Finding the Perfect Lingerie: Styles That Gently Ease Insecurities and Boldly Highlight What You Love
Lingerie should feel like a secret indulgence that makes you feel bolder, confident and at your sexiest. Sometimes, though, lingerie makes us feel anything but those things.
Our bodies aren't perfect.
We aren't hyper-sculpted.
We don't look like the bodies under the lingerie we are considering buying.
We're just...regular.
At Billy's, we believe that regular can be extraordinary, though, and regular deserves to feel extraordinary.
Whether you’re shopping for affordable quality lingerie, boudoir lingerie for a sensual photoshoot, flirty lingerie, retro and vintage lingerie that channels old-school pinup vibes, or everyday pieces that make you feel sexy, your body deserves styles that actually work for you. This article will give you some tips, hints and guidance on how to get there in time for the next date night or photoshoot. And you don't have to diet, get cryo or spend a dime beyond the lingerie you'll be rocking.
This guide gets candid and detailed. We cover real insecurities with practical styles that support and smooth, plus ways to shamelessly show off what you love (including some underrated spots that drive certain people wild). You’ll find recommendations for chemises, babydolls, underwire bras, open-cup styles, bodysuits, and more — perfect for photoshoot lingerie, intimate nights, or building your wardrobe.
Mindset First: Lingerie as Real Empowerment
Let’s be honest — we've all stood in front of the mirror focused on something we wish was different. What to do about those corners of yourself that you just can't get on board with? Parts that ruin the fun and confidence that's supposed to come with wearing lingerie?
The easy answer is: No one ever said lingerie is about showing everything. You get to pick and choose, and it's OK to be strategic! Read below and check off what your specific insecurities are that take your confidence and mood down—and shop according to our tips there.
Addressing Common Insecurities: Support That Actually Feels Good
Small or very small breasts:
Problem: You wish your boobs were bigger and you are jealous of the cleavage-flashing models in the lingerie listings. Everyone tells you that your small boobs are great, but you don't feel they're sexy-lingerie-worthy.
Solution: Opt for bras or lingerie with padded, push-up cups for natural-looking lift and a cleavage boost. Demi balconettes frame and perk things up. Empire-waist babydolls with soft ruffles under the bust create gentle fullness and guide the eye to the bigger picture. Look for pieces with lots of embellishments near the bust to fill your silhouette. Babydolls, structured overbust corsets, bustiers and longline bras all work well to boost your bust.
Large or very large breasts:
Solution: Your boobs are so big that they get all the attention no matter the outfit or situation. You wish that other parts of you would get noticed first, especially the parts of your body you're particularly proud of and love (see below on highlighting).
Solution: Full-coverage underwire bras with wide, cushioned bands and strong, adjustable straps wrap you in a secure, weight-distributing hug. Corsets and teddies sculpt your torso for a unified silhouette and support giving you a smooth, cohesive look. Opt for styles of chemises, babydolls and teddy-style bodysuits that lack padding and don't offer any push-up or cleavage enhancement. Styles with embellishments away from your bust help draw the eyes elsewhere, reducing attention on your boobs.
Asymmetrical breasts, sagging or saggy breasts (ptosis), stretch marks on breasts, prominent/inverted nipples, very wide or super close-set, tubular, post-surgical, or prominent veins:
Problem: Your breasts have way too much going on that you feel is unforgivable and simply needs to be hidden. Maybe you've thought about corrective surgery or had a medically-necessary surgery and you definitely aren't a fan of how your boobs look now.
Solution: Padded, molded cups even things out beautifully. Lined lace or soft mesh veils marks, scars, and nipples with pretty opacity. Non-irritating seamless fabrics feel gentle against sensitive skin. Flowy chemises with higher necklines add coverage while still feeling sensual. The idea here is to support comfortably with structure and have enough between your boobs and the world in front of them so you don't feel your insecurities are super exposed. Bustiers, boned overbust corsets and teddy bodysuits with opaque busts can keep you feeling confident.
Stomach & midsection (mommy pooch, apron belly, diastasis, back fat, love handles, bloating, stretch marks):
Problem: You don't like your belly and think it shouldn't be something purposely on display. You spend time styling wardobes that are especially good at hiding it, and the thought of letting it out "on stage" in lingerie is horrifying and uncomfortable.
Solution: High-waisted shaping briefs deliver a smoothing compression hug that tucks without suffocating. Empire babydolls and chemises float over soft areas with feather-light movement. Power-mesh bodysuits create sleek lines you can actually relax in. Structured, boned bodysuits, teddies and long corsets smooth, flatten and cover.
Hips, buttocks & thighs (wide hips, hip dips, flat/heavy butt, cellulite, thick thighs, saddlebags, chafing, stretch marks):
Problem: Your midsection is nothing but trouble for you and the lingerie you've tried before just puts a neon sign on it. And you're absolutely not OK with that.
