Boudoir Lingerie Ideas To Enhance Your Curves
Need some boudoir lingerie ideas for your upcoming photo shoot? This post will give you some outfit styles you should consider to enhance your specific body type. I’ll also show you some creative ideas for things you already have but maybe never thought to bring to your photo shoot.
To make things easy, I’ve indexed this page by lingerie type to help you select pieces that play up your strengths and diminish your insecurities. By addressing common insecurities and enhancing your best assets, you will not only feel more confident for your photo shoot, but your final images will turn out better as well.
My goal with this post is to give you some boudoir outfit ideas for your specific body type and thus help you enhance your curves so you get the best photos possible from your photo shoot.
Click the following pictures to learn how to best leverage each style to enhance your natural hourglass shape and curves.
Bras
This is always a good choice for women comfortable with their mid section. Wear the top for modesty or use it to embellish your breasts.
Corset
This is the best way to enhance your hip to waist ratio. It also gives the best cover for stretch marks, excess skin and abdominal separation from pregnancies.
Stockings / Thigh High Socks
Perfect for those worried about cellulite on their thighs. These also pair seamlessly with garter sets for maximum coverage while still preserving that sexy look.
Teddy / Body Suit
Best for women who like their thighs and back. The Teddy is also great for smoothing out minor imperfections around the torso much like a one piece bathing suit
Gowns & Robes
Create sexy cover for your whole body with sheer lace gowns or tease the camera with implied nudes. Gowns are one of the most versatile pieces and are great for everyone.
Chemise / Babydoll
Traditionally known as loose fitting sleep wear, modern iterations are more form fitting and are great for curvy body types.
High Waist Panties
A great way to keep things looking sexy while giving your lower tummy lots of cover. These are perfect for plus size women, mom’s and women who’ve lost significant weight.
Garter Belts
Garter belts are where modesty meets sexy for a beautiful blend of showing some some skin while still keeping things tasteful.
Thong
a great choice for women who want to highlight their butt and hips without posing nude, offering a cheeky display with tasteful coverage.
Things You Already Have
Never underestimate how sexy something as simple as a worn out tank top can be. Get creative with a sweater, panties and thigh high socks for a sexy casual look.
Sheer Tops
Sheer, see-through tops can add a sophisticated yet seductive touch to boudoir looks, offering versatile layering that complements any lingerie or enhances a nude silhouette.
Get Creative
Sometimes all you need is just a little vision to put together a completely unique look. Sport coat, high waist panties and bow tie for example.
Different Bra Styles To Enhance Your Bust
A very common thing I hear women mention at their boudoir consultations is nervousness about their chest. For some women it’s a lack of size they’re worried about. For others it’s a lack of perkiness which is common among mothers and mature women. In any case, there’s are style options that will help improve your curves and likewise your photos.
Push Up Bra: Ideal for Small / Medium Size Bust With Tight/Lean Body Type
Push Up Bra
The classic solution for small breasted women is the push up bra. This bra style creates the appearance of increased cleavage through the use of angled cups containing padding. This design pushes the breasts inwards and upwards, towards the center of the chest giving the illusion of more volume.
If you are not a lean body type, make sure the torso band that sits below your breasts has a wide strap (more common on bralettes). This is because the narrow torso strap (the band below your breasts) can dig into the torso and cause skin to roll over a thin strap. If you find that your skin is doing this, simply choose a different bra with a wide torso band to prevent your skin from rolling over in unflattering ways.
Push up bras are great for:
Lean, small busted women who want their breasts to appear larger.
Bralette: Ideal for Small / Medium Size Bust With Softer Body Types
Bralette
A bralette is a lightweight, comfortable bra option that doesn’t have an underwire. Typically, these designs are unlined, pullover styles with less structure and support compared to push-up bras. However, they are perfect for small-busted women. The decorative cut tops and wide torso bands create a subconscious illusion of more volume in the chest. This makes them an excellent choice for a boudoir outfit, where the goal is to subtly enhance natural features.
For women who are self-conscious about skin rolls or soft tissue around the upper torso, a bralette's wide torso band can offer a smoothing effect. Additionally if a push up bras fail to give you enough cleavage, bralettes are will likely be your best option because they provide modest coverage while subtly enhancing the bust.
