The Ultimate Lingerie Guide
How this guide works:
In no particular order, I have listed reputable lingerie brands that I have followed, worked with, and even tested myself. These are the factors I looked for:
Price Range: I took an average of what a complete lingerie outfit would be if purchased. This did not include any sales or clearance. As a result, the range could be less depending on what you see.
Size Range: It is important to know if these brands carry the size you are looking for. Since band sizes drastically range, I tried to stick to panty sizes.
Quality: I put my personal ranking out of 5 for how I feel each brand shakes out in terms of quality. I look for pieces that stay consistent after each purchase and each wash. For brands I have not personally worked with much, I put the suspected quality.
Return Policy: Women’s sizing is all over the place so it is important to know what you are getting yourself into if things do not work out.
My Thoughts: I will give a brief description of what I know about sizing, explain my quality rating, and anything else I think is relevant.
I created this lingerie guide to help you shop within budget and within your size range. There are lots of options and it can be frustrating to not find what you are looking for. That is why I am here to help! As a boudoir photographer, I work with women and lingerie on a daily basis. Many of these brands I have personally worked with and some only in passing.
Price Range: $20-$40
Size Range: XS-6XL
Quality: 4/5
Return Policy: You will have 28 days to return your items. You must pay return postage.
My Thoughts: ORDER 1-2 MONTHS IN ADVANCED. I have had many clients order from them and sometimes it takes a couple months to receive items! This brand is UK based and their postal service has been on strike. I have purchased a ton from this brand and clients absolutely love them! They actually fit normal bodies and the price is a steal! Out of the 50 ish pieces I have from them, one had some loose stitching but still really good with considering the price. This brand is especially amazing because they cater to larger chests and bodies with having amazing response times.
Price Range: $45-$100 unless you have their VIP subscription. The subscription will lessen the price range.
Size Range: XS-3XL
Quality: 4/5
Return Policy: You have 30 days (90 for VIP members) to return or exchange if item is shipping back in original packaging and original box. Sale items are all final sale.
My thoughts: I have had clients bring some amazing pieces from Fenty. The quality always seems to hold up and they are very flattering. My only pet peeve with this brand is that they don’t have a ton of pieces that are unique and are a must have. If they updated their style selection, they would be on top.
Price Range: $40-$60 unless you have their VIP subscription. The subscription will lessen the price range.
Size Range: XS-4XL
Quality: 4/5
Return Policy: You have 30 days to return with a $5.95 restocking fee for each set returned. Final sale items may be exchanged for a different size subject to availability.
My Thoughts: I have not personally purchased from Adore Me; however, numerous of my clients have. The quality seems to be amazing. I do not have experience with how these pieces perform overtime though and it does have a lack of support in the bust depending on the piece.
Price Range: $40-$150
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Quality: 5/5
Return Policy: You have 30 days for a full refund on items with the tag attached and up to 90 days to receive a refund on a merchandise credit.
My Thoughts: Victoria Secret is now my favorite hidden gem. For while they were not mentioned much with the rise of Aerie. Now, they are adding on more sizes and keep pieces that are high quality and very in trend. I have purchased pieces through them and my clients have. They always shape to your body perfectly.
Price Range: $60-$105
Size Range: US 2-22
Quality: 5/5
Return Policy: You have 28 days to return items in their original packaging (hosiery unopened). There is a $7 return fee to cover shipping and restocking. Outlet items are final sale unless faulty.
My Thoughts: I have not personally shopped here yet. However, I have kept up with reviews and following their social platforms. From what I see, they offer amazing quality in a high range of sizes. They offer numerous styles so you can wear what you feel comfortable in.
Price Range: $60-$90
Size Range: XXS-5XL
Quality: 5/5
Return Policy: You have 45 days to return your items for a full refund minus any original shipping fees. A return label is included in your original package for a free return as long as items are in original condition.
My Thoughts: I am super impressed with the overall quality and size range with this brand. I have not personally purchased pieces yet but have seen it on a client. They do offer a very unique selection with pieces that are in trend. My only concern might be how well they offer tummy control. I have not experimented enough to see if they do offer any slimming.
Price Range: $135-$400
Size Range: XS-XL (Starting to carry some items in XXL)
Quality: 4/5
Return Policy: You have 45 days for full price items, 14 days for sale items, and final sale items cannot be returned. Garments must be in original condition, tags and hygiene seal intact, and no signs of wear.
My Thoughts: Honey Birdette is as luxury as it gets in the lingerie world. Recently, they announced that they will carry XXL in some styles. For the most part, they are not very size inclusive at all with only going up to a 38 band size and XL in most pieces. Some things also run small. If you do fit in their sizes, the quality is unmatched. I love that they offer in style in a body suit, bra options, and panty/garter belt options. This means you can truly find what you feel your best in.
Price Range: $75-$140
Size Range: XS-L
Quality: 4/5
Return Policy: You have 21 days to return your full priced merchandise in original condition for store credit. Any item purchased on sale, after 21 days, or not in original condition will not be accepted.
My thoughts: I have not purchased from them for one reason, their lack of size inclusivity. Others have told me that their bottoms run small. With them only offering up to a size large, that means they really only offer up to a size medium. They offer unique pieces that would flatter so many body types so hopefully they make this change.
Price Range: $50-$110
Size Range: XS- XXL
Quality: 2.5/5
Return Policy: You have 45 days to return with all tags attached to qualify for a full refund minus shipping cost.
My Thoughts: I have purchased numerous items from here. I give it a 2.5/5 because sizing can go up or down. I also notice with washes that threads start to pop out. I do notice a lack of high waisted styles or styles that offer tummy control. Overall, the styles are amazing and that quality is hit or miss, I just wish they were more consistent between each piece I buy. The quality does not match the price unfortunately.
Price Range: $7-$20
Size Range: XXS-4XL
Quality: 2/5
Return Policy: Final sale on all lingerie items.
My Thoughts: Read. Reviews. As long as you read reviews, you can get your hands on some nice pieces. I wouldn’t bank on the fact that they will offer a ton of support, but they can still get the job done. Washing over time can lose dye and make some strings pop but most outfits are only 10 dollars.
Price Range: $10-$55
Size Range: XS-4XL
Quality: 2/5
Return Policy: You have 30 days to return for a full refund or store credit. Any items that have been worn, not in original packaging, or were purchased on sale are final sale.
My Thoughts: I have not personally bought from them but I have noticed when clients bring anything that is sheer from this site, it always snags. Other than that, the pieces really aren’t bad. I would personally purchase from Shein before Yandy though.
Price Range: $10-$35
Size Range: XS-4XL
Quality: 2/5
Return Policy: You have 60 days to return your garments for store credit with exceptions. Final sale items include undergarments, bodysuits, and any items ending in $.00, $.96, $.97, $.98.
My Thoughts: Fashion Nova always has a sale so never buy something full price. They do compare to Shein a lot, but with better styles and faster shipping. I notice there is not a lot of compression offered.
Price Range:$10-$30
Size Range: XS-XL
Quality: 2/5
Return Policy: You have 28 days from your dispatch email to return your items in the original condition with all tags and stickers attached.
My Thoughts: While this brand has unique and trendy pieces, I question the quality of them. They seem to always have a sale so always watch out for them! I haven’t personally bought from this website for reference.
Price Range: $60-$100
Size Range: XS-3XL
Quality: 5/5
Return Policy: All full priced items are eligible for a full refund with a $5 postage fee within 30 days. Sale items can be returned for store credit and final sale items cannot be returned.
My Thoughts: Thistle and Spire is a very reputable brand. They do sell on their own website and a lot of boutiques carry their products. They have custom pieces that are unique to them.
Price Range: $30-$60
Size Range: US 12-24
Quality: 4/5
Return Policy: You have 90 days to get a full refund with your receipt.
My Thoughts: For curvier women, this brand is a great find! The lingerie fits well, photographs well, and they have a good selection.
Price Range: $40-$60
Size Range: US 10-30
Quality: 4/5
Return Policy: You have 60 days to return items with a receipt; however, due to hygiene reasons, panties and lingerie sets are final sale.
My Thoughts: I am never disappointed when a client brings lingerie from Torrid. It always hugs their body just the right way and photographs beautifully.
Price Range: $50-$90
Size Range: US 14-28
Quality: 5/5
Return Policy: You have 45 days to return merchandise in original condition minus $5.95 for return shipping.
My Thoughts: Many might not think of Layne Bryant for sexy lingerie but they actually have a really nice selection! Their pieces fit so well you will want to wear it out of the bedroom too!
Price Range: $20-$50
Size Range: XS-4XL
Quality: 3/5
Return Policy: Items must be returned within 14 days of purchase. Lingerie bottoms and bodysuits are only allowed to be exchanged for a different size.
My Thoughts: I recently found this brand and fell in love. While their pieces don’t seem to offer a lot of support, the cuts of the lingerie do flatter multiple body types. Not only do they offer inclusive sizing, but they also offer a color selection that is perfect for women who are darker toned.
Other noteworthy mentions: Calvin Klein, Blush Lingerie, and Amazon.
Hopefully this helped you find the perfect outfit to help make you feel your best! More brands will be added to the list as time goes on. If you believe I missed a brand or you are a brand that wants to be added to this list, feel free to email piperboudoir@gmail.com.