Solution: High-waisted boy shorts smooth and lift with soft fabric that glides over skin. Cheeky high-leg styles elongate and accentuate. Mid-thigh babydolls flow and swirl, hiding texture while feeling flirty. Vintage pieces like girdles and shape wear were once boring, but now have an extra sexy, sophisticated flair that hides how much amazing work they're actually capable of!
Arms, back & shoulders (bat wings, bra bulges, broad shoulders, back scars):
Problem: Your boobs are great, but they have accessories and annexes on your sides and back that aren't welcome bonuses. And they all keep trying to pop out when they're least wanted.
Solution: Wide-strap halter chemises drape elegantly and hide jiggle and folds without being so tight that they create new ones. Smoothing bodysuits tame rolls with gentle compression. Chemises and gowns that are loose from the shoulders down put you in control of what's shown without being boring. Open front, fly-away, tie and button-closure all bring the sexy back without putting your sides and back on stage first.
Legs & body-wide skin concerns (varicose veins, overall cellulite, uneven tone, scars, dry skin):
Problem: You wish your insecurities were confined to one part of your body, but your insecurity is your body. There's no part that's untouched by some imperfection that is always announcing itself to you.
Solution: Opaque thigh-highs feel silky and luxurious. Textured lace and dark mesh beautifully blur imperfections. Go for colored laces, mesh and tulle that covers any areas you don't love. That can be a tight catsuit with playful patters, burlesque stockings or thigh highs, or a romper-style bodysuit. Lingerie doesn't have to be skimpy, and it certainly can be concealing and sexy at the same time.
Underarm/armpit concerns (loose skin, razor bumps, pigmentation):
Problem: Lingerie is great and fun...up until you think about raising your arms to put up your hair or hug your partner. Your armpits are an embarrassing corner of your body and you don't want them seen or felt (aside from being ticklish!).
Solution: Look for soft chemises with sleeves, sexy satin and lace sleep shirts, robes or even half-bodysuits to keep things comfortable. Sleeves are your friend and lots of styles, both modern and vintage, incorporate them beautifully.
Neck/shoulder tension lines or crepey skin:
Problem: Your neck and shoulders are fine in the winter when heavy coats, scarves and sweaters keep them hidden, but you can't bundle up in the bedroom with lingerie. These areas kill the mood for you and just make you feel exposed and self-conscious if they're visible.
Solution: Soft cowl or draped necklines add elegant coverage while the fabric covers the area comfortably. Vintage and retro styles that have elegant, embellished collars are perfect for keeping that area private and out of view. Don't discount a floral or vintage silk scarf or fur/feather shrug, either; they can be a lot of fun!
Postpartum, aging, weight changes, overall “not toned” feelings:
Problem: Your skin is not at its height of elasticity and you feel like you look old or overall out of tone. Maybe you lost weight, have sun damage or other life even that has left you feeling like your skin just doesn't fit you anymore. And you wish it were different.
Solution: Look for full body pieces that cover and drape loosely. Gowns, full slips and nightgowns, or oversized shirts work wonders for comfort and confidence. If there are specific areas that lack tone, target those with supportive compression and boning while leaving the rest open to view. Corsets, girdles, stockings and bodysuits are all great at smoothing and covering while providing elegant, refined silhouettes.
Finding Confidence in Your Body Despite Imperfections
Here’s the honest truth: confidence isn’t waiting until everything is “fixed.” It's cultivated when you start treating your body like a lover instead of a project. Start small — wear a piece that fits your insecurities around the house just for you (and away from mirrors at first).
Imperfections don’t disappear, but they lose power when you focus on sensations and what does look good. Your body has carried you through life, pleasure, stress, maybe babies or heartbreak. When you choose lingerie that honors that — supportive where you need it, revealing where you want it — the mirror stops being an enemy. You start seeing a woman who’s sexy because she’s real.
Celebrating What You Love: Styles That Make You Feel Like a Goddess
Breasts:
The love: You love your boobs and feel your sexiest when you can show them off! Whether or not you consider them your "best" feature, you are totally good with putting them center stage.
The highlight: Balconette and push-up bras, bustiers and corsets lift and serve up boosted cleavage. Open-cup (also called "ouvert") and shelf styles put them even more on display and bare most or all of them. Sheer lace lets freckles, piercings, shape and nipples shine through.
Cleavage:
The love: You're all about showing off your cleavage, whether it's deep and plunging or tight and high. To you, it's the ultimate proof that you have great boobs and you love it being seen.
The highlight: Plunge bras and babydolls with push-up padding support your breasts while making sure they don't skimp on cleavage. Corsets, whether over- or under-bust can create high, shelf-like Victorian cleavage that's impossible to miss. Structured bustiers and bra-sized babydolls are your best bet.
Nipples:
The love: Whether you love showing off the sight of them or you know you enjoy the sensations of having them accessible, you definitely want your nipples to be visible
The highlight: Look for chemises or babydolls with sheer, cupless or quarter, or peek-a-boo cups. Especially fun are cups with ribbon tie, snap or button closures, allowing you to keep your cups closed until just the right moment. Underbust corsets leave the entirety of your breasts open and your nips along with them.
