The Ultimate Boudoir Photoshoot Lingerie Guide
In today’s post we’re going to be talking all about lingerie, specifically as it relates to your Boudoir Photoshoot. While you can absolutely wear anything you want for your photoshoot, lingerie/underwear is definitely the most popular. (Not into lingerie? This post is for you! 11 Things to wear for your Photoshoot (that aren’t lingerie!))
I know this part can be super overwhelming especially if you’re new to the world of skimpy lacy things, but that’s ok, it’s really not that complicated and I’m here to guide you though it.
This is a guide for beginners, and I’m speaking to my clients specifically (hi babes!) and not a huge deep dive into the historical cultural origins and minutiae of lingerie, of which there are many, (I think there are like, over 100 types of corsets alone??). Ok let’s get into it!
What we’ll cover:
The Lingerie Guide Categories
Styles of Underwear
Bra & Underwear sets
Body Suits/Teddy
Corset/Basque/Bustier
Garter Belts & Stockings
Slips/Babydoll/Robes
Miscellaneous
Lingerie can be powerful
Lingerie is celebrated not just for its aesthetic appeal but for its role in self-care. The right piece of lingerie can transform how you feel about yourself, offering a sense of luxury and self-assuredness that transcends the physical garment. It’s about more than just looking good; it’s about feeling good.
A boudoir photoshoot is an act of self-love and empowerment, it’s about celebrating your body and embracing your individuality. Whether you opt for a delicate lace bralette or a sleek satin set, the choice of lingerie is deeply personal and can influence your confidence and mood. The lingerie you choose should enhance this aesthetic, making you feel confident and beautiful. Consider the mood you want to convey—whether it’s playful and flirty, elegant and sophisticated, or bold and daring.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
One of the most important aspects of lingerie is fit. A well-fitting bra or pair of panties can make a significant difference in both comfort and appearance. It’s crucial to find pieces that align with your body type and personal style. Many lingerie brands offer fitting guides or consultations to help you select the perfect fit, ensuring that you not only look great but feel great too.
The best way to find something that fits you, or just to find your right size is to go somewhere that specializes in this stuff.
If you’re a Boulder Babe, Christina’s Luxuries is a local small business run by two incredibly knowledgeable and helpful women, I highly recommend a stop in there.
If you’re Fine in FoCo, Mystique Lingerie is super inclusive and sex positive and definitely worth taking a trip to.
For my Denver Dolls, SOL (Store of Lingerie) is super luxurious and beautiful and a great place to try on some lovely lingerie.
If you’re not into leaving the house and prefer to shop in your PJ’s (totally valid), just buy a few things in a few different styles that you can try on, and return anything that doesn’t fit. You might not know what actually works best for your body until it’s on your body, and you might be surprised! While you’re trying things on, make sure you move around, do some twists, lay down if you can, stretch your arms up. Does it move with you? Does it cut in anywhere? Does it gap over your chest or give you a double boob? We’ll be moving and posing in all kinds of ways during the photoshoot, so make sure whatever you choose moves with you and looks good from different angles.
The Lingerie Guide
Here are most popular styles that clients have worn for their photoshoot. All these images are my work, on real actual women, not models. I’ve tried to find similar poses when possible to keep the focus on the outfits, I hope it’s helpful to see them on my real clients! Screenshot this! 👇
Underwear Styles
The first thing we’re going to cover is underwear. A good pair of underwear can carry you though your photoshoot and really could be all you need. They can shape your booty and your body and help accentuate your curves. There are lots of different types so I recommend trying some on, but the main types are from most to least coverage: Boy-shorts/hipsters, briefs/bikini, and thongs/g-string/ect.
Boy shorts/Hipsters
These have the most coverage but can still be cheeky in the back. They can be high or low waisted, and lacy or sporty. Super cute if you want to accentuate shape and not skin. Something to keep in mind, if you are not the most booty-licious these could flatten out your butt even more so try them on first to see how they fit you! Hipsters can be nice because they still give a little cheek at the bottom.
