Hips & Curves! Ooh la la!

One thing that is woefully missing from the plus size shopping sector are nice lingerie boutiques. There are no Victoria's Secret or Agent Provocateur type shops for fat ladies. I love all things pink and girly and I wish there were more stores that carried sexy plus size underthings. You can find nice lingerie in stores but I'm talking about atmosphere. More corsets and garters than industrial quality bras and cotton panties. Those garments have their place but really, don't all women deserve to feel sexy on occasion?

But there is always the internet and if there's a gap to be filled, someone will do it online. There are probably thousands of online lingerie retailers that have a plus size selection but you'll notice that almost none of them have the sophisticated atmosphere I'm looking for. They mostly seem haphazard, thrown together, and without much care for detail or usability. And even worse, they all stock the same exact stuff from the same suppliers.

But wait! There is hope and it's Hips & Curves! Is that not the best name for an online lingerie store?

The first thing you'll notice about Hips & Curves is the site design. The internet is full of lingerie sites with ugly designs so the aesthetic value is important here. Let's pretend this is the "real world" for a moment. Would you rather shop in a messy, impossibly laid out store or a store that's clean, pretty and well organized? I thought so.

The second thing you'll notice is that they carry a lot of merchandise. A lot! The menu on the left is packed with options - everything from babydolls to teddies, bustiers to patent and vinyl. They have a nice selection of bras and even a selection of men's items (yow!). There's also a section for extended sizes, so don't think there isn't something for you if you're bigger than a 2/3X.

I'm honestly not super daring in the lingerie department. I have some nice lacy things but I'm not zipping myself into a vinyl catsuit any time soon. I would really have to struggle to find something I'd like enough to order from most lingerie sites but Hips & Curves has a lot of stuff that even I'm tempted to order. Do I need a pink patent leather corset? No. Do I want one? Yes, please. But even if you're a demure flower like myself, you'll find pretty bras, cute panties, and satiny robes. There really is something for most women.

Recently, the people behind the website were nice enough to send me a very sweet email about this blog and I have to say, I'm just smitten with Hips & Curves. I do get email from retailers but it's always "Hi, nice site. Link to us." Bleh.

Instead, Marcy from H&C let me know that she actually reads and enjoys this blog. Aside from the fact that flattery will get you everywhere with me, it was nice to be contacted by a company and know that they're actually interested in the people they're selling to. The only other company I can recall having this experience with is IGIGI and I've been running this blog for four years.

Small companies like H&C and IGIGI may not be moving a bazillion dollars worth of product a year but by treating their customers with respect and kindness, they'll earn loyalty and that, my friends, is worth a bazillion dollars alone.

I've heard that Hips & Curves also has outstanding customer service. I hope my friend will comment to talk about her experience because it's definitely a story worth reading. Most websites have okay customer service but it's rare to see a store go above and beyond. It's a nice change of pace!

So, the bottom line on Hips & Curves:

• Huge selection in a good range of sizes and styles.
• The company seems to actually care about and appreciate their customers.
• Great website design.
• Way above average customer service.
• Hot product models who are actually plus sized.

And maybe if you're really nice, you'll see me in my "Love my Hips and Curves" tank top. But only if you're very, very good :)

Comments

[Tobey]

Thanks for this link--you rock!

I heard you on NPR, too. Great job.

[vesta44]

I checked out Hips and Curves, but alas, they don't have anything to fit me either. Ever tried to find a sexy bra in a 52H? Industrial is all you can find, nothing sexy, and the cost is prohibitive. I've been considering taking an old bra apart and seeing if I can modify it, create my own pattern, and make my own bras. I think it would be cheaper than paying someone to custom-make them for me, since I'm on a limited income.

[FV]

Cacique has opened a few stores, and I have HEARD RUMORS about Avenue possiblly opening new stores! Keep an eye out!

[Sarah Perry]

Oh, this is faboo! I think I might finally be ready to try dressing up as my favorite leather-clad slinky sci-fi villainess this year for Halloween, and this site gives me tons of ideas.

[Rosemary]

As much as I love H&C (I got an awesome garter belt that fits and is comfortable from them), I was seriously underwhelmed by their exchange/returns system.

[LeendaDLL]

I am IN LOVE with Hips And Curves!! I originally found them through your link.
The selection... OMG!! FINALLY... someone who realizes BIG GIRLS ARE SEXY TOO! A website that is "body positive" for plus size! Wooo-hoooo!!

The first thing I noticed is that they sell pretty much ever single sexy item that I've ever bought from independent vendors. Plus a billion more! Truly one stop shopping for me.

I was THRILLED to find the lace petticoat skirts in plus size. They're a popular item at S Factor workout classes but the studios no longer carry big sizes. I ordered one right away.

Then I contacted customer support about something on the site - and was overwhelmed by the positive response!! Penelope, in Customer Support, has been a totally joy to meet. I think HipsAndCurves.com has the BEST customer support I've ever seen, anywhere! Truly amazing - responsive and fun to work with!

But back to the clothes... I also got 2 tank tops from the site. I don't have many expectations for tank tops - it's a shirt, end of story. But when I put these on, I thought WOW... they really fit JUST RIGHT. The arm holes are the right size. The neckline is low but not too low. The fit is just right. The fabric weight is just right. I was suprised by how much I like these tanks compared to others.

Making a long story longer, I LOVE HipsAndCurves.com!! I've told tons of people about the site. I've emailed thnm about some additional markets (cause I want to make sure they stay in business). And I'm about to go place another order - cause those acrylic heel boots have been talking to me for 3 weeks!

[Stephanie]

I love Hips and Curves !! I found the site totally by accident on my search for finding hot and sexy lingerie for the plus size woman in Canada (which I was unable to find anything). Well, lets just say I whipped out my plastic and bought a lot of great stuff. Even with the exchange rate and shipping fees it was totally worth it !! Talk about fast delivery, I got my order three days later !! I am already working on my next order !!

[Kate Harding]

Small companies like H&C and IGIGI may not be moving a bazillion dollars worth of product a year but by treating their customers with respect and kindness, they'll earn loyalty and that, my friends, is worth a bazillion dollars alone.

No freakin' kidding!