"Why go out when it's much more fun to stay in?" Online plus size lingerie retailer AboutCurves.com discusses a trend growing in popularity: couples choosing to stay at home instead of going out for date night.

With so many jobs at risk in this struggling economy, couples everywhere are pinching pennies. Restaurant spending has decreased and couples are going to the movie theater less often, bringing to light a new trend: couples are staying home and enjoying each other on their date night.

Economic indicators show that while consumer spending is down in most sectors, grocery sales are increasing. And with movie rental programs like Netflix increasing in popularity, there is a new model being created for how couples spend quality time together.

KC Culver talks about her own experience: "My boyfriend and I can easily spend $80 in one night if we go out for dinner and a movie." By comparison, at home, couples usually spend about $15 in grocery and movie rental costs.

"By making dinner together, we get to be creative and have fun at the same time," she continues, "plus there's the added benefit of being able to snuggle on the couch while we watch the movie."

Robin Bryan Culver, KC's partner in AboutCurves.com, notes that at their online store, business reflects the move from a restaurant to the living room. "Because many couples are choosing to stay at home, they're spicing up their dates with a new piece of lingerie or a costume." She notes that lingerie has the value-added benefit of being able to be worn again and again.

And even when the economy rebounds, the trend of staying home for date night might not end. According to a 2008 study, hugging, kissing, and other physical intimacy is one of the most powerful stress-relievers. Looks like staying at home is not just better for the pocketbook, but it may be the key to happy and healthy psychological well-being.

About The Company:

About Curves was started in 2001 by a mother-daughter team who were frustrated by the lack of options available to women who do not fit the "model mold." Their mission is to provide women with the ability to feel sexy and to encourage women of all shapes and sizes to celebrate their curves.

Every product offered by About Curves is personally approved by a team of discriminating shoppers, and then modeled by plus size women in About Curves' very own photo shoots. The owners pride themselves on their insistence that women should not be made to squeeze their bodies into outfits that are uncomfortable, disrespectful, or poorly made.

The webstore now offers over 300 different products. The line includes traditional lingerie, including plus size babydolls, plus size bustiers, plus size gowns, plus size chemises, plus size camisole and pajama sets, and plus size teddies, as well as specializing in plus size robe sets and plus size bridal lingerie. The new expanded line also includes private label items, plus size costumes, body products, feather products, and shoes.

Web-based retailer, AboutCurves.com is preparing to debut a private label line, beginning with a chemise and a gown in jewel tones of purple, magenta, and black.

The company reports the private label line features items with the best of both comfort and sex appeal with a stretch lace bodice that provides great support and a jersey knit skirt that feels great against the skin.

"I think that this will continue to be a trend in lingerie--finding new ways to make sexy lingerie that's ultra-comfortable," said co-owner KC Culver. "Women are realizing that we don't need to sacrifice comfort to look incredible and that being comfortable does not preclude looking sexy."

Owners Robin Culver and KC Culver are a mother and daughter team, and even though they are from very different generations, they share a mutual frustration with the lack of options available to women who do not fit the "model mold."

Best sellers have been items with shimmer and those with metallic tones; bright colors in hot pink and rich purple have also sold well.

Looking to the future, the company will continue to abide by the philosophy that all women are beautiful and should celebrate their curves.

About Curves offers products in sizes 1X through 7X. Their new private label will increase their size range to 7X. For more information, visit www.aboutcurves.com