Top to bottom:
Cotton Boyshorts
Lacy hipsters
The Bikini & Brief
The most classic cut of underwear, and what you probably wear on a day to day basis. The main difference between bikini, briefs, high leg, and so on are how low they dip in the front (bikini are quite low cut typically) how much booty coverage there is (briefs are the most covering without going into shorts territory). They can be lacy, sporty, sheer, opaque, and offer a little cheekiness without being a full thong. These can look really nice and classic, but might not show off the booty as much as the next style. Look for flat lay lace, a nice fitting waistband, and interesting details if you want them to be the focus of an image.
Images top to bottom:
Front view of bikini-style underwear
Back view of bikini/brief style underwear.
Thong th-thong, thong, thong
If you’re too young for that reference, I’m sorry, here’s the link to go educate yourself on what was a very scandalous and popular 2000s song: The Thong Song
The most cheeky and booty-full style of underwear, thongs are a great way to look super sexy and cute without a lot of fabric getting in the way of your beautiful booty. This is the style I would most recommend to my clients, I think it usually flatters most bodies the best. They can be low cut, high cut, lacy, sporty, have a wider band at the top or basically no fabric at all. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits well.
Images top to bottom:
Classic thong cut, a bit of fabric at the top, normal leg.
g-string/t-back, least amount of fabric, high leg;
High waist with bigger fabric band at the top but still no cheek coverage.
Bra & Underwear
Definitely the most popular choice for a boudoir outfit, and for good reason, it’s probably what you usually wear under your clothes so it feels intimate, sexy, and natural to wear. There are so many styles, cuts, aesthetics, fabrics you can go with.
My tips are to find something that moves with you well, something that won’t cut in to you or leave gaps when you lay down, and something that fits your personal style and makes you feel awesome. You can go for a bra with underwire, lace, unlined, or a soft lacy bralette that is super comfortable.
If you’re looking for a super precise fit, you can try this sizing tool, I can’t make a better one than this: A Bra that Fits. But honestly a lot of lingerie styles come in S/M/L/XL/++ and don’t offer the best individualized sizing as far as cups/bands go, so my best advice is to just buy two sizes if you’re unsure what size you are and try them on to find what you like best. If you are someone with a less common size such as a larger chest and smaller ribcage, or a small chest that is not usually accommodated by most bra sizes, or if you’re a curvy gal and need some more inclusive sizing, I have a master list of brands for almost every body type that I keep updated and share with my clients. Please feel free to reach out to me, I may also do another post just on shopping links which I will update here.
Images top to bottom:
Traditional underwire cups, most supportive style.
Bralette style, sporty or lacy, no underwire, soft or no cups.
Long-line bra, this has some extra fabric that comes down an inch or two under the band. Super cute look!
Appliqué details for a 3D effect, Embroidery details for intricate detail and extra style.
Bodysuits & Teddies
This is my favorite category, and one of the most popular after the bra-underwear combo. For good reason too, bodysuits (teddies, they are also sometimes called) come n so many different cuts, styles, vibes, there is something for everyone. The only thing to watch out for is if you are quite tall or quite short, the torso might not fit you properly if it’s not adjustable, so make sure you try it on first.
A bodysuit can be a great option for my gals that don’t want to show too much tummy, it covers but still shows off your shape beautifully and depending on the style can have a super cute booty, a low back, or a plunge to showcase the ladies. For the record, if you are someone that doesn’t want to show too much skin in the mid-rift I vastly prefer this to the slip or babydoll styles. They hug your curves better and in my opinion photograph better as well, but you wear whatever you feel comfortable in!
Images top to bottom:
Most classic style of bodysuit, some have built in wire cups, some don’t. These have a mix of lace and mesh, low but not plunging front, and classic bra straps that are usually adjustable for a perfect fit. Classic bikini back or thong cuts are typical here.