Who Bralettes Are Good For:
Small-busted women with softer body types looking for a flattering style
Anyone wanting to diminish insecurities associated with the torso below the bra line
What Bralettes Do:
Create the illusion of more volume in the chest
Shape your body around the torso with the generous under-bust material
Demi Bra: Good Safe Option Medium and Larger Size Busts
demi bra
If you find yourself to have a medium to large bust, you will generally have more versatility in your lingerie choices. To enhance your shape or address slight size imbalances, consider wearing a well-fitted demi bra. This type of bra, also known as a "half cup," is a fantastic option for shaping your bust while keeping things modest in photos.
The demi bra is an excellent general shaper, providing moderate cleavage and a subtle lift without overdoing it. It works well across various body types, making it a reliable choice for those who want a balanced look. With its supportive structure and flattering fit, a demi bra is perfect for women who want to maintain a modest yet appealing appearance in their boudoir photos.
Who Should Consider Demi Bras
Women who want to shape or lift an already nicely sized bust
Those aiming for a more modest look in their boudoir photos
Those who want to try and even out their breast size (one side smaller then the other).
By choosing a demi bra, you're opting for a lingerie piece that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it an essential addition to your collection.
Balconette Bra: Ideal For Large Busts That Need Support
Balconette style corset
Balcony bras are designed with cups that are cut horizontally, creating an upward lift without pushing the breasts inward. This unique design enhances a natural, perky look while maximizing cleavage. The front of the bra is often cut low, while the sides are higher, allowing for maximum exposure at the top. This makes balcony bras an excellent choice for anyone looking to make their breasts appear fuller and more lifted.
For large-busted women, especially those who may be insecure about sagging, balconettes provide the necessary lift while ensuring full support. Larger-breasted mothers, plus-size women, and those who have lost significant weight will notice the most enhancement from balconette designs. The horizontal cup cut provides the necessary support to keep everything in place while still creating a flattering shape. For those worried about breast perkiness, a balcony bra offers both comfort and confidence.
Who Should Consider Balcony Bras
Large-busted women needing extra support
Women concerned about breast perkiness
Plus-size women seeking a flattering shape
Mothers looking for a lift and shape
Shelf Bra / Cupless Bra / Quarter Cup Bra: Boudoir Lingerie Ideas
Cupless Bra
Shelf bras, also known as cupless, open-cup, or quarter-cup bras, are a daring lingerie choice for boudoir photography. These bras feature an underwire design that offers minimal breast coverage, supporting only the lower part of the breast. This unique style pushes the breasts upward, often leaving the nipple and areola exposed. For those looking to explore sexier boudoir outfit ideas, shelf bras provide just the right balance of support and allure.
These bras are perfect for women who want to showcase their breasts in a more provocative way. They are especially flattering for younger women who desire a subtle lift without full coverage. From personal experience, shelf bras can add a bold element to your boudoir photos, drawing attention to your natural shape and enhancing your confidence. If you're looking for something that’s both sexy and slightly supportive, a shelf bra could be an ideal choice.
Benefits of Shelf Bras
Minimal Coverage: Offers just enough support while showcasing the breasts.
Enhances Lift: Provides a slight lift for women with naturally perky breasts.
Sexy Aesthetic: Great for creating bold, provocative boudoir photos.
Versatile Style: Complements various boudoir looks, from playful to daring.
Corset: Enhance the Hourglass Shape Of All Women
Standard Size Corset
Corsets have been a timeless lingerie choice, celebrated for their ability to accentuate a woman's natural hourglass figure. Whether you're looking for a standard-sized corset or something custom-fitted, these versatile garments flatter all body types, creating a silhouette that highlights the natural feminine curves. One of the greatest strengths of a corset is how it can exaggerate the waist, making the hips and bust appear more prominent by comparison. This exaggerates your natural hour glass shape that men are hard wired to be attracted to.
For plus-size women, corsets offer a particularly slimming effect. They reduce the waist while emphasizing the bust and hips, which is often a key concern. If you're self-conscious about your tummy or midsection, a corset can provide firm support and shaping, especially when custom-fitted.
To determine the best length corset for you, measure from the bottom of your breast to your hip in a seated position. Women who measure 8-11 inches should opt for a standard length corset, while shorter torsos are best suited for “waspie” styles, and women with longer torsos should consider longline styles.
If you're considering a more affordable option, keep in mind that many budget corsets come with less durable satin laces. A great hack is to replace the lace with a paracord or flat lace to improve the look and durability of your corset significantly.
Tips for Choosing the Right Corset
Consider Your Bust Size: Whether you're petite or plus-size, choose a style that provides the right support and enhancement.
Look for Quality Materials: Opt for corsets made with quality fabrics and boning for the best support and shape.
