I’ve always loved the vintage look, and I’m certainly not alone! The vintage look, from the 1920s to the 1970s, has remained popular in fashion and lingerie. Unfortunately, that look wasn’t always available to full bust and plus size customers. Luckily, options have expanded over the past few years.
This list ranges from bra designs from “vintage” eras to modern pieces that combine retro features with trendy prints. There’s something on this list for every full bust or plus size person, whether you’re looking for a historically accurate piece or one that has trendy vintage elements.
Doreen Bra by Triumph:
Triumph Doreen Bra Available in 5 Colors Fits Bands 34 - 48, Cups B - J via FigleavesOne way to get the vintage look is to start with a bra that hasn’t changed since 1967. And it's still one of the most popular bras in stores. This bra comes in a wide range of sizes, looks perfect under vintage or vintage-inspired clothing, and has a strong cult following.
Clara Soft Cup Bra by Goddess:
One of the fun parts of exploring vintage-style bras is that you rapidly find yourself in wireless bra territory. These aren’t flimsy bralettes. These bras are serious pieces designed to support! You won’t get the same shape and separation that you get with the today's push up bra, but you may find yourself liking this category more than you think. I got fitted into one of these properly a few years ago and still wear it regularly.
Peach Spiral Stitch Bullet Bra by Bettie Page Lingerie:
Bettie Page Peach Spiral Stitch Bullet Bra Available in Bands 32 - 38, Cups A - F via Playful PromisesIf you’re in the F cup range, you can have the joy of fitting into the Bettie Page Lingerie line, which is a vintage lover’s dream lingerie collection. This real spiral stitch bullet bra will give you that 1940’s pinup look that you crave, all for a reasonable price.
Embroidered Microfiber Longline Soft Cup Bra by Elila:
Embroidered Microfiber Longline Bra Available in Bands 36 - 52, Cups B - G via ElilaElila is one of my favorite lingerie brands, even though they make extremely traditional pieces. I love their new fashion sets, but I’ve also developed an appreciation for their more traditional pieces. This bra is comfortable, functions like shapewear without the comfort issues and provides actual lift. I love it under vintage dresses.
Lace Longline Strapless by Elila:
Lace Longline Strapless Available in 4 Colors Fits Bands 34 - 48, Cups B - I via ElilaThis bra is another classic Elila piece that stays put all day. Trust me, and I’ve done the test. It’s beautiful on and would be great for a bride, but it’s also comfortable enough to wear all day under a sundress.
Freya Fancies Longline Bra:
Freya Fancies Longline Bra Available in 8 Colors Fits Bands 28 - 38, Cups D - H via Bare NecessitiesThe Freya Fancies line is full of great basics, including this retro looking longline bra. These pieces use wonderfully soft lace that feels great against your skin.
Retro Chic Full Figure Underwire Bra by Wacoal:
Retro Chic Full Figure Underwire Bra Available in 8 Colors Fits Bands 32 - 48, Cups C - I via WacoalThis full figure bra was the first real bra I ever got fitted into as a teenager, and I hated it. Now that I can’t fit into it anymore, I have come to appreciate the retro styling and the quality construction. If you’re in their size range, it’s a lovely piece.
Bridal Bustier by Goddess:
Goddess Lace Longline Bra Available in 2 Colors Fits Bands 34 - 50, Cups B - FF via HerRoomIf the shape of the Elila longline doesn’t work for you, this is another equally well-made option. I think the key to making these pieces work is getting fitted into them properly. So make sure to check them out at your local lingerie shop if you can.
Soiree Lace Underwire Bralette by Freya:
Freya Soiree Lace Underwire Bralette Available in 4 Colors Fits Bands 30 - 38, Cups D - G via FigleavesThis bra is another essential piece from Freya, with a beautiful vintage look to the lace and the longline shape. The key to making bras like this look vintage is how you pair them. Go for high waist briefs and a matching suspender belt for the full look.
Dahlia Full Figure Lace Bra by Dita Von Teese:
Dita Von Teese Dahlia Full Figure Lace Bra Available in 3 Colors Fits Bands 40 - 44, Cups DD - F via FigleavesThis bra is quite literally designed and endorsed by the queen of vintage style! I love that this line has expanded their sizing so more people can fit into it. I’m hoping a broader range of cup sizes will be the next project, as I’d love to try them out.
Viola Hazel Longline Bra by Harlow & Fox:
Viola Hazel Longline Bra Available in Band 30 - 38, UK Cups DD - G via Harlow & FoxThis vintage-esque longline bra is from full-bust specialist Harlow & Fox. I love the candy colors combined with the gold silk. It’s such a fun take on a classic bra.
Abrielle Blue Embroidered Bra by Katherine Hamilton:
Abrielle Blue Embroidered Bra Available in Bands 26 - 36, UK Cups D - HH via Katherine HamiltonKatherine Hamilton is another vintage-inspired designer, and her new season is just gorgeous. I love the lace effect on this bra that reminds me of tattoo designs and fine china at the same time.
Ginger Contour Longline Bra by City Chic:
Ginger Contour Longline Bra Available in Bands 36 - 46, Cups B - G via City ChicIf you hang out on Instagram in the vintage loving plus-size community, you’ll see a lot of people wearing City Chic. Their pieces frequently have a vintage look and are so well designed for curvy figures. If you fit into their size range and love the vintage look, you should give them a try.
Sylvie Contour Longline Bra by City Chic:
Sylvie Longline Contour Bra Available in Bands 36 - 40, Cups B - F via City ChicA similar design to the bra above, but this time in a more modern print. I love retro feeling fusion pieces like this that are easy to mix into a modern lingerie drawer.
Rive Gauche Full Coverage Unlined Bra by Chantelle Lingerie:
Chantelle Lingerie Rive Gauche Full Coverage Unlined Bra Available in 4 Colors Fits Bands 32 - 42, Cups D - I via NordstromThis favorite from Chantelle Lingerie has a classic French look and comes in a wide range of colors. It is a high-quality piece that will last a long time with proper care. It’s a great option if you’re looking to try something retro-inspired for daily wear.
Charley Longline Underwire Bra by Elomi:
Elomi Charley Longline Underwire Bra Available in Bands 34 - 40, Cups E - HH via NordstromThis piece from Elomi's last season by Elomi has a great vintage look. It also comes in Elomi’s typically fabulous size range so lots of people can fit into it.
Gorgeous Crochet Lace Bra by Curvy Couture:
Curvy Couture Gorgeous Crochet Lace Bra Available in Bands 34 - 46, Cups C - H via NordstromThis 70’s inspired bra is designed for plus-sizes and has a great retro look. The underwire provides tons of support while still giving you the look of an airy bralette.
Charlotte Padded Bra by Parfait Lingerie:
Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra Available in 6 Colors Fits Bands 28 - 44, Cups C - K via HerRoomThis set has a surprising vintage look when combined with the matching high waist briefs! It’s supportive and great for narrower profiles, which makes it look retro with a very modern fit.
Do you wear vintage or vintage-inspired clothing? How important is it to match your foundations to your retro look?