A sportier style that has no lace, solid mesh or cotton, and could be worn with jeans if you wanted. This style is perfect if you want something super minimalist feeling and you don’t want it to feel romantic.
variations with sleeve lengths, Sweetheart neckline leather (so cool!) cap sleeves with cutout, long sleeve sheer with dots, and long sleeve lacy plunge. I love these unique options.
Ultra strappy, lots of detail and criss cross straps, some really unique options like the upper chest piece, this snake embroidery and the lemon embroidery.
Color! So ofter clients bring in black, which I absolutely love, so classic! But having some color options can be so fun and playful. I love the delicate lavender, the bold reds, and the moody forest green.
Bridal looks, I love the soft romanticism of these white lacy pieces, it’s perfect to pair with a veil or garter, or just on their own for an airy soft look.
Corset, Basque, & Bustier
The most intimidating and possibly confusing category, but I’ve broken it down into three broad categories for simplicity. These are the most typical and popular styles I’ve had clients bring in.
Starting with the top row, the Bustier is the shortest of these three with a length that usually ends just above the natural waist. It typically has some boning (the supportive firm lines that you see going up the sides and under the chest of the piece. The boning can offer support but it is also for that aesthetic corset type look.
Next is the Basque, the name comes from the French term (of course) for a type of jacket or bodice with long tails, think Tuxedo, but the tails go out to the side instead of the back. Later it was used to refer to a long corset with a close fit that extends past the waist down the hips. Today they can be that long (image 1 & 2 in the 2nd row) or be a little shorter with the tail style flared over the hips in a nod to the original style of jacket. The Basque usually has a hook and eye fastening at the back like a bra. Unlike the actual corset it won’t offer much cinching or support, but can give that “corset” look of the boning and will often have a garter built in to attach to stockings. Stockings are optional and will make the look the most classic and vintage, but plenty of clients go without stockings and just let the straps dangle.
Lastly the Corset. The have many styles and shapes and historically were used as a supportive layer to help hold up the many heavy layers of clothing that were traditionally worn. Only sometimes were they the waist cinching style that we most often associate with the term today. Bernadette Banner has an incredible depth of knowledge on this if you’re interested in learning all about corsets, this video is a great starting point.
For lingerie, I like to think of a Corset as a garment that has a lace up back, some type of structure or boning support, and typically but not always cinches in the waist. The examples below are the most traditional corsets that I have examples of, the one on the bottom right has a hook eye closure in the front and laces at the sides and back. Most corsets will actually lace up from the top and bottom and meet in the middle with a lot of flexibility in how tight you want to cinch it up. The bondage style leather one pictured is what is called an under-bust style and it ends below the bust for a lot of push-up power and needing a separate bra the goes underneath. Corsets unlike the Basque will not usually have a garter attached to it, but it might come with a separate garter belt that goes with it. You can wear this with stockings or bare legs for a more modern look. Some caution when choosing a true, cinching lace up corset. Your movement will most likely be hampered a bit, arching/twisting is not usually possible and it can cause some bulging in other places (under arms, hips) that you might not want so I would usually steer you toward the other two styles unless you’re really into the corset look, that’s totally up to you! But I would definitely not have it be your only look.
Top to bottom:
The Bustier, short with some corset inspired details but fastens like a bra in the back, not with laces.
The Basque, longer line and sometimes has corset boning details and often has a garter attached for stockings.
The Corset with lacing at the back and a cinched waist style.
Garter Belt/Suspenders
The garter belt was originally an item of function, before the invention of elastic a lady’s stocking would be held up by these straps and the belt was an every day nessecity. Even men would wear a calf-length version to hold up their socks, and an upper-thigh version Calle da Shirt-stay to keep their shirts tucked in nicely. Kinda makes you wonder why we don’t sexualize calf straps on men the way we do garters on women right?
Today they are mostly for show, and some modern styles omit the stocking entirely and just have the thigh straps for the illusion of that traditional garter look. I love all these versions even though they are a pain to put on yourself (don’t worry, I can help you!).
