Lingerie Guide: What To Wear For Your Boudoir Session
In this guide:
(Click to expand)
A Quick List of Styles
Bra and Panty Sets
There are so many different options out there for sexy bra/panty sets out there. When shopping for these, proper fit is extremely important. Be careful of push up bras as they often make you look unnatural. Make sure the area near your armpit looks nice and smooth and you are not coming out of the cups. That makes it more flattering in camera.
Teddies and Bodysuits
A teddy is a garment that covers the torso and crotch in one garment. It is a similar style of garment to a one-piece swimsuit or bodysuit but is typically more sheer and definitely sexier. Bodysuits are similar but usually less sheer than teddies and can be worn as normal clothing, too.
Corsets
Corsets are meant to cinch your waist and give you killer curves. They usually have ties in the back that help create your shape. NOTE: They are hard to bend and move in for boudoir, so I actually recommend bustiers if you want the corset “style”!
Bustiers (boost-Yay)
A bustier is similar to a corset in coverage, but it has cups built in that give nice breast support. They don’t normally cinch the waist like corsets do, but there are some hybrid styles out there that combine a little waist cinching and breast lifting.
Babydolls
A babydoll is a short, sleeveless, loose-fitting nightgown. It sometimes has formed cups called a bralette for cleavage with an attached, loose-fitting skirt falling, in length, usually between the upper thigh and the belly button. I DON’T recommend them because they hide too much! It’s like wearing a baggy shirt, not sexy!
Garter Belts, Garters, & Thigh-Highs
A Garter Belt is a belt worn around the waist or hips with attached garters or fasteners to hold up stockings. Sometimes Garters are built into lingerie so a belt isn’t needed.
The stockings they hold up are called Thigh Highs (because they pull up to the thigh).
There are two different types of thigh highs:
Some have a rubber material on the inside to help them stay up. This is REALLY important to know. If the stockings have the rubber inside they are NOT meant for garters. They are meant to be worn without them. The rubber allows them to stay up on their own. If you try to pair these stocking with garters, they are very hard to attach because of the thickness of them.
Stockings without the rubber are much more desirable for garters. There is an art to attaching the stockings. Again, don’t worry, I can easily help you and teach you how it’s done.
Shapewear
Shape wear is a type of tight-fitting underwear intended to control and shape the figure. There are many beautiful options out there these days. (Not the ones that are meant to be hidden, but styles that flatter and are also pleasing to the eye).
Clothing
Clothing is a fantastic option for boudoir! It might sound counterintuitive but think about a hot leather jacket; or ripped jeans and a sexy bra; or off the shoulder sweaters; or a sheer T-shirt. There are so many options for clothing that can be just as sexy, if not sexier than lingerie.
You can also mix the two. Try a beautiful bra with a full skirt, a tank top with a lacey thong or high socks. Why not have fun and be creative?!
What Is Your Body Shape?
Rectangle | Banana
Similar hip, waist & chest Measurements, less curves, smaller bust.
Round | Apple
Wider torso, full bust and waist, flatter bottom.
Hourglass
Similarly proportioned top and bottom, despite a commonly larger bottom, clearly defined waist & substantial curves.
Triangle | Pear
Rounder on the bottom, smaller top, smaller bust.
Inverted Triangle
Wider top or shoulders, smaller bottom, larger bust.
Color Planning
When planning wardrobe for your session we love colors that both compliment you and the aesthetic of our studio. The best choices are rich deep jewel tones, warm earthy tones, soft pastels and classic monochrome. Choosing neons and high-contrast colors are very distracting and pull the viewer’s eye away from the intended focal point. These colors can also clash with our carefully thought out studio design and have a messy result.
Wear These
Avoid These
Don’t get wrapped up in tagged sizes when purchasing intimate pieces. Sizing can vary drastically between vendors and we humans come in all different shapes, sizes and measurements!
Choose outfits that make you feel good and fit well. When in doubt or in between sizes always opt for a little larger versus smaller.