Experiment with Styles: Try different corset styles to find the one that best flatters your unique figure. Examples include: waspie, under bust, long line, corset dresses and shoulder strap coresets.
Get a Custom Fit: For the most flattering photos, have your corset made bespoke from your measurements e.g. Orchard Corset, Corset Story, Dark Garden Corsets
Plus-Size Must Have: A well fitting coreset is the best boudoir lingerie for plus size bodies offering the most shaping around the waist while also enhancing your curves at your bust and hips.
Under-bust Corset: Dress It Up or Down
Under-bust Corset
Under-bust corsets, closely related to waist cinchers, are a fantastic option for highlighting your chest while sculpting your torso. Unlike full corsets, under-bust styles contour around the lower portion of the breasts, drawing attention to the bust while concealing the tummy. This makes them ideal for topless looks while still offering tummy concealment and shaping.
If you're self-conscious about your midsection, under-bust corsets allow you to show off your bust while minimizing your tummy. This option also gives you flexibility to pair with different bras—such as balconette or push-up styles—to achieve the look you want.
For a more conservative approach, one of the great things about under-bust corsets is their mix-and-match potential with different bras. You can easily customize your look by pairing them with a variety of bra styles, from lacy balconettes to push-up bras, depending on the desired effect.
Under-bust corsets are particularly helpful for women looking for waist shaping without sacrificing the opportunity to mix and match different bra styles for versatility.
Tips For Styling Under-bust Corsets
Pair with Different Bras: Experiment with various bras to find the best combination for your look.
Highlight Your Best Features: Use an under-bust corset topless to draw attention to your bust while shaping your waist.
Experiment with Layers: Under-bust corsets work well over or under clothing, allowing for versatile styling options. Pair with things like a tulle skirt or a button up blouse for interesting styling opportunities.
Corset Hack!
Most of the time when you buy a budget corset, they come with a really shitty satin lace for the back that is cheap looking. A great way to upgrade this is with a long flat lace, or paracord lace. By replacing the lace, this easy hack is cheap, and will significantly upgrade your corset so it looks MUCH higher end.
Thigh High Stockings & Socks: Good For Hiding Cellulite on Thighs
Thigh high lace stockings attached to garter
Stockings are close-fitting, elastic garments that cover the leg from the foot up to the knee or thigh. They pair beautifully with most lingerie, especially garter sets, as the lower straps are designed to connect to the stockings. This combination not only enhances the overall look but also adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit. From experience, choosing stockings that complement the rest of your lingerie can elevate your entire look in boudoir photos.
Thigh-high stockings and socks are an excellent choice for those who want to conceal varicose veins or smooth out upper thigh cellulite. These pieces provide coverage and a sleek look, which is perfect if you’re sensitive about your legs.
For women self-conscious about cellulite or other leg imperfections, thicker lace or knit materials are a great option to provide coverage while maintaining elegance. Pairing stockings with a garter belt also enhances the overall look while drawing attention away from problem areas.
Tips for Choosing and Styling Stockings
Match Your Outfit: Choose stockings that complement the color and style of your lingerie.
Consider Your Needs: If you want to cover varicose veins or cellulite, opt for thicker materials like decorative laces and knit socks.
Opt for Quality: Invest in high-quality stockings like those from Kixies that offer different sizes rather than the one size fits all options available at most retailers.
Pair with Garter Sets: Garter sets are designed to connect with stockings, enhancing the overall look.
Teddy / Body Suit - Good Plus Size Tummy Concealment
Teddy Lingerie
Teddy / Bodysuit - Good Tummy Concealment
A teddy, also known as a bodysuit, is a versatile lingerie piece that covers the bust, torso, and crotch in one garment. It offers a seamless look, similar to a one-piece swimsuit, but is typically crafted from more delicate, sheer materials. Halter-top teddies tie around the neck, making them a great choice for showing off your back.
From my experience, a teddy is a fantastic boudoir outfit for those looking to combine sensual elegance with great torso concealment. They are ideal for women who need light shaping around the love handles and lower shoulder blades. However, they don’t tend to offer much bust support if that’s something you need.
If you're self-conscious about your midsection or tummy, teddies are excellent at providing light shaping and concealing problem areas. Some styles even come with garter straps, allowing you to pair them with stockings for additional thigh and hip coverage.
Tips for Choosing and Styling Teddies
Consider the Material: Opt for sheer and materials for sexier looks. Choose solid materials for more conservative looks.
Focus on Fit: Fit will make or break this outfit. Make sure and try on a bunch of them to find one that fits you perfectly.
