Don’t Panic! I know lingerie can be scary and confusing. Lucky for you, I have been a working boudoir photographer for years. After hundreds of sessions, I’ve learned much about what to do (and not to do!) for your boudoir session. Below I’ll give you my go-to stores for lingerie and some essential tips to prepare for a fantastic boudoir session.

General Outfit Tips for Boudoir Photos

• Make sure your pieces fit. Try them on and check in the mirror. It won’t photograph well if it’s too loose or too tight.
• Hang your pieces and use bags when possible. Especially for silky or wrinkle-prone outfits, it’s ideal for keeping them as pristine as possible in transit and storage.
• Aim for a variety of colors and textures in your outfits. Jewel tones and pastels are ideal for colors, and a blend of textures will have each outfit feeling different on camera, even if they are similar colors to other ones.

Our Favorite Lingerie Stores for Boudoir Photos

After hundreds of sessions, I’ve curated this list of some of my and past client’s favorite boudoir lingerie stores. They are sorted from most expensive ($$$) to least expensive ($) and have something for every budget.

$$$

Agent Provocateur ($$$) – One of my favorite stores. Pieces that are bold, well made, and steamy.

Bluebella ($$$) – luxury, fashionable pieces. DD+ options.

Bordelle ($$$) – bondage-based luxury lingerie. Lots of straps, connections, and steamy designs.

Edge o’ Beyond ($$$) – Modern, strappy, floral, sheer. Colorful options.

E.L.F Zhou ($$$) – Mix of modern and vintage designs in a high fashion flair.

Harlow and Fox ($$$) – Specializing in bustier pieces for DD-G, good support and designs.

Herve by Celine-Marie ($$$) – Handmade pieces individualized to you and your skin tone for illusion pieces.

Honey Birdette ($$$) – Playful, sensual, and floral lingerie pieces. Several options for bold and bright looks. BDSM-inspired design. Good accessory selection.

Inpudique ($$$) – Edgy and strappy pieces. Emphasis on mesh pieces.

Kiki de Montparnasse ($$$) – Lightweight, modern, fashion, timeless pieces.

La Perla ($$$) – Designs with a lot of emphasis on open cuts and lace.

Lise Charmel  ($$$) – Glam, colorful, floral, lacey designs.

Lovechild Boudoir ($$$) – Custom-made couture, ornate & harness-based design. Typically a waitlist for pieces.

Ludique ($$$) – Edgier designs and great robes.

Paloma Casile ($$$) – Lacey and chic boutique designs.

Seelani Lingerie ($$$) – Botique designer with emphasis on lace and modern takes on vintage fabrics.

Tatu Couture ($$$) – Designer, sheer, chic, collared

Vide Noir ($$$) – Custom, goth aesthetic pieces from a boutique maker.

$$

Anya Lust ($$) – Revealing or tame designs. Elegant and timeless looks.

Bella Bella Boutique ($$) – Solid variety of moods and shapes. Great bridal selection.

BHLDN – Bridal Lingerie ($$) – They have casual & simple designs. Many clients love their robes for all types of sessions, especially their lace robes for bridal looks.

Buttress & Snatch ($$) – Pinup, lacey, frilly pieces. European/French design influences.

For Love and Lemons ($$) – Fun, playful, floral-inspired for the muses who want a boho lingerie look.

Frederick’s of Hollywood ($$) – Good variety, multiple price points, good for all body types. Have more retro designs available.

Kisskill ($$) – Strappy, BDSM, edgy, dominant energy. Have some tamer options, as well.

Love Vera ($$) – Good plus-sized options and elegant designs.

Maison Close ($$) – Revealing, sheer designs. Also have a selection of dress-style pieces.

Melanoir ($$) – Alt, edgy, leather, bondage designs.

Thistle & Spire ($$) – Edgy and bold designs. Bodysuit line is fantastic.

Ysé Paris ($$) – Lacey, light, and casual designs.

$

Adore Me ($) – Affordable with several solid choices and good variety. Great bang for your buck store.

Hauteflair ($) – Variety of styles and good plus-size options.

Playful Promises ($) – Variety of styles and good plus-size selections.

Rene Rofe ($) – Edgy, contemporary, sheer. I like their body suits and body stockings, in particular.

Yandy ($) – Affordable and large variety of pieces.

Accessories & Helpful Links

Bra Size Calculator

Calzedonia – My go-to suggestion for stockings/tights/knee-high socks

Pleasurements – Body chains & jewelry

Honey Birdette – lovely selection of aesthetic bondage accessories

Liquid Nymph – bondage couture, masquerade masks, cuffs, & collars

Fleur de Mal – lace accessories, bunny ears, masks

Bunny Masks – I suggest Etsy for pieces like this

I hope you found this helpful in discovering outfit inspiration for your boudoir session.

Want more tips on outfits? Check out my Lingerie Styles Tips.