What Lingerie to Buy for Your Boudoir Session: A Complete Shopping Guide

One of the most enjoyable parts of preparing for your boudoir session is building your wardrobe. For women in Philadelphia, South Jersey, and the greater Burlington NJ area booking a session at Studio 34, the process begins with a private Pinterest mood board that you and our team build together in the weeks before your shoot. But knowing where to actually shop — and what to look for at every price point — is where most women need a little guidance.

This guide covers everything from high-end luxury lingerie to affordable options, plus-size specialists, modest styles, and vintage finds. Whatever your budget, your body, and your vision for your session, there is something here for you. We suggest planning for three to five different looks to bring on the day of your shoot. Select your pieces well in advance, confirm they fit the way you want, and if ordering online make sure they arrive with enough time to exchange anything that doesn't work.

Not sure where to start? Our What to Wear for a Boudoir Session guide covers the full range of wardrobe options beyond lingerie, including robes, oversized clothing, accessories, and themed looks.

High-End Looks

• Agent Provocateur
  Known as the original “sexually empowered and punk heritage brand” designed by women and made for everyone, this brand includes looks that move seamlessly between the bedroom and out on the town.  

• Bordelle
  Known for its bondage-inspired luxury lingerie, these are amazing looks you won’t find anywhere else. Ships from the UK so be sure to add extra time for delivery!

• Carine Gilson
  Worn by cover models and celebrities, each creation is made by hand with fine silks, satins and lace by highly skilled artisans.

• Chantelle
  It defines our unique combination of Style and Comfort. As a Parisian brand, styles are heavily influenced by the creativity and design of the city. Items balance style, quality and function.

• Coco de Mer
  These styles are about “celebrating and championing female pleasure” with a nod to erotica.  

• Fleur of England
  This UK brand keeps a focus on sustainability while creating romantic and luxurious pieces. 

• Eres
  If you are looking for something luxurious, chic and minimalist for your shoot, this is the place to start. Each season features a new collection, with their latest celebrating “dreaming, optimism and a lust for life.” 

• Kiki de Montparnasse
  Shop iconic silhouettes made from the highest-quality materials and “designed for countless nights of provocative play.” 

• La Perla
  Synonymous with sophistication, shop these elegant classics in luxurious materials.

• Stella McCartney
  This brand combines modern, high fashion with exquisite lingerie design and an iconic name.

Mid-Priced Options

• For Love & Lemons
  Offers romantic looks that are “delicately designed to keep forever.” Think French countryside in modern colors, lace and ribbons. 

• Frederick’s of Hollywood
  This timeless classic is still going strong, with a huge variety of styles and sizes. Check out their blog for more styling ideas and tips. They offer an easy return policy too! 

• Honey Birdette
  This Australian brand has built a devoted following with modern, design-forward lingerie that is meant to feel empowering and playful. Known for beautiful details, quality finishes, and bold aesthetics.

• Intimissimi
  Let’s face it, lingerie is beautiful, but not always comfortable. If comfort is a must, then this is your new favorite shop. Fabrics feel amazing on the skin while styles are flattering.

• Natori
  Known for luxurious feel and quality, you can find beautiful basics here. 

• Thistle & Spire
  If you are looking for something unique, this is the place. Collections conjure images of ancient castles, dragon magic and mystery and come in a range of sizes.

• Victoria’s Secret
  The classic brand you know and love. A great place to shop in-person as most stores have a wide variety in-house and the staff is quite knowledgeable and helpful. Dont be afraid to ask to get measured for your correct size and for advice on styles that will fit you best.

Affordable Luxury

• Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Shein and Cider offer a wide variety of lingerie at lower price points. Make sure that items can be delivered in time to try on and make any returns/exchanges–especially because sometimes quality can be deceiving in an online image. You can find a wide variety of styles here, from traditional to outlandish. 

• Discount Stores: Retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross often have discounted lingerie from well-known brands. If you have patience to pick through the racks, you might just be rewarded with a gem–and don’t forget the clearance rack!

• Fast Fashion Brands: Retailers such as Airee, H&M, Forever 21, and Zara have affordable lingerie collections in modern and classic styles, though the selection may be minimal.

