Reader Julia asks:
Hi there!
I too am a small lady- 5’1, 34A, aka cannot find clothing….
I LOVED stumbling upon your blog and forum!
I’m going on my honeymoon in a month and freaking out-I’ve spent literally the past 2 weeks in and out of stores, all over the internet, in specialty boutiques where I live, and cannot find one thing:
LINGERIE! It astounds me that XL, XXL, and XXXL are available in most stores and online, but nothing under a Small (which we all know is laughably big in the dressing room!)
I am just so tired out and sad-so many hours in dressing rooms, now turning to tears of frustration.
Any pointers at all on where to look?
Congrats on getting married and the impending honeymoon! My suggestions after the jump…
My suggestions:
Itsy Bitsy Bra Bar: Retailer of small sized bras and lingerie. Check out their “bridal” selections, with lots of little silky cami’s, chemises, and garter sets. My favorite:
LuLa Lu Petite Lingerie: Retailer of small lingerie. If you live in or near San Mateo, CA, then you can even visit their retail store. If not, they have free shipping on orders of $100 or more. Check out their own line of cute chemise.
The Little Bra Company: Retailer of petite sized bras. Check out their lace bra and panty sets, like the Lucia or Ethel (which has removable pads).
Aerie: The American Eagle “intimates” line sized for teens. Check out this little set that really shouldn’t be marketed towards teens! Adjustable straps makes it more petite friendly. Yes, it’s sheer.
image: Mcall Cover, June Bride
Anyone else have suggestions for Julia’s honeymoon?
Definitely don't be afraid to check out your local TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Forever 21 also has a lot of really cute nighties and come on, lingerie is going to be delicate fabrics no matter where you go so don't worry that it's "lower quality" since sheer silk and lace will only be so durable. They carry xs that fits me so most petites should be able to find a range of things that will fit. That's the majority of what I've found lingerie-wise!
Congrats to Julia and have fun on your honeymoon!
Jen – I never thought to look at Forever21! Great idea.
I also just thought to look in Urban Outfitters. I know they have little nighties undie sets, and are also marketed towards teens, so they probably run smaller as well.
I echo F21 and also suggest h&m. H&m has lots of corsets and nighties and sets in sizes like xs and 32/2. The 2s are too small for me!
All great suggestions! I'll keep my eye out for other great lingerie sites as well. I plan to do a post on undergarments soon myself.
I gave up on trying to find lingerie a long time ago but these are great suggestions… I like the first and last set!
Echoing PAG and Jen re: F21 and H&M underwear. Sometimes you can score some great deals at both places too!
If you are looking for little tiny slips and lacy nighties, Victoria's Secret's size XS is actually super tiny. Some of their pajamas and other things run larger though.
AN – Urban Outfitters is really hit-or-miss. Their xs's aren't consistent so sometimes they are fab and sometimes they are huge.
PAG – H&M is lovely! Although there isn't one that is near me a bff brought me back a black lace bralette from one that fits PERFECT for my tiny boobies and ribcage!
diaryofashopper – VS is hit or miss with me too. I do have a couple items though and I want to say the stretch lace nighties run small.
Oh, and I looked closer at that aerie set at the bottom and if you go to the close-up shot, it's actually tiny blue stripes. Slightly more juvenile than I was hoping. It looked like a pretty, sheer lavender from far away. :/
Mimi Holliday has bras that start around 28AA. They are definitely expensive as they are fine lingerie pieces, but every single piece is gorgeous and sexy.
Harlette Lingerie starts around size 28A; they are also pricy. http://www.harlette.com/
Aubade makes lacy bras from 30A and are more affordable.
ASOS bras run small; I bought two sexy bralettes from them and they sell at size XS, but when I looked at the tag it said UK XS, US XXS!
If you are looking for little tiny slips and lacy nighties, Victoria's Secret's size XS is actually super tiny. Some of their pajamas and other things run larger though.
Definitely don't be afraid to check out your local TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Forever 21 also has a lot of really cute nighties and come on, lingerie is going to be delicate fabrics no matter where you go so don't worry that it's "lower quality" since sheer silk and lace will only be so durable. They carry xs that fits me so most petites should be able to find a range of things that will fit. That's the majority of what I've found lingerie-wise!
Congrats to Julia and have fun on your honeymoon!