How to Choose the Perfect Lingerie for Your Body Type

Lingerie isn't about seduction—about confidence, comfort, and expressing yourself. At Intimate Delight, we feel that every body is gorgeous and worthy of celebration.

Whether you're getting ready to impress or just indulging in some much-needed me-time, the correct lingerie can alter the manner in which you feel about yourself. But with so many styles, materials, and sizes out there, choosing the ideal lingerie for your body type can be overwhelming. Fear not, this guide is here to help.

Photo by Alex Azabache on Unsplash

Why Body Type Matters When Choosing Lingerie

Understanding body type isn't about restricting your choices—it's about complementing your natural silhouette and choosing items that make you look amazing. The concept is not to hide anything, but to highlight the best of you. Hourglass, athletic, pear-shaped, petite—each body type can shine in lingerie that complements its curves and angles.

Step One: Know Your Body Shape

Before getting into particular lingerie styles, let's establish the typical body shapes:

1. Hourglass: Bust and hips are approximately the same width with a smaller waist.

2. Pear-Shaped: Hips are wider than the bust.

3. Apple-Shaped: Bust is bigger than the hips; weight tends to be around the midsection.

4. Athletic/Rectangular: Hips, waist, and bust are relatively even in width.

5. Petite: Shorter frame, regardless of body shape.

6. Plus Size/Curvy: More rounded figure with curvy voluptuousness.

Hourglass Body Type: Emphasize the Waist

You naturally have balance between your bust and hips, so find pieces that emphasize your waist:

Corsets and Bustiers: They accentuate your curves and define the waist.

High-Waisted Panties: Accentuate your hourglass figure.

Bra Sets with Underwire: Provide both lift and support to emphasize your proportions.

Wrap Robes or Babydolls: Create a sense of mystery by cinching at the waist.

Pear-Shaped Body: Balance and Emphasize

To create the illusion of drawing the eye upward and balance hips and bust:

Push-Up or Padded Bras: Create volume in the bust.

Lacy or Detailed Tops: Create the illusion of drawing the eye upward with embellishments.

A-Line Babydolls: Flare at hips while maintaining top close-fitting.

Boyshorts or Hipsters: Provide coverage while accentuating your bottom half.

Apple-Shaped Body: Elongate and Define

The secret to apple shapes is to define the waist and create the illusion of length:

Empire Waist Lingerie: Defines the bust but covers over the tummy.

Teddies with Plunging Necklines: Distract vertically.

Shapewear-Inspired Pieces: Provide structure and confidence.

Lingerie with Strategic Cut-Outs or Panels: Provide a slimming line.

Athletic Body: Create Curves and Feminine Lines

With a more straight-lined silhouette, you can use lingerie to add softness and shape:

Ruffled or Frilly Pieces: Add volume and movement.

Bralettes with Delicate Straps: Feminine and flattering on smaller busts.

Cut-Out Bodysuits: Create visual curves.

Layered Sets or Two-Piece Looks: Play with proportions.

Petite Body: Elongate and Accentuate

Petite bodies benefit from pieces that don’t overwhelm the frame:

Vertical Details: Lace panels or plunging necklines draw the eye upward.

High-Cut Bottoms: Make legs appear longer.

Sheer Fabrics: Add interest without bulk.

Strappy Sets: Add definition without extra volume.

Plus Size or Curvy: Support and Flaunt

Your curves are your superpower. Look for lingerie that supports, smooths, and celebrates:

Full-Cup Bras or Longline Bras: Offer lift and comfort.

High-Waisted Bottoms: Accentuate the waistline and smooth the tummy.

Wrap Robes and Kimonos: Softly drape over curves while cinching the waist.

Bodysuits with Control Panels: Hug your figure in all the right places.

Fabrics and Details to Consider

Lace: Romantic and timeless, lace adds texture and softness.

Mesh: Offers a peekaboo effect that’s sexy and breathable.

Satin and Silk: Luxurious and smooth, perfect for that ultra-glamorous vibe.

Straps and Cut-Outs: Great for adding structure or drawing attention to certain areas.

Color Matters Too

Color can affect the mood and visual appeal of your lingerie:

Black: Classic, slimming, and universally flattering.

Red: Bold, passionate, and powerful.

White or Ivory: Soft, romantic, and pure.

Jewel Tones (Emerald, Sapphire, Burgundy): Rich and elegant, great for any skin tone.

Tips for Trying Lingerie On

Know Your Measurements: Take your measurements with a measuring tape to ensure accurate bust, waist, and hip measurements.

Move Around: Sit, stand, and walk around to check for comfort and fit.

Check the Back: Ensure everything glides on smoothly and doesn't cut in.

Don't Be Afraid to Size Up or Down: Different brands fit differently, so pay attention to how it feels, not the label.

Embrace Your Unique Beauty

No matter the size or shape, the sexiest thing you can wear is confidence. Lingerie is a powerful medium of self-love and love. At Intimates Delight we adore every edge, every curve, and every moment of confidence you bring to the bedroom.

Go on—choose the lace, step into the silk, and strut your stuff. Your perfect lingerie match is waiting to be discovered.

Explore our latest collection designed for every body shape here and find the one that makes you appear like the goddess that you are.

Suggested reading: Embrace Your Desires: Fantasy Clothing