Finding the Perfect Lingerie for Your Body Type: A Boudoir Photographer's Complete Guide
- Olivia Leigh
- Jan 5
- 12 min read
As a boudoir empowerment photographer, I’ve spent the last four years helping women of all shapes and sizes feel confident, sexy, and empowered in front of the camera. One thing I've learned is that the right lingerie can make a world of difference in how you look and feel! Choosing lingerie tailored to your body type is not just about aesthetics; it's about celebrating your unique shape and highlighting your best features.
Here’s a guide I hope will help you find the most flattering lingerie based on your body type, including insights into bra shapes, underwear styles, and how to determine your shape.
What we will go over in this article:
Step 1: Determine Your Body Shape
Step 2: Choose the Right Bra Style
Step 3: Underwear Picks
Step 4: Lingerie Styles for Different Sizes
Step 5: Colour Theory: Enhancing Your Look with the Right Shades
Step 6: Embrace Your Unique Style
Conclusion
Step 1: Determine Your Body Shape
Before diving into specific lingerie styles, it’s essential to understand your body shape. Here are some common shapes and how to identify yours:
What’s Your Body Shape? Quiz
These questions with answers will help you identify your body shape based on your proportions and where your body naturally carries weight. Answer the questions below, and then tally your results to find your body type!
1. How do your shoulders and hips compare in width?
A) They’re about the same width.
B) My hips are noticeably wider than my shoulders.
C) My shoulders are noticeably broader than my hips.
D) Both are narrow and relatively equal in width.
2. How would you describe your waistline?
A) I have a well-defined waist.
B) My waist is noticeable, but my hips are more prominent.
C) My waist isn’t very defined, and I carry weight around my midsection.
D) My waist is straight and not very defined.
3. Where do you tend to gain weight first?
A) Evenly across my body, including my hips and bust.
B) My hips, thighs, and sometimes my lower belly.
C) Around my stomach or upper body.
D) I don’t gain weight in one specific area—it’s pretty evenly distributed.
4. Which of the following best describes your bust size?
A) Proportional to my hips.
B) Smaller compared to my hips.
C) Fuller and more prominent.
D) Medium or smaller, matching my hips.
5. How would you describe your overall silhouette?
A) Balanced with curves.
B) Bottom-heavy with wider hips.
C) Top-heavy with a fuller upper body.
D) Straight or athletic, with fewer curves.
Your results based on your response will help you discover the perfect lingerie for body types that enhance your natural curves and boost your confidence:
If you selected mostly A:
Hourglass Shape
You have balanced shoulders and hips with a well-defined waist, creating a curvy silhouette. Lingerie like corsets, balconette bras, and high-waisted briefs will highlight your natural proportions beautifully.
If you selected mostly B:
Pear Shape
Your hips are wider than your shoulders, with a noticeable waist. Styles like push-up bras, babydolls, and boyshorts help balance your proportions while flattering your lower body.
If you selected mostly C:
Apple Shape
You carry weight around your midsection with a fuller bust and narrower hips. Empire-waist chemises, full-coverage bras, and high-waisted panties are perfect for creating a smooth, flattering silhouette.
If you selected a combination of C & A:
Inverted Triangle Shape
If your shoulders or bust are broader than your hips, and you tend to gain weight in your upper body section while keeping a slimmer waist, you have an inverted triangle shape. Styles such as a Plunge bra look beautiful as it elongates your body to balance your overall figure.
If you selected mostly D:
Rectangle (Athletic) Shape
Your shoulders, waist, and hips are similar in width, creating a straight-up-and-down frame. Bralettes with lace details, thongs, and bodysuits with cutouts can enhance your curves and add dimension.
If you selected a mix of A, B, C, or D:
You may have traits from multiple body shapes, which is entirely natural. Focus on what makes you feel confident and choose styles that suit your unique proportions.
Step 2: Choose the Right Bra Style
The right bra can elevate your lingerie look and provide comfort and support. Here are some popular bra styles and the body shapes in my opinion they suit best:
Balconette Bra/ Balcony Bra
With wide-set straps and a horizontal neckline, this style flatters hourglass and rectangle shapes by emphasising the bust without adding volume.
2. Plunge Bra:
Ideal for apple and inverted triangle shapes, the deep V-neckline draws attention to the cleavage and elongates the torso.