Pubic hair (full & and natural, trimmed, smooth):
The love: Just about everyone has their style, and whether that means a lot of effort or none at all, you're right to be proud of your hair and want to show it off—it's a classic ultra-sexy spot.
The highlight: Sheer styles show off your "down there hair" or lack thereof. Some teddies and panties have peekaboo cutouts or openings to give a teasing view, and crotchless show it all off. Chemises leave the option for going bottomless up to you. Garters and stockings with or without panties do a great job of framing your pubic area beautifully and drawing attention there.
Keeping lingerie on during sex:
The love: There is something extra passionate and sensual to you about keeping on whatever you wear the entire night. And it's so much more convenient since putting it all on can be enough of a hassle and it feels more justifiable to keep it on longer.
The highlight: Snap-crotch bodysuits, open-cup and crotchless styles of teddies, bra and panty sets, bodysuits and garter-stocking combos all are easy to keep on without getting the in the way. Look for soft mesh and lace (silk is especially good) to keep any scratchiness at bay.
Butt:
The love: Booty, ass or butt, it doesn't matter what name you use—yours kicks ass and you'd love lingerie to show it off.
The highlight: Cheeky thongs and high-cut styles of teddies/bodysuits and thongs keep your butt the main show. Short, flouncy babydolls are great at leading the eye downward. Thigh highs (especially worn with a garter suspender) worn with or without panties literally frame your butt on all sides.
Hips:
The love: You're a rare breed who loves your hips and how they accentuate your curves and silhouette. Lingerie is no time or place to hide yours away.
The highlight: High-waisted garters and side-cutout teddies celebrate your curves. Babydolls with frilly, embellishments of lace low on the waist can boost the attention on your hips. Conversely, if you have particularly flaring hips, tight bodysuits can make sure they stand out in silhouette.
Abs:
The love: Regardless of whether you have a 6-pack or a no-pack, your abs are a favorite part of your body and you want them seen and appreciated.
The highlight: Cropped babydolls and sheer mesh bodysuits put them proudly on display. A longline bra, bustier or short corset paired with a sexy version of your favorite panty leave the midsection open. Strappy cage-style bodysuits leave some or most of your abs uncovered.
Legs:
The love: Whether yours are long and thin, toned and muscular or you just have a great tan—showing off legs in lingerie dates back to the beginning of the category.
The highlight: Thigh-high stockings with garters are a classic option, as are thongs and bodysuits with ultra-high waists (think 80s). Vintage styles were often very focused on highlighting legs, so be sure to check those out.
Collarbones:
The love: Your shoulders from your neck to arms make you smile and feel sexy, even if you can't say exactly why. But since you love that area, you definitely should show it off!
The highlight: Deep-V and off-shoulder styles draw eyes to those elegant lines and hollows. Dainty straps keep distractions minimal and strapless corsets (especially plunge) make sure nothing gets in the way. A collar, whether dainty and necklace-like or heavier and BDSM-esque, sets a good visual top boundary to frame and accentuate.
Ribs / side lines:
The love: You've worked hard to sculpt your torso and love how your ribs and side look, especially in good lighting. You'd rather not hide them, but so many lingerie styles do, and that makes you sad.
The highlight: Sheer side panels or open-side teddies trace those natural curves. Strappy cage-style bustiers, bras and corsets are super trendy and available. The obvious choice is going for a sexy bra and panty set; to spice them up, look for lacy and embroidered styles that have mesh or open bands and waist.
Armpits / underarms:
The love: You're a connoisseur (or indulger of a connoisseur) of underarms and want them to be a focus or at least not hidden away. Surprisingly common, this desire is one of sensations and teasing and a perfect pairing to explore with lingerie.
The highlight: Halter or strapless styles with good lift turn this vulnerable spot into something intimate and arousing.
Wrists, ankles and delicate joints:
The love: Letting these delicate parts join the fun is way more common than you may think. Having these parts touched, kissed or even tickled is totally welcomed by you and you'd love if they had more attention drawn to them in your outfit.
The highlight: Garter sets with dainty straps highlight these finer details — perfect for retro vintage lingerie looks. Don't rule out gloves, wristlets or stocking socks to draw attention.
Your Body, Your Rules
Mix what you need and celebrate what you love. The lingerie that wins is the one that makes you wet with confidence.
At Billy's Bras, we specialize in affordable quality lingerie with inclusive sizing — from supportive everyday essentials and flirty content creator lingerie to elegant boudoir and photoshoot lingerie, plus retro and vintage lingerie styles that never go out of fashion. All at prices that feel like a treat without sacrificing comfort or beauty.
Come browse our collections at billysbras.com and build sets that make you feel like the main character.
You can search your size along with style and description on our SEARCH PAGE.
You deserve this. Every soft roll, every stretch mark, every favorite curve. What’s one thing you’re ready to celebrate or one spot you want help loving a little more? Drop it in the comments or reach out. We’re here for it.
With love, lace and encouragement,
The Billy's Bras Team
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