Lingerie is more than lace or satin. It is the mood it creates. The right piece can lift your confidence, flatter your figure, and reconnect you with your sensuality.

It isn’t just for the bedroom, either. The right lingerie can transform how you feel during couple play, give you that secret boost of confidence for a night out, or make you feel unstoppable in the boardroom. Because nothing is more powerful than knowing what you’re wearing underneath is just for you.

With so many styles to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. From bodysuits and teddy lingerie to chemises and babydolls, which silhouette will truly complement your body shape?

This guide highlights the best lingerie for each body type and shares practical tips to help you shop with ease, find a natural fit, and celebrate your unique shape.

How to Choose Lingerie for 5 Different Body Shapes

To find lingerie that fits and flatters, begin by identifying your body shape. The easiest way? Stand in front of a mirror in your underwear, straighten your posture, and notice where your curves fall. Understanding your proportions makes it so much easier to choose lingerie that enhances your natural shape. Below, you’ll find the best lingerie styles that work beautifully for hourglass, pear, apple, athletic, and inverted triangle body types

1. Best Lingerie for Hourglass Body Shape

The hourglass figure is defined by a balanced bust and hips with a naturally smaller waist. It’s often considered the most versatile body type, as many lingerie cuts naturally complement its proportions.

Proportion

Bust and hips are roughly the same width (≈ 40% each), with the waist around 20–25% smaller.

Best Features to Highlight

Your curves, waistline, and balanced proportions.

Recommended lingerie styles

• Bodysuits: Curve-hugging lace or satin bodysuits accentuate your waistline beautifully
  
• Corsets and bustiers: Cinch the waist while supporting the bust for a sultry silhouette
  
• Matching sets: Well-fitted bras and panties show off balanced proportions
  
• Belts or garters: Add detail that frames your curves

Hedonist Lingerie Recommendation: Naomi Red Bandage Bodysuit 

2. Best Lingerie for Pear Body Shape

Pear-shaped bodies have narrower shoulders and bust with fuller hips and thighs. The goal is to balance proportions by drawing the eye upward.

Proportion

Hips ≈ 45–50%, bust and shoulders ≈ 30–35%, waist ≈ 30%.

Best Features to Highlight

Your waist, hips, and legs.

Recommended lingerie styles for pear-shaped women

• A-line babydolls or chemises: Balance proportions by drawing attention upward while the flowy fit skims gently over the hips
  
• Push-up or plunge bras: Add lift and volume to the bust, creating a more balanced silhouette
  
• Teddy lingerie: A classic one-piece that blends playful femininity with curve-hugging appeal
  
• High-cut panties: Elongate the legs while drawing attention to the hips in a flattering way
  
• Bodysuits with embellishments on top: Lace, ruffles, or detailing at the bust shift attention upward and create balance.

Hedonist Lingerie Recommendation: Luna Lovelace Babydoll

3. Best Lingerie for Apple Body Shape

Apple-shaped bodies carry fullness through the bust and midsection with slimmer hips. The most flattering lingerie draws attention to the bust and legs while gently skimming the tummy.

Proportion

Upper body ≈ 40–50%, waist ≈ 30%, hips ≈ 30–35%.

Best Features to Highlight

Your bust, décolletage, and legs.

Recommended lingerie styles for apple-shaped women

• Empire-waist chemises: Flowing fabrics skim over your midsection while focusing on your bust
  
• Plunging necklines: Draw attention upward to your décolletage
  
• Bodysuