Lingerie Buying Guide
Every body deserves beautiful lingerie. Here are some of my favorite places to shop!
The number one question I get about boudoir is where people should buy their lingerie. The answer to that really depends on you as a client, but I have compiled an exhaustive list of locations across the budget spectrum from high end to thrift store. The best part….all of these options offer plus size pieces. Also remember that when you shoot with me at Katelyn Scott I have a huge wardrobe with options in sizes XS-6X that you are more than welcome to borrow for your shoot. Don’t think that you have to go out and spend a fortune on sexy pieces, but here is my list in case you want to! Happy shopping!
High End Options
Okay, for some of you, budget is not a hurdle and you can shop wherever you want. Yay for that! These companies are smaller and tend to cater more towards the customer so I have included their tag lines. I really believe in supporting smaller business and people who’s message I support. So for all my babes out there that want the best pieces or custom items here are your amazing options:
Impish Lee - “At Impish Lee, we believe your underpinnings should be ethically and sustainably made just for you.”
Their sizing runs from 0-30 with custom sizes available.
JBC Lingerie - “We are a body positive lingerie label offering unique, sexy and comfortable handmade garments in styles that flatter different body types with the option of free custom fitting.”
Sizes run up to 3x and H cup. Custom orders can be made at no additional cost!
Bawdy Love - “ At Bawdy Love we create high-quality, hand-made, custom lingerie for every body from petite to plus size locally and sustainably.”
All of their pieces are custom made so when you place your order they follow up with an email to get your measurements. Lots of cute harnesses here too!
Love Vera - “Love, Vera is an intimates brand that celebrates black women, black entrepreneurship, and black cultural influence. The name stems from the love that Vera maintains for others and its limitless power as a problem solver, peacemaker, and unifier.”
This incredible brand is one you want to support. They have awesome straight and plus size options ranging is sizes from S-3X/4X.
SmartGlamour - “SmartGlamour is an affordable, fashionable, and customizable ethical clothing line for people of all shapes, sizes, heights, ages, identities, and styles. We make plus size clothing, straight size clothing, petite clothing, tall clothing, and everything in between and beyond. Every design is available in XXS to 15X and beyond. Every item can be customized to fit any and every body.”
Y’all not only is this a one woman run indie business, the options in styles and sizes is INCREDIBLE. May not be in your price range, but please give this company a chance.
Playful Promises - “We are here for all your lingerie, swim and activewear, in a wide range of sizes including fuller bust and curve - UK 8 - 30 / US 4 - 26 and 30-34 A-H, 36-44 B-H.”
Haute Flair - “Haute Flair supports the notion that elegant lingerie has the power to help women feel significantly sexier and more confident and aims to make their lingerie collection accessible to all women.”
Their plus size is broken up into 1x/2x and 3x/4x options and I recommend looking at their sizing guide. The two pieces I have fit true to size.
Catherine D’Lish - She makes some of the most incredible dressing robes I have ever seen in my life. She has both straight size and plus size options available in multiple colors.
The Perky Lady - “The team at The Perky Lady is dedicated to providing you with captivating, beguiling, and sensuous selections that magnify the woman within.”
This shop is local to the Raleigh area and is absolutely incredible. They carry several options in regards to plus size lingerie and hard to find bra sizes. A must shop for all my local babes!
Middle of the Road Options
We have come a long long way in the world of plus size options in this middle price range. The trick here is to make sure you look at the sizing chart for each company. They really are all over the map and that’s ok. Just know that you may have to over order so you can send stuff back. Also plan accordingly with your session because some of these options have longer than normal shipping times.
Amazon - yep I know this is a weird one but just trust me. I have put together and entire wish list from the items I have used in the past for clients to shop from. This is a referral link, so if you wanted to just get inspiration from here and shop direct to the brand, please do so! This link includes both lingerie options as well as accessories!
Yandy - Don’t sleep on this brand. Lots of options and I love their body stockings. Their plus size offerings run in size 1x/2x or 3x/4x.
Shein - Fast fashion…..not much to say here. They have sizes that span from XS-5X. Runs small, but for someone on a budget, this is a great option.
Adore Me - This is a subscription based service but I have had several clients show up with their lingerie and it is super cute and well made. I have not personally ordered from here but several babes highly recommend. They size up to 4X and from what I have seen, they are a true 4X.
Asos - The website is a little clunky to navigate but Asos is an incredibly size inclusive brand. They have options in lingerie from XS-6X and we aren’t talking like one piece. When you get to their landing page type “lingerie” into the search bar and it will navigate you to where you need to be.
Torrid - Torrid has so many great options from bodysuits to matching sets. The one thing I will say about this brand is that their sizing is a bit all over the place so make sure to try it on before your shoot!
Cacique - Another brand most babes already know about. I have lots of wardrobe pieces from Cacique but it is nearly impossible to walk into a store and get great lingerie pieces. There are more options online so make sure you check it out there first.
Hips and Curves - This brand is cut for women with curves, but their sizing is also a little wonky. Make sure to read the style notes and size and fit tab. They carry options up to a 6x as well, but their higher size range is limited.
Savage x Fenty - This can also be a monthly subscription option for sexy lingerie and you are charged a flat monthly fee to be a VIP member. I like that they allow a guest checkout though in case that is not an option for you. I have a hard time saying this is a size inclusive brand because they only size up to 3X, and the sizing can be both true to size and small, so again, make sure to follow the size charts when you can. I am a size 16/18 and wear both a 2x and 3x in this brand. I would say the majority of my personal collection is from this brand though!
Bare Necessities - I like this option because they have some unique pieces that are a little sexier then just your average shop. They have straight and plus size options available and their plus size is broken into 1X/2X - 3X/4X.
Forever 21 Plus - This one rounds out the list of mid range options because sometimes you can absolutely hit the jackpot here. This one requires frequent checking and some patience, but sometimes worth it for the bargain. No promises on quality but for the most part I love the pieces I have added to the closet. Also know that they only size up to a 3x so keep that in mind!
Thrift Store Options
Ok, I know what you are thinking. Yuck…who goes out and shops for second hand lingerie. I feel you, seems weird but hear me out. Women often times buy lingerie and then either never use it or grow out of it before they have a chance to wear it. Which means those pieces are donated and often times brand new. When I say brand new…..I mean like tags on, never been worn. I can’t even begin to tell you have many name brand pieces I have purchased for $2.00. That is not even a lie. So if you are like me and love a good thrift store hunt, give these stores a chance. I will say every city is different, but if you are local to Raleigh these are the places I look. Just google thrift stores in your city and make sure you call before you go. Some of these places only sell furniture and household items so this keeps you from wasting more of your time. Last little tip I will give you, make sure to look through both the sleepwear AND old man underwear sections. Often times you can find stuff crammed in between those gigantic white undies and a pair of gross old man briefs. Happy thrifting!!
Durham Rescue Mission - shoooooot y’all this chain of thrift stores is my GO TO for all things lingerie and dope ass fur jackets. I have found so many great pieces here. They have several locations so make sure to hit up as many as you can. They also have an app that I would suggest downloading because they give you points for your dollars spent which you can cash in for future purchases.
TROSA Thrift Store - This is hit or miss but they usually have all their lingerie at the very front of the store. What I will say, they have a lot of amazing jackets and I have found some really quirky props here, so it is worth a shot.
Goodwill - In North Carolina they are called GCF Donation Centers and Store. Often times they don’t have a bra and underwear section so you have to either look in the gym and swimsuit section or you have to dig through the bins at the back. This is for sure hit or miss.
Vintage Stores - I have no suggestions here, but any time I am outside my normal area I always check to see if there are vintage stores or thrift store near me. Who knows what gems you can actually find!
So, this rounds out my list of suggested stores to look for lingerie. Don’t hesitate to reach out. None of these stores are paying me to promote their business, just stores I like to give my dollars to! Don’t forget, if all this is too overwhelming, you can always come “shop” my wardrobe first and see what jumps out at you. I have well over 250 pieces that can be used during your shoot ranging in size from XS - 6X. Also remember that as scary as it is shopping for sexy pieces, your body is worthy of having sexy lingerie on it. Period. Embrace all bodies, especially the one you are in!
Love
Katelyn