This month we’re turning our focus back to the roots of plus size shapewear. From control briefs to bras and corselettes, shapewear is, at its most essential, a piece of lingerie. Yes, it’s got superpowers and super engineering, and the right shapewear can give you the confidence to own the room, but so often, shapewear can become preoccupied with functionality. With seamless lines and nude tones. But this shouldn’t be all that it comes down to. How about the feeling of beauty that comes with wearing a delicate and attractive piece of underwear?
This is where German brand Ulla Dessous comes into its own. A trailblazer in elegant lingerie for plus size women, Ulla Dessous caters for figures of every shape and size. The brand gives equal emphasis to garment structure and fabric detailing. This is thanks to the team of 70 staff that work both by hand and sewing machine to create each individual garment. Pattern cutting designs go through a significant testing process with real women. So they ensure that both design and fit stand up to the demands of modern living. This means that each piece is hand-made and quality standards remain high across the product range. Additionally, brand designers choose from only the most high-quality fabrics. Embroidery is from Switzerland and Austria and fabrics are from Paris, completing this luxurious tour of the best that Europe offers. Attention to detail is the pride of this brand, following the early stages of design through to delivery of a finished item.
If you’re looking for an uber premium brand, then look no further than Ulla Dessous. Here are some of our favourite pieces:
Alice Underwired Bra and Cami
The Alice range of control lingerie by Ulla Dessous is the ultimate balance in elegant detail and reliable shape control. And it all comes down to something designers have termed ‘Power Lace’. Garments enjoy the appearance of lace with the functionality and comfort of lycra. The straps of the Alice underwired bra and cami are super soft, and layered cups and bodice panels ensure sleek lines under your clothing. Frankly, we don’t know how we’ve lived thus far without such spectacular fabric engineering! Shope the Alice underwired bra and cami here.
Yara High Waist Shaping Briefs
These premium plus size shaping briefs are excellent for the fuller figure. Their high waist design will cinch you in from under the bust to your hips, providing superior firming control. With built-in panels to ensure a smooth silhouette on top of superior comfort, this luxury product will truly transform your figure. The close-bonded, seamless edges ensure minimal VPL, while the smooth-bonded microfibre fabric smoothes your figure without overly compressing, ensuring all-day comfort. If you’re looking for comfort with style then click here for the Yara high waist shaping brief.
Amelie Bodysuit
If you’re looking for a figure sculpting bodysuit that is sublimely beautiful, then look no further than the Amelie bodysuit. The full underwired cups, firm front panelling and wide side panels offer fantastic support and control, honing your curves into a perfect hourglass shape. Adjustable straps and a hook and eye gusset also ensure supreme comfort. Made of soft, smooth microfibre and featuring beautiful jacquard embroidery detailing, this is one shapewear piece you’ll want to show off! Shop the Amelie bodysuit here.
Ella Bra 
Designed for the fuller-busted figure, the Ella bra is the perfect choice for everyday elegance. Underwired, with seamed cups and decorated with sumptuous embroidery, this full cup bra provides ultimate support and shaping. The straps are fully adjustable and also decorated with beautiful embroidery detailing. So you can easily wear this piece under this season’s asymmetric and bardot tops. Buy your Ella bra here.
Ella Control Briefs
These full control briefs can be worn with the matching bra for the ultimate in chic, or separately if you’re just looking to control and sculpt your tummy and hips. Made of soft microfibre, with jacquard and lace detailing, these control briefs are truly feminine and sophisticated. Purchase your Ella briefs here.
With delicate tulle to nursing and even sports bras, the Ulla Dessous brand covers every aspect of underwear for plus size women. It’s uncompromising yet beautiful. The range encompasses how important lingerie can be to an outfit, but moreover to a woman. With this brand you’re not just treating yourself to underwear, you’re investing in a piece of art.
Becky is an author and copywriter who has been writing about women’s issues and underwear for several years. She also writes blogs which cover a range of topics for local businesses.