Choosing the Perfect Outfits for You
Bring These
Body Suits
Bustiers
Matching Bra & Panty Sets
Coloured Bralettes
High Waisted Bottoms or Thongs
Fishnet Stockings
Heels, the higher the better
Statement Jewelery
Fitted tees and button downs
Knee-high boots
Leave These At Home
Corsets
Babydolls
Men’s Shirts
Jerseys
G-Strings (unless wearing under studio garments
Dainty Small Jewelery
Cowboy Hats (unless we’re outside)
Want To Show Off Your Abs?
Want to show off those hard earned abs and a little more skin? Bra and panty sets are a great option. Things to think about are the style of panty you choose (the amount of coverage) and what type of bra suits you best. I know it’s tempting to pull out a bra you might wear every day – but try to look for something a little sexier, special. Something that is meant to be seen! More on looking for these a little further down.
Need Extra Support?
So you have had a baby, or lost some weight, etc… and you may feel you need some lift in the breast department. I know most women are tempted to go straight for push up bras, but resist the urge. Before you try on push-ups, look for demi cup bras, underwire bras, or bustiers that offer strong support without adding too much size. This is typically more flattering proportion-wise. Good support is more important than padding any day. This is not to say that there aren’t some good push up bras out there, but just be really aware of how any bra fits and flatters.
Gotta Have That Killer Tushie SHot?
If a great tush shot is on your list, I recommend bottoms that show just enough, but not too much. I prefer cheeky or Brazilian bottoms over thongs. Many teddies and body suits are cut in the back to show off some tush. Those are a great option too! (beware of string teddies though – they don’t always flatter!)
Showing Off Them Legs!
We all want long gorgeous legs. Here are a couple of tips for that! Look for high cut undies, teddies, bodysuits. The higher the leg opening the longer your legs will look. Also bring a pair of skin colored shoes with you. That will make your legs look even longer than they are.
Concerned About Arms?
Arms are sometimes a concern for women. Well, let’s ease that concern. Look for long sleeved body suits or throw a crisp white button down over some killer lingerie. Presto – no worry needed.
Even though boudoir is about shedding layers, I do understand many women don’t want to show too much skin or they are concerned about parts of their body that they might not want to show off. Here are some tips to cover, boudoir style.
If you are worried about showing your stomach think of shapewear (the gorgeous kind! Not the kind that hurts!). A beautiful lace robe over a bra and underwear is a great choice. So is a plain white tank top and lacey undies.
If you have some stretch marks or scars look for some more opaque materials, but stick with a style that will still show off your shape – like a bodysuit or a slip. The worst thing you can do is hide behind a lot of fabric – like a babydoll for example. It will only make you look heavier. We want to see your gorgeous shape no matter what you wear or how covered you are.
Choosing Bra & Panty Sets
T-String
G-String
Thong
Tanga
Bikini
Cheeky
Hipster
Boy Shorts
Classic Brief
High Waisted
When talking undergarments, elastic is an essential element of top performing bottoms!
Flimsy elastic wears out quickly and rolls down often and their lifespan can be shortened greatly if you’re putting them in the dryer.
Rectangle | Banana
Try adding curves with bikini cuts
High Waist or classic briefs will likely be too much be too much, leaving you swimming in material
Round | Apple
Try high-cut, higher waist with thicker elastic
Triangle | Pear
Try opting for a size larger than normal and pieces with more material like high waist or hipsters. This balances out top and bottom
Inverted Triangle
Avoid super high waist or max coverage If you prefer more modest opt for smaller than your everyday size to avoid swimming in material
Hourglass
Avoid super high waist or max coverage If you prefer more modest opt for smaller than your everyday size to avoid swimming in material
Support is a huge consideration for women, some are comfortable au natural, while others seek mid or full support. Whichever you choose, trust us to help you embrace it!
Band
This is where the support comes from, should always be parallel to the floor. Fit should be snug but not digging into your sides & back.
Bridge
The piece that connects the two cups, anchors the bra to the body should sit flush against your sternum.
Cup
Should fit smoothly, gaps underneath or spilling out over them are equal in terms of poor fit.
