Boudoir Tog's Favorite Lingerie Shops
You may have an upcoming Boudoir shoot or you're just looking for great spots to buy something a sexy-sweet little piece of lingerie
I can help you with that!
As a Boudoir Photographer I'm regularly surrounded by women who, of course, aim to look their best during their sessions. I see hundreds of different pieces come into my studio from all over the place! Plus I always make notes about my favorites.
Why do I make notes? Because the number one question I get from humans looking to have a boudoir session is: “What the heck do I wear?”
Most know that they want to wear lingerie of some sort, but many either haven’t shopped for lingerie in years OR they haven’t ever braved a Victoria’ Secret. And let’s face it: shopping for regular clothing is already intimidating for most of us, but at least we know where to go for a pair of jeans. A sheer bodysuit, however? We are way less likely to just know where to go!
Now before we dive into my shop recommendations… I just want you all to know that this list is purely to give you some ideas of where you can go if you want to. This is not to limit you or say that these are the ONLY places you can go, but to give you options.
It is also to encourage you to try something a little out of your comfort zone. Even if you are a little afraid of something strappy, something lacy, something leather… try it on! You never know if something will look good or be what you are looking for until you try it.
And just remember that sometimes dressing room lighting isn’t the most flattering. Plus when you stand in front of a mirror and poke and pinch parts of yourself it can definitely make you feel MORE self-conscious. So when you go try on lingerie make sure you remember that you are looking to see if it fits properly. Leave the lighting and the posing and the magic up to me in my studio! Something that may not be 100% flattering in the fitting room often turns out to be absolute dynamite in front of my camera!
So yes, I can definitely help if you ask me which good shops to purchase lingerie from. And YES when you bring all of your pieces into my studio I will go through ALL of them and help you pick your best options for a dynamite session. I am here 100% to be your guide, but also to help YOU learn a bit about what sexy means to you.
You may be thinking: “Why can’t you just tell me what sexy means? Aren’t you a professional boudoir photographer?”
And yes - I am! But here’s the thing…
The only perfect answer I can give you to the question "What is sexiest?" or “what will make me look sexy?” is totally up to you! Sexy looks different to everyone. Heck - what makes you feel sexy is so personal, but don’t worry. While I cannot tell you what sexy is to you - I can help you figure it out (that is why I am a pro!).
Want a head start?
Instead of asking anyone what lingerie is great for you, try asking yourself what's sexy means to you.
Because honestly, sexy can mean different things for everybody. What's sexy for me can mean a full leather bodysuit, but then for someone else it is a pink, frothy confection of lace and tulle,, right?
The key in lingerie shopping is reflecting on what looks sexy for you, or what MAKES you feel sexy. Not what works for your partner or what you’ve seen on magazine covers. What makes YOU feel like a million bucks?
If you haven't found that yet, or in case this is your first-time lingerie shopping and don't have any idea of what may look sexy for you, then it's okay! You can try and test your limits.
Speaking of testing limits - I recommend you take a ‘work-backwards’ approach. What do I mean? Let me give you an example…
If you think you want to rock a g-string but you're unsure if you'll be comfortable wearing it, then you can first try a thong to test the waters. Is a thong too far? Try a great pair of cheeky underwear and work from there.
By taking this approach you are able to build up the confidence it takes to rock that g-string, but it also gives you room to play around with other styles to see what is actually your best fit. Maybe you make it to the g-string and realize that it doesn’t make you feel sexy, but the thong did and that the cheeky panties are your new favorite cut! But you wouldn’t know that unless you tried them all.
When trying to learn what is sexy for you - it is important to give yourself options.
It is also important to try to make your environment one of positive curiosity so you can enjoy the process of trying new things. It can take awhile to find ‘the one’. It is normal to feel a range of emotions from frustration to nerves to excitement throughout the process.
The most important thing though is to not give up!
If you get frustrated - that is okay. Especially if you have spent a good part of your life not asking yourself what you find sexy or sensual. Just like any other new skill it can take some time, but it is important you set yourself up for success with a positive mindset. Commit to try to find the join in this process of trying new things. Give yourself grace if it takes awhile to find ‘the one’ thing that makes you feel sexy. Don’t just stop after one shop doesn’t work for you! There are so many options out there. Don’t keep yourself from finding something wonderful just because it takes several tries.
I mean, you'll never run out of options. There are countless, amazing lingerie makers. So as long as you don’t give up - you will find something that really hits home. Heck maybe even more than one! But just like anything else: learning to find the lingerie that works best for you takes time and practice. So be patient with yourself and with the process. I promise it is worth it.
So without further adieu, here are some of my favorite lingerie shops you can check out:
1. Thistle and Spire
"Proudly female founded in Brooklyn in 2015, Thistle and Spire was created to give a beautiful boost to anyone who needs a lift, literally and figuratively."
When Thistle and Spire said "anyone", they mean it seriously. They shake up stuffy standards and embrace every type of beauty by committing to the continuous journey of inclusion and constantly evolving their collection to support all sizes and shades!
I love their unique take on body suits!
Sizes Available: From XS-3X, or from 32A to 48DD in Bra Cup Sizing
2. Savage X Fenty
"Savage X Fenty has disrupted the lingerie industry and redefined sexy. With accessible price points and an extensive assortment of fashion-forward styles, the brand celebrates fearlessness, confidence and inclusivity. From everyday staples to provocative pieces, Savage X Fenty has something for every mood, every vibe and every BODY."
This brand, owned and founded by no other than the Barbadian singer Rihanna, Savage X Fenty wants its customers to feel sexy and have fun in doing so. They offer everyday basics to more provocative pieces, and they stand by offering pieces for every mood!
Sizes Available: XS-3X or from 32A to 46DDD in Bra Cup Sizing
3. Torrid
Torrid doesn't believe curvy bodies should change to fit clothes, so instead, they've changed clothes to fit curvy bodies.
Standing behind the pursuit of the perfect fit which is their core brand belief, they have broken the rules of design and spent years perfecting their fits.
Offering different bra styles, from everyday wire-free to plunge, t-shirt, strapless, and balconette, you'll never run out of options.
Additionally, they have a collection designed to raise funds and spread awareness for the women's causes that they support: Equality, Wellness, and Empowerment.
Sizes Available: M-6X or from 36C to 52B
4. Playful Promises
"Mischievous, sexy, pretty or practical, but never boring and beige, Playful Promises was founded in 2004 by Emma Parker."
"Feel nice, feel naughty, but always #FeelPlayful" is what Playful Promises stand for.
They became known for luxe, outré designs for a wide size range including fuller bust and plus sizes.
Additionally, they commit to their sustainability promise of becoming a greener and sustainable brand to reduce planet impact!
Sizes Available: From 28B to 44H in Bra Cup Sizing
5. Oola Plus Size Lingerie
"Our aim is simple - to bring you the most beautiful contemporary lingerie that celebrates your curves and beauty - all designed specifically for plus-sized women by women who know what the fuller figure deserves and demands."
Curvy is Oola's thing, they style without compromise, and a perfect fit is their passion. Not only they are in the business of creating the perfect plus-size bra, but also help in finding the perfect fit!
Sizes Available: Available in band sizes of 38-46, in cups D-G
6. We Are We Wear
We are We Wear builds confidence in women, one body at a time.
"Every woman deserves to feel confident in their lingerie and swimwear. That’s why We Are We Wear is dedicated to creating quality swimwear & intimates with everybody in mind."
With sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and appropriate enhancements made to ensure comfort across the board, you can now say goodbye to unrealistic beauty standards and hello to We Are We Wear.
Sizes Available: XS to 3XL or from 32A to 44H in Bra Cup Sizing
7. Bravissimo
"Since Bravissimo was founded in 1995, our mission has remained the same: to inspire women with big boobs to feel amazing, to celebrate our figures and to offer a wide choice of beautiful styles to uplift big boobed women in every way!"
Standing with their mission, Bravissimo today offers lots of lovely lingerie, from everyday favorites to statement styles with sizes ranging from D to L cup.
Sizes Available: From 30F to 40L in Bra Cup Sizing
Wherever you decide to shop in the end, or whatever style you end up buying, remember that your body is beautifully made so everything will look great on you as long as it makes you feel good about yourself!
Wanna have a Boudoir session wearing the lingerie you just bought?
