We should all be realistic - we aren't all blessed with a size-two figure that will fit into whatever is pulled out at random from a lingerie store.  For the rest of us it can sometimes be difficult to find beautiful lingerie for real women.However, if you look for lingerie that will fit and flatter your body type then you will always feel great about yourself and how you look!

To disguise those problem bulges it could be advisable to wear a dark coloured top with draped fabric.However, if you go to the opposite end of the scale you will find that light or sheer lingerie won't do you many favours.  You may also find that adding a pretty necklace will help to draw attention to the upper half of your body.

If you are the sort of woman who isn't blessed with long legs then you will want to choose lingerie that will give the illusion of leg length.  To do this choose styles that have a high cut leg to maximize the height of your legs.A short chemise would be a great choice.

If you have larger thighs, perhaps you should choose a negligee or a babyydoll style that has an element of fullness in the skirt.This may help to make your legs appear less full but do remember to avoid styles that fit tightly against the lower half of the body.

Take your own hair coloursh into consideration when buying lingerie.As an example, if you have blonde or light coloured hair then pastel pinks or a baby blue will match well.For brunettes, rich maroon or bright primary colours will look beautiful.Do bear in mind the rule of thumb that bright colours could make a plump body look larger, whilst darker colours give the illusion of a smaller size.

According to recent market research, the women's plus size market is one of the fastest growing retail industries and it is easy to see why.It seems that women want to shun the unrealistic and - some might say - unhealthy size zero culture.  So when the summer months arrive, what is the best way to choose swimwear for real women?

When selecting your plus-sized swimwear there are several ways of disguising problem areas whilst enhancing your best features.For example, draped fabric can conceal bulges and swimsuits with cris-cross design elements can give your waist the appearance of being a bit smaller as well as providing additional body contouring.Larger frames can be made to appear a bit slimmer by choosing swimwear with a deep v-neck.  For the lady with a smaller bust and larger hips, this can be balanced with a swimsuit that features a colourful printed top as well as choosing a darker coloured skirt or beach short for the bottom.

The ideal time to go out and shop for your swim suit will always be the beginning of the season.  By shopping around May or June, styles will be new and shops will have their shelves well stocked.When shopping round for a new swimsuit you should really avoid trying on a bathing suit after you have just eaten a meal or during your menstrual cycle.Correct colour is also a hugely important consideration as black, dark brown and blue are slimming to the eye.  Don’t be taken in with the old myth of the larger woman not being able to wear stripes - women of all sizes can carry of stripes, patterns or bold colours as long as the fit of the swimsuit is flattering to their particular body type.

So the ideal plus-sized swimsuit would flatter the wearer whilst at the same time hiding those problem areas and supporting the bosom.There's no reason on earth why all the skinny women should get all the nicest clothes!