Sister Sizes In Bras
This vs That
Babydolls VS Bodysuits
I’m going to be honest….I DON’T like babydolls!
Where did her body go? That’s what we think when we see these pieces. Most women will happily hide beneath mounds of material, but that is counter-productive to our mission here. If you’re desiring a dress look opt for a fancy robe, or a skirt with a lace bralette that can be removed or pushed aside to show off your curves.
Bodysuits are incredibly flattering on all body types.
Higher cuts will make your legs look longer and booty look rounder, an effect that would be completely lost under a babydoll.
They are available in a large variety of styles with and without sleeves, more or less coverage, feminine and lacy or bold and strappy.
Merry Widows vs Garter Sets
Merry Widows are essentially the long t-shirt of the lingerie world. They are fitted down your body and then gartered at the bottom. They can be difficult to get on, but not impossible. It does usually take two people, though!
I don’t personally hate them when they are in a flattering style. Loose fabric = no; fitted fabric = YES!
If you’re aiming for the sexy stocking look, you can also opt for a bra and panty set with a garter belt.
Tips for Wardrobe Staples
Stockings
When properly fitted thigh highs can add an extra flair to an already sexy outfit. Purchase them 1-2 sizes larger than the package recommends. This will help avoid them rolling down or squeezing the thigh too tightly. If wearing with garters, avoid pairs with the silicone anti-slip strip at the top, the silicone is too thick for the garter clasp.
Fishnets
Stop whatever you’re doing and put these in your shopping cart now!
These babies are like putting on a super hero cape, they give you a super boost of confidence and look good on any booty. They can be worn solo, or paired with high waisted bottoms. Pick between the tiny diamond or large diamond patterns! Or bring both!
High-Waisted Black Bottoms
The staple piece your lingerie drawer has been looking for. Flattering on every body type, can be worn as a set or paired with a cute color bralette or those fishnet stockings you already ordered.
Where To Shop For Boudoir Outfits
We try to keep this list as updated as possible but if you find a store–or you ARE a store–that should be featured on this list, let us know!
Luxury Intimates
These brands are what dreams are made of when it comes to lingerie. If you’re dreaming of a statement designer piece, look no further. But also be prepared for the extra investment. These outfits range from $200 – $1000+.
- For Love & Lemons
- Agent Provocateur
- Honey Birdette
- Bordelle
- La Perla
- Le Boudoir Fits (Middleburg, VA – they do free custom fittings! I personally love them!)
Body Positive Brands
These companies cater especially to us curvier ladies. Beautiful sets, stockings and much broader bra size range with no skimping on the sexy like most plus options out there!
- Playful Promises
- Torrid
- Hips and Curves
- Yandy
- SHEIN
Classic Brands
When you think lingerie these are probably some of the more common brands that come to mind. They also represent the middle ground of pricing.
Budget Intimates
If you’re on a budget or prefer to have an abundance of options these vendors carry pieces that are very affordable and photograph well.
- Yandy
- Fashion Nova
- Forever 21
- Adore Me
- SHEIN.com
- Amazon
- Oh Yeah Lady
Do This
- Start Shopping Early
- Remember the smaller local lingerie shops too
- Try everything on!
- Have a matching bra & panty
- Go for texture! Lace, straps and metal hardware add a great elements to lingerie
- Stretch it out before your session
- Eat Breakfast
- Book the whole day off
- Opt for a little larger versus smaller when sizing outfits
- Share BTS and tag us on Social Media if comfortable
...But Don't You Dare
- Get wrapped up in tag sizes when purchasing intimates. Sizing can vary between vendors and we humans come in all different shapes, sizes and measurements!
- Bring outfits you’re not in love with or showing wear/piling
- Bring Men’s shirts or Jerseys, we’re not in the business of hiding curves
- Spray Tan or use Self Tanner unless you have done so before.
- Plan body altering appointments close to your session
- Tattoos, Piercings, Laser Treatments, Cupping, Temporary or Permanent.
- Consider bruising and the risks of infection & swelling.