Choose the Right Style: Halter tops are great for showcasing your back, while other styles may offer different benefits. Think about your best features and what you want to show off.
Know Your Needs: If you need more support or coverage, consider a different lingerie style that better suits your body type.
Plus-Size Tip: Bodysuits, a close cousin of the teddy, typically cover more of the hips, making them a better choice if you're looking to conceal cellulite on your butt or thighs. Some teddies even come with built-in garter straps for pairing with stockings to complete the look.
Robes, Dresses & Gowns: Layer Up Your Boudoir Outfits
Sheer Tulle Skirt
When planning a boudoir photo shoot, everyone should consider including a gown or robe. These pieces are simultaneously the sexiest and most conservative options you can wear. A robe, for example, can be worn over your favorite bra and panty set, teddy, or chemise, adding an extra layer of elegance and mystery. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even wear a sheer lace gown with nothing underneath for a sexy, implied nude look.
Robes with sleeves are ideal if you're self-conscious about your upper arms, offering tasteful coverage while keeping the focus on more flattering areas like your legs or bust. Sheer gowns are a great option for all body types, providing a classy yet seductive look.
No matter your preference, the open front of robes provides endless posing possibilities for all body types. Additionally, everyone can benefit from the tasteful concealment that sheer gowns offer.
Benefits of Robes, Dresses & Gowns
Versatile Posing: The open-front design allows for a wide range of poses.
Tasteful Concealment: Sheer fabrics provide coverage while maintaining a sexy, alluring look.
Sleeve Options: Available with sleeves, helping to conceal upper arm insecurities.
Flattering for All: Suitable for all body types, enhancing confidence in front of the camera.
Chemises & Babydolls: Ideal For Curvy Women
Traditionally, chemise lingerie refers to loose-fitting, sleeveless sleepwear that isn’t fitted at the waist. However, modern chemises often feature sexier cuts that are tighter around the waist and hips. For photo shoots, I recommend these contemporary fits, as they accentuate your shape better than looser styles.
If you're self-conscious about your tummy or hips, chemises with fitted waists can help create a more defined silhouette. Avoid overly loose styles, which may add bulk in photos. Opt for styles that hug your curves while offering light coverage for areas you're less confident about.
Chemise Lingerie
Babydoll Lingerie
Chemises are usually designed without buttons or fasteners and are worn by either pulling them over your head or stepping into them. Similar to a babydoll, a chemise provides coverage and shaping, but the key difference is that babydolls are typically looser around the hips, commonly fairing out into a skirt. Whatever you choose, opt for tighter fits around the torso as looser styles of either style will make your Shilloutte larger and less defined in your photos.
Benefits of Chemise and Babydoll Lingerie
Tummy Concealment: Both styles help draw attention away from the tummy, offering a slimming effect and smoothing effect.
Shaping and Support: Many chemises and babydolls provide built-in support. Make sure whatever you choose fits well both around your bust and torso.
Flattering Fit: Modern cuts with fitted waists and hips can accentuate curves and provide a more flattering look in photos. opt for these rather than loose fits which can make you appear larger.
High Waist Panties: Sexy Lower Tummy Cover For Mature Women And Mom’s
High waist panties under sport coat
The lower stomach is a common area of concern for many women when considering boudoir photography. One effective way to conceal this area is by choosing lingerie with a high waist profile. High-waist panties, garters, and skirts are fantastic options for this purpose. They provide coverage for the lower tummy while still showing off the upper stomach, creating a smooth, flattering silhouette. From my experience, high-waisted styles offer plenty of coverage without sacrificing a sexy aesthetic, making them a popular choice for many women.
High-waisted lingerie is particularly great for women over 40, mothers concerned about extra skin and stretch marks from pregnancy, and plus-size women. It’s also a great option for those who have loose skin due to significant weight loss. The high waist helps to smooth and shape the midsection, boosting confidence and enhancing your overall look. Choosing the right high-waisted style can transform how you feel during your photo shoot, allowing you to feel both comfortable and alluring.
Benefits of High Waisted Lingerie
Conceals Lower Tummy: Provides coverage for the lower stomach while highlighting the waist.
Flattering for All Ages: Ideal for women over 40 and new mothers.
Boosts Confidence: Helps smooth and shape the midsection, perfect for those with extra skin or stretch marks.
Versatile Style: Works well for plus-size women and those with loose skin from pregnancies or weight loss.