Top to bottom:
The most typical fit of the belt sitting at your waist or in line with your underwear.
A wider belt sometimes called a girdle with a more vintage feel. These can have a kind of half-corset vibe with laces, or just offer more coverage and a little extra style.
Slips, Babydolls, & Robes
The slip is an item of clothing that is typically worn underneath a skirt or dress that might otherwise be clingy and was a very common item of clothing. It has a closer to the body fit and usually has a satiny silky feel. Sometimes they are sheer, but usually they are a solid satin style. There is not usually a lot of stretch or flowyness with this style.
The babydoll (hate the name btw) is a flowy dress type cut that usually has an empire waist (the tightest part is right under the bust) and it usually flows out from there. It can give a feminine, playful vibe and can be a good choice if you don’t wan to see your shape through the midsection but wan to focus on the bust and legs. Not the best choice if you do want to see your shape/hips because it can give you a triangle type shape and cover all that up.
The robe is a wonderful accessory to add some style and personality or as a standalone with underwear. They can be sheer and lacy or silky and flows, long or short, there are some great styles to choose from. Look for beach coverups if you’re searching for something unique, you can find some really cool versions that way.
The Miscellaneous Category
This is not absolutely everything that exists in the world of lingerie, there are some bonkers items that don’t really have a solid category, but here are a few other ideas that I thought were worth including in this list.
Top to bottom:
Pj sets can be a super cute thing to bring in, they don’t really fit in another category but there are so many cute options out there!
Second in this row, this lacy t-shirt thing, not sure what to call it but it’s unique and cute. There are a some unique things out there if you look!
Body chains! Definitely a particular look but it can be so fun to channel your inner goddess vibes.
Pasties on the nipples if you want a topless look without the nipples being out, they come in all kinds of fun shapes and even jewels and other fun things.
Skirt type things. Not sure what to call them but a sheer skirt or dress topper can add on to any outfit for some dreamy drama.
Where to shop
I’ll do a more extensive dive into some of my favorite brands, but here are some links that I send to my clients. I only recommend brands that have been photographed by my a brought in by real clients so I have at least a little first hand experience with each of these brands. If you have a favorite I’m not aware of, please feel free to share with me! These are not affiliate links, I get nothing from sharing this except hopefully guiding you to a great piece of lingerie that will get you excited for your session.
Thistle & Spire | My personal favorite! Gorgeous embroidered pieces, unique and interesting, woman owned sizes up to 3X | Thistleandspire.com
Free People | modern, interesting, sizes up to XL | freepeople.com
Hips & Curves | plus sizes & affordable Sizes up to 44DDD | hipsandcurves.com
Mentionables | Gorgeous lace pieces with great color options | size inclusive, mid range pricing up to 3x | mentionables.com
Hello LA Girl | trendy, fun, super cute! Sizing up to XL | hellolagirl.com
Lounge | mix of lounge and lace, sizing up to 40G/3XL | loungeunderwear.com
Negative Underwear | Minimalist, mesh & cotton sizes up to 40D | negativeunderwear.com
SavagexFenty | Trendy, fun, inclusive up to 46H | savagexfenty.com
UCA Lingerie | Lacy, Sustainable, woman owned up to 40D | ucalingerie.com
Pepper | AAA, AA, BB size bras made for small chests, sizes 30AAA-42B | wearepepper.com
Cosabella | Good sizing options for larger chests up to 30A-36G | Cosabella
Wrap Up
If you made it this far, congratulations! That was a long post. I hope that was all helpful and informative. I know deciding what to wear for your photoshoot feels daunting, but once you find some things you like it’ll make you more excited and ready to come in and have an amazing experience. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, and look out for the shopping links post coming soon. I also post links to cute outfits I find on my instagram, so head over there and say hi!
Petra is a Boudoir & Branding Photographer based in Boulder, CO. She has 8 years of experience photographing women and loves creating artistic, modern photographs that boost your confidence and help you love yourself a little more.