• Outlet Stores: Outlet malls often include national-chain lingerie stores like Victoria’s Secret Outlet, where you can find items at a lower cost–though pieces may be from past seasons and of limited sizes.

• Etsy: This platform offers unique and handmade lingerie pieces, often–but not always–at competitive prices. Some sellers also specialize in vintage lingerie. 

• Local Boutiques: Sometimes local lingerie boutiques (and adult shops) have sales or clearance events where you can find great deals. 

• Subscription Services: Services such as Adore Me, Fabletics and Savage X Fenty often offer a first set at a significant discount and have affordable monthly options. Check the fine print for how much you have to spend and how often.

Plus-Size Choices

Many of the above brands offer plus sizes, but here are some places that specialize in curves. 

• Cacique Intimates: The in-house lingerie brand of Lane Bryant offers a range of sizes and styles.THis woman-founded and led brand says their “bras and panties are designed for the love of every curve. 

• Torrid: Specializes in modern looks. While the selection isn’t extensive, there are a handful of bra-and-panty sets that are cute and fun!

• ThirdLove: With an eye toward exquisite fit and comfort, this brand offers a wide range of sizes and half-cup sizes for better fit.

• Elomi: Crafted to “exude complete confidence” this lingerie offers supportive and fashionable designs.

• Curvy Couture: Stylish and comfortable, this mostly online retailer can be found locally, in a shop in Doylestown, PA.

• Adore Me: This subscription service has an almost overwhelming variety of styles in extended sizes. Be sure to check the fine print about how much you have to spend and for how long to get your first set at a deep discount. 

• Ashley Stewart: Check out this retailer’s intimates for a range of trendy styles at affordable prices.

• Savage X Fenty: Rihanna’s brand offers inclusive sizing with fashionable options. Be sure to check the fine print about how much you have to spend and for how long to get your first set at a discount. 

Modest Options

Not everyone will want to wear skin-baring styles for all of their boudoir-session looks. Modesty can be beautiful too! Most retailers will offer items with fuller-coverage, but here are some that specialize in that. 

• ModCloth: Here you’ll find a variety of vintage-inspired and modest lingerie options.

• Nubian Skin: Provides lingerie in various shades of nude, catering to different skin tones, with many modest options.

• Cosabella: Known for comfortable and stylish lingerie, including modest styles with many babydolls, chemises, teddies and rompers to choose from. 

• Soma: Offers a range of lingerie, including many modest and comfortable options such as robes and gowns–at affordable prices. 

• Simply Be: Provides a variety of lingerie styles, including modest options, and caters to a range of sizes. Beautiful lingerie that “loves all body lines.”

Vintage Looks

When shopping for vintage lingerie, always check the condition of the items and, if possible, verify their authenticity. Also, use caution when washing these often-delicate items. 

• Mod Cloth: Get the best of both worlds with this online retailer: Vintage-looking items but brand-new. 

• Thrift Stores, Vintage Shops and Consignment Boutiques: All of these options usually have a small lingerie section where you may find something vintage, so it’s worth a drop in, but specialized boutiques that focus on vintage clothing will usually have a selection of lingerie.

• Online Marketplaces and Specialty Websites: Websites like Etsy, eBay, and Poshmark offer a wide range of vintage lingerie. Websites like Vintage Lingerie and The Lingerie Addict offer curated selections of vintage pieces.

• Estate Sales and Auctions: Look out for local sales, and online auction sites like LiveAuctioneers, which often feature vintage clothing, including lingerie.

• Flea Markets and Vintage Fairs: Some flea markets have vendors who specialize in vintage clothing. Events dedicated to vintage fashion often have vendors selling lingerie.

Ready to Start Planning Your Session?

Once you have your looks in mind, the next step is a free consultation with Tim and Michelle at Studio 34 Boudoir in Burlington NJ. We will review your mood board together, talk through your wardrobe choices, and make sure you feel completely prepared and excited for your session. Studio 34 serves women throughout Philadelphia, South Jersey, and the surrounding area — one session per day, with the studio entirely yours.