Choosing lingerie for your boudoir shoot can be a difficult prospect. You have so many options that you end up suffering from the paradox of choice, which can make it harder to come to a decision at all. If you have been a reader of mine for any length of time you know I am a big fan of the matching bra and panty set. It’s simple, classy, tends to flatter most body styles, and you probably have it in your drawer already. However, I know you might want something different for your shoots. Which is one of the reasons I’m putting together this guide.
Color
Since your main usage for this lingerie will be to get photographed in it, you will want to take a moment to think about color. Certain lingerie colors have underlying connotations that people associate with them in the context of a boudoir shoot.
White is Usually for Brides to Be
Black is Sultry and Sexy
Grey is Neutral and Casual
Red is for Passion
Bright Colors are Fun and Flirty
Dark Colors are Grounded
Fit
One of the mistakes I see often in amateur boudoir is ill fitting lingerie. Specifically lingerie that is too small. When a piece is too tight it digs into the skin and breaks up the curve of the body or it causes unflattering bulges. In fact, it is better if your outfit is a little big rather than too small. You can use clips and posing techniques to help lingerie that is a bit too big look amazing in your photos. You can’t do the same with lingerie that is too small.
Also, keep in mind your body shape and how a clothing item looks on you. For example, my wife has a short torso which means teddys rarely fit properly as they tend to be made for women with more length through the waist. For her, this creates an excess of fabric around the middle which can be unflattering and uncomfortable.
Types of Lingerie
Babydoll
The babydoll is a classic piece of lingerie. This piece is essentially a light flowing dress made of lace or sheer material with a built-in bra that highlights the bust. The flowing cut makes it an ideal piece for women who are self conscious about their hips or belly.
Bodysuit
A very flattering option for many body types is the bodysuit sometimes known as a teddy. There are two main types of bodysuits, with sleeves and without. One of the great things about the bodysuit is that it helps to cover and slim the stomach.
Bra & Panty Set
The basic bra and panty set is one of my favorites for boudoir. This is because there are a large variety of options for both the top and the bottoms. For the top you could go with a bralette, strapless, padded, halter-neck, or front opening just to name a view. While for the bottoms you have thongs, g-strings, bikinis, hipster, or boy shorts. The other reason I love this option is that you might already have a set in your closet.
Chemise
The chemise is a simple sleeveless and loose fitting garment that sometimes resembles a short dress. There is often some confusion between the chemise and the nightgown. The difference being that a nightgown is long while a chemise is short.
Corsets
This isn’t the corset of the 1800’s. Modern lingerie corsets are meant to be more playful rather than restricting like the functional corsets of old. Typically corsets come in two varieties, overbust and under bust. Overbust corsets provide support for the breasts while underbust corsets end at the top of the waist and don’t provide this support. The corset is a great outfit piece that can help slim the midsection to help accentuate the bust and the hips.
Bustier
Similar to the corset is the bustier. While the corset goes to the hips the bustier is shorter and always includes a built in bra that is used to help lift the breasts. Some women use a bustier in place of a bra for everyday wear.
Basque
The basque is a rather unique piece of lingerie in that it includes stocking clips while usually coming in two styles. The first style ends at the top of the hips, while the second style goes below to the upper thigh. There are also varieties that resemble a corset.
Garter Belt
Garter belts have a single purpose, to help hold up stockings. Just because it has a singular job doesn’t mean that it can’t look good while doing it. In fact, when combined with stockings and a matching bra and panty set the garter belt adds a bit of class to the whole ensemble.
Stockings
Stockings, or hosiery, were developed for warmth before the advent of indoor heating. Similar to stockings are pantyhose. While stockings go to the thigh, pantyhose go to the waist. The two main types of stocking are ones that have a built in elastic band to help them stay up on their own and the ones that require a garter belt to hold them in place. There are a variety of materials when it comes to stockings and pantyhose: lace, opaque, sheer, fishnet, etc.
Brands
When it comes to lingerie brands, it doesn’t matter as much. The most important aspects you need to be aware of are fit, color, and style. If you are looking for brands to explore take a look at the list below.
Adore Me
Agent Provocateur
Bluebella
Cuup
For Love & Lemons
La Perla
Savage X Fenty
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide was able to give you some ideas on the lingerie you might choose for your next boudoir shoot. If you haven’t already, you can take a look at my other outfit articles below.
One last thing. If you are enjoying this blog and wish to support the work I do here, consider using the Buy me a Coffee button at the bottom of the page to make a one time donation to show your appreciation.