Thong - Great Boudoir Outfit to Show Off Your Butt And Legs
Thong Underwear
Thongs are a popular style of underwear designed to highlight your butt and hips. They underwear allows for a cheeky display of the butt while providing tasteful coverage. Thongs are an excellent choice for women who want to show off their butt without posing nude.
This style of underwear works well for those who feel confident about their lower body and want to highlight their curves. Thongs are ideal for women who don’t have insecurities about their tummy or thighs and are comfortable showing a bit more skin. From personal experience, choosing a thong can add a bold and playful element to your boudoir photos, emphasizing your natural shape in a flattering way. If you’re looking to showcase your best assets with confidence, thong underwear is a fantastic option.
If you're self-conscious about your thighs or cellulite, pairing a thong with a sheer skirt or robe can help conceal those areas while still allowing you to show off your curves in a playful, sexy way.
Benefits of Thong Underwear
Highlights Curves Modestly: Perfect for showcasing your butt and exaggerating your hips without full nudity.
Versatile Fit: Works with a variety of boudoir outfits to mix and match for multiple looks.
Sheer Tops - Classy Nude Boudoir Looks
Sheer Top
Originally designed as beach cover-ups, these tops can also be repurposed for a boudoir shoot. Sheer, see-through shirts offer a classy way to showcase your bust or can be layered over your favorite bra.
Their versatility is a major strength—they pair well with lingerie or can be worn alone for a tastefully sexy, topless look. The delicate material adds mystery and can make even the most revealing bras appear more conservative, enhancing your photos.
Benefits of Sheer Tops for Boudoir
Elegant Layering: Adds a sophisticated layer to more revealing outfits or nude silhouettes.
Versatile Pairing: Complements any lingerie choice, offering endless styling options.
Tasteful Coverage: Perfect for creating subtly sexy looks without full exposure.
Adaptable Fit: Suitable for a variety of body types, especially lean figures.
Garter Belts -Boudoir Outfits That Are Best for Mother’s
Garter Belt Lingerie
Garter belts are usually worn over a thong or bikini brief, creating a seductive, layered look. From personal experience, incorporating a garter belt into your boudoir outfit can elevate your style and add a touch of classic elegance.
For women who are self-conscious about their lower tummy or thighs, garter belts offer a sexy, minimalist way to cover these areas while still leaving plenty of skin exposed. This combination can smooth out cellulite or stretch marks while maintaining a sensual, sophisticated look.
Benefits of Garter Belts for Boudoir Outfits
Conceals Imperfections: Smooths out the appearance of cellulite on the thighs and stretch marks on the lower tummy.
Versatile Styling: Easily pairs with thongs, bikini briefs, and your choice of stockings.
Affordable and Turn Key Options Available: Buy a set already assembled or make your own from this’s and that you find or have already.
Sexy Things You Already Have For Your Boudoir Photo Shoot
T-Shirt
Posed seductively and without a bra to attract attention to your chest, the humble t-shirt is often overlooked for things to bring. Make sure and opt for shirts with wide or low cut necks for more alluring poses.
Romper
Popular beginning outfit for women with that boho style, just make sure to get a style that opens wide (like this rear zipper) for better opportunity as we work you out of your clothes.
Sweater
Sweater and your favorite pair of panties… Ummm yes please! Add thigh high socks for your Christmas boudoir shoot for maximum sexy winter time vibes. Winter turtle necks and or high cut sweaters that show the mid section are even better for boudoir photos.
Tank Top
Similar idea to the wide neck t-shirt, the tank top is a pretty great way to show off some side boob and downplay your torso. This is especially effective for women sensitive of their stomach area.
Creative Lingerie Ideas For Your Boudoir Photoshoot
Scarves
A scarf is like boudoir sleight of hand. I use the hell out of these to draw attention away from areas you’re sensitive about and toward the other areas of your body you love!
Sheer Skirt
Sheer skirts are excellent to do with or without panties in front of a strongly lit window. The light passing though will shilloutte your body while still obscuring specifics.
Sport Coat
This client brought her sport coat and topped it off with the perfect bow tie and high waist panties for this epic shot! This was a brilliant way to conceal her tummy while accentuating her chest.
His Button Up Shirt
Yours or his is up to you. I tend to like the photos better when they’re your shirts as they are more form fitting and sexy AF to work out of. That said he’ll LOVE the shot where he’s implied! Anything long sleeve and open front will give you a lot of opportunity.
Did I Miss Anything???
I want to make this the best resource I can for everyone shopping for their upcoming boudoir photo shoot. Please mention anything I might have missed in the comments below so I can make this better for others in the future :-)
