s a “basic” bra that goes above and beyond to offer a little extra glamour.

4.  “Charlotte” by Parfait 

As I mentioned in my review on Monday, this bright, cheerful red just screams holiday lingerie to me.   Available up to a K cup at a budget-friendly price point, it’s one of Parfait’s most beloved and unique styles.

5.  “Addicted” by Pour Moi? 

Pour Moi? has really been making me sit up and take notice this year, and the “Addicted” collection, available up to a UK G-cup, is truly a jaw-dropper.  There simply isn’t another brand out there offering a style this strappy and this straight-up sexy for fuller busts.  A friend of mine has tried this and recommends sizing up in the band and cup if you’re between sizes, and offers the caveat that it’s not really going to be the most supportive bra around, on account of the style.  But it’s just so straight up HOT.  I love this set, and I can’t wait to see what Pour Moi? does next!

The lookbook image is also super steamy:

6.  “Tease” by Figleaves Boudoir 

Speaking of having an amazing year, have y’all been keeping up with what Figleaves has been up to?  First the expansion of the Midnight Grace clothing line, then the launch of their Erotique boutiqe featuring some totally gorgeous, more risque lingerie pieces and boudoir accessories, and now some really exceptional holiday offerings from their in-house higher-end brand.   This feels almost like Figleaves’ answer to the powerhouse that is the Mimi Holliday Bisou Bisou collection, and it’s in EMERALD GREEN.  Everyone loves emerald green lingerie.  I mean, I assume, because look how beautiful:

7.  “Amelie” in Navy/Black by Miss Mandalay 

One of my favorite indie brands, one of my favorite bras, and one of my favorite color combos.  Perfection.

8.  “Viola” longline bra and side-tie brief by Harlow & Fox 

I know the price on this beauty may not make this appropriate for everyone, but what an absolute stunner.  Made entirely in the UK from the finest silk and Leavers lace, the whole collection gleams in silver, gold, and pearl, but this set is a real standout.  The back closes with eight rows of hooks-and-eyes, and the briefs tie with oversized, luxurious silk ribbons.  An absolutely magical set from an amazing debut collection.

9. Bonus item: Panache Sport in Red 

It’s maybe not the frilliest or floofiest, but this bra has seriously changed the way I feel about exercise, and it’s now available in festive red.

Did any of these make it to your list?  I’ll have some favorite picks for fuller figures, smaller-to-average busts, and some miscellaneous, no-sizes-required lingerie items in posts next week.  Have a great weekend!