3. Wireless Bralette:
Rectangle/ Athletic builds or smaller busts: Comfortable and versatile, bralettes work well adding a touch of femininity without adding heavy structure which can distract away from your feminine features.
Note * For larger busted girlies who have natural weight to your breasts, or girlies who have breasts that droop I would recommend avoiding this style of bra as they will make your breasts appear weighed down / droopy rather than accentuating your beautiful features.
4. Full Coverage Bra
Full-coverage bras are amazing for women with fuller busts, offering great support and minimising spillage especially for apple and hourglass shapes. While they’re perfect for everyday comfort and functionality, they’re not my top pick for a boudoir empowerment photoshoot, nor to wear when you'd like to feel the sexiest as it's distracting away from your busts natural curves.
For your shoot, the goal is to enhance your features, not minimise them, and full-coverage bras tend to do the latter. That’s why, as fabulous as they are for daily wear, I’d recommend exploring other styles that celebrate and accentuate your natural shape for days you are wanting to feel extra confident!
5. Corset Bras
Great for Apple Shape bodies to elongate your torso. But looks beautiful on every other body shape.
How Half-Corset Bras Work: Half-corset bras work well for apple shapes because they provide both lift for the bust and structure to the waist, helping create more definition in the midsection. They can give the illusion of a more defined waist by cinching in at the right spot, and the bust support can help balance out the broader shoulders.
Why It Works: The combination of bust support and waist shaping can help elongate the torso and create a more defined silhouette. The added lift and structure minimise the appearance of a fuller midsection, focusing attention on the bust and waist.
Whether you're looking to emphasise your waist, add volume to your bust, or create a more defined figure, a half-corset bra can be a great option for enhancing your natural shape.
6. Push-Up Bra:
Photographer's Tip: Don’t let anyone tell you that push-up bras are a lie! Seriously, don’t let anyone dim your confidence or make you feel like you can’t rock whatever makes you feel fabulous. Bras are meant to uplift you...literally and figuratively! Push-up bras are designed to give you that extra lift and support while also helping to fill the cup. If you're someone who doesn’t naturally fill out the cup completely, push-up bras are your best friend. They add that perfect amount of volume and boost, giving you that flawless, confident shape. So go ahead, embrace the lift and let those girls shine!
Most padded bra's have minimal to moderate push up. It's up to you to decide how much lift you'd like. My suggestion - Choose your push up bra based on your recommended bra style.
When push up bra's don't flatter: If your bust is full to the point where it overflows when pushed up and caves in upwards. This is unflattering and unnatural.
Step 3: Underwear picks
Underwear plays a significant role in shaping and complementing your body. Here’s how to choose:
High-Waisted Briefs:
Suits Apple & Pear Shapes. This style is excellent for apple and pear shapes who are carrying more weight around the mid to lower section. high-waisted styles smooth the midsection and emphasise a defined waist for a slimmer more confident feel.
2. Thongs / g strings:
Versatile for all shapes. Thongs are a game-changer for showing off your curves while avoiding visible panty lines under tight clothing. They're perfect for hourglass and pear shapes, but trust me, they also work wonders for all body shapes when you've found a set that sits correctly.
My personal favourite? Thongs or G-strings with a "Y" shape at the back are incredibly flattering and naturally enhance the curves of the bum. This means for those who have a flatter booty well these thongs will give you some shape at the back. For women with a big booty these thongs will give you a lifted look. Photos below for example.
For my plus-size girls who carry weight around the stomach, brands like City Chic in Australia offer high-waisted thongs that give you a snug feel around the waist, ensuring comfort without sacrificing style.
3. Butterfly Briefs / Brazilian Brief :
The most Flattering underwear shape for all body types! A stunning choice for every body shape, these briefs accentuate the bum beautifully, even on smaller frames, while flattering the hips and providing a snug, comfortable fit around the belly area. This makes them a fantastic option for those concerned about bloating or seeking an elegant, universally flattering style.
Garter Belts: Pair with any style to add a vintage, glamorous touch while accentuating the waist.
Step 4. Lingerie Styles for Different Sizes
Smaller Sizes
Lightly padded bras or bralettes: Add subtle shape without feeling bulky.
Thong or butterfly briefs: Flatter the hips and enhance the silhouette.
Playful details like bows and lace: Draw attention to your natural curves.
Thin Garter belts that have lace features. This gives a feminine feel without masking your features.
Thin Laced Bustiers: Adds a luxurious feel while not feeling bulky
Medium Sizes
Balconette or plunge bras: Provide support while enhancing natural shape.
High-waisted thongs or butterfly briefs: Smooth the hips and accentuate the waistline.
Wider Laced Garters: Gives you more structure around your hips while framing your features
Laced Corsets, Bustiers or Teddies/ Bodysuits : Add structure and elegance while highlighting curves.
Larger Sizes
When it comes to lingerie for fuller figures, it’s all about finding pieces that combine comfort with confidence-boosting style:
Supportive bras with wide straps: These provide the support you need while avoiding any digging into the skin, ensuring all-day comfort.
High-waisted panties or butterfly briefs: These styles are perfect for smoothing and enhancing curves, creating a sleek, flattering silhouette.
Stretchy laced bodysuits / Teddies, corsets or bustiers: They snugly hug the body without feeling restrictive, offering both elegance and ease.
Thick / Hard structured Bustiers or Garters: Gives you a snug feel while feeling sexy and luxurious
A Note on Garter Belts:
Garter belts, while gorgeous, can sometimes dig into curves in ways that might not feel as flattering. If you love the garter belt look, but have loose skin, or carry your weight around your lower section of tummy, I’d recommend opting for corsets with garters attached. Corsets not only give you the classic garter vibe but also hug and shape your body beautifully, enhancing all the right places. It’s the best of both worlds style and comfort!
Sizing Tips
Remember, the right size is everything! Don’t be afraid to size up if needed—lingerie that fits well will look better and feel more comfortable. Tight lingerie can dig into your skin and make you feel self-conscious, whereas a snug but comfortable fit will enhance your confidence. Look for:
Adjustable straps and elastic bands for added flexibility.
Soft, stretchy fabrics that move with you without pinching.
Step 5: Colour Theory: Enhancing Your Look with the Right Shades
The colour of your lingerie can significantly impact your look in a boudoir shoot. The wrong shade can clash with your skin tone, while the right hue enhances your natural beauty:
Fair Skin; Wear these colours:
Bold Reds: Shades like cherry red or ruby can really pop.
Jewel Tones: Rich colours like emerald green, sapphire blue, and royal purple provide great contrast and depth.
Deep, Dark Colours: Black, navy, and charcoal grey are classic choices that look sophisticated and flattering.
Rich Golds and Ivory: These create a lovely warm contrast without overwhelming the complexion.
Photographers tip:
Tone is everything when it comes to wearing bold vibrant colours. When you look at your skin does it look more yellow or red?
Yellow Undertones: contrasting bold colours like cobalt blue or magenta can pop beautifully.
For red-based undertone: shades like emerald or deep teal provide a striking contrast.
Avoid these colours
While soft pastels and deep jewel tones like emerald green and sapphire blue work beautifully for fair skin, there are a few shades to steer clear of:
Neon Colours: Neon pinks, yellows, or greens can often overpower fair skin, washing it out or clashing with the delicate undertones.
Muted Beige or Nude Shades: These can blend too closely with your natural skin tone, creating a washed-out appearance rather than a striking contrast.
Orange Tones: Bright or rusty oranges might clash, especially if you have yellow undertones, as they can make your skin appear sallow. This includes avoiding orange based red colours.
Pale pastels (e.g., light pink, baby blue) can sometimes wash out fair skin and lack contrast.
Very Light Whites might create a stark contrast that's too harsh on fair skin.
Pale or Dusty Colours like dusty rose can appear muted and less flattering against lighter skin tones.
When in doubt, focus on colours that create a contrast and bring warmth to your complexion rather than tones that risk washing you out.
Tan or Olive Skin; Wear these colours:
Warm, Earthy Tones: Terracotta, burnt orange, rust, burgundy, olive green and copper shades enhance the warmth of medium skin and complement your undertones beautifully.
Rich Reds and Berry Tones: Scarlet, ruby, and wine-coloured lingerie create a vibrant contrast.
Jewel Tones: Deep emerald, sapphire, and amethyst are stunning choices for medium skin.
Bright colours like coral or teal can also add vibrancy.
Ivory and Warm Whites: These look better than stark white, offering warmth and softness.
Avoid These colours
Medium or olive skin tones are incredibly versatile, but certain colours can dull your natural glow or clash with your undertones:
Ashy or Cool Pastels: Shades like icy blue or pale grey can sometimes make olive skin appear muted or sallow, especially under softer lighting.
Neon Yellow or Lime Green: These shades can overpower the golden undertones of olive skin, creating an unbalanced look.
Overly Light Beige or Nude Tones: Similar to fair skin, nudes that are too close to your skin tone can wash you out instead of enhancing your natural warmth.
Muted or Dusty Shades like dusty mauve or mustard might not stand out and can make medium skin appear dull.
Stick to warm, rich colours that highlight the golden or green undertones of olive skin, and avoid shades that make your complexion look less vibrant.
Dark Skin; Wear these colours
Contrasting Colours: Dark skin looks stunning with contrasting and rich colours that bring out its vibrancy. Deep reds, burgundy, emerald green, royal blue, and jewel tones tend to look striking and bold.
Metallics: Gold, bronze, and copper shades can be incredibly flattering on dark skin, adding warmth and a touch of luxury.
Black: Black lingerie is universally flattering and looks stunning on dark skin tones, creating a powerful, sleek contrast.
Avoid These colours
Muted or Dusty Colours (dusty rose, mustard) may appear flat against the richness of dark skin.
Pale Pastels (like pale pink, lavender, and baby blue) can sometimes wash out dark skin, not offering enough contrast.
Beige or Flesh-toned shades (that don't match your skin) can blend in too much with dark skin, lacking definition.
Very Light Grey: It can appear too cool and lack contrast.
Step 6: Embrace Your Unique Style
In Summary:
Fair Skin: Focus on bold reds, jewel tones, and dark shades (black, navy). Avoid pale pastels and light neutrals that can wash out your complexion.
Medium Skin: Warm and earthy tones (burnt orange, terracotta) or rich berry reds are ideal. Avoid pastels and dusty shades that might not provide enough contrast.
Dark Skin: Jewel tones, metallics (gold, bronze), and deep reds are stunning. Avoid pale pastels, beige, or light greys that can blend too much with the skin.
Ultimately, it’s all about finding colours that make you feel confident and highlight your natural beauty. Every skin tone has a wide range of flattering colours. Experimenting is key to discovering what works best for you! When choosing lingerie for a shoot, consider how the colours will interact with the lighting and background. Neutral tones like black, white, and nude are always safe choices, but don’t shy away from experimenting with colours that make you feel radiant!
Your body type is just one piece of the puzzle. Your personal style and comfort level matter just as much. Whether you love bold colours, classic black, or delicate pastels, choose pieces that make you feel beautiful and empowered.
A Final Note of Empowerment
Okay, lovely, here’s the thing: finding your perfect lingerie isn’t about trying to fit into a box or follow someone else’s idea of beauty. It's about celebrating YOU: your unique curves, your awesome shape, and your one-of-a-kind vibe. Whether you’re rocking an hourglass, a pear, or a rectangle (hello, athletic girls!), there's lingerie out there that’s going to make you feel like a total queen.
The best part? Lingerie isn’t just about looking sexy (although, let’s be real, you will look incredible), it’s about feeling it. When you understand your body shape, pick bras and undies that flatter you, and choose colours that make your skin glow, you’re not just putting on clothes, you’re putting on confidence. You're owning it, and trust me...that confidence is magnetic.
Remember, lingerie is here to celebrate you. It’s not about hiding anything! It’s about enhancing what’s already amazing. So, don't be afraid to experiment, get playful with colour, and pick pieces that make you feel as fabulous as you are. And don’t forget: confidence is the best accessory you can wear. When you’re feeling like your most authentic self, you’ll radiate beauty, and that’s the real secret to looking and feeling unstoppable!
So go ahead, treat yourself to that gorgeous set you’ve been eyeing, or grab a bodysuit that makes you feel fierce. Your perfect lingerie is waiting to help you shine, and I promise, you are going to rock it! And guess what? I’d love to help you capture that fierce, confident energy in a boudoir photoshoot that’ll make you feel like the total goddess you are. Click here to book your session with me today, and let’s create magic together.
Let’s make you feel unstoppable—inside and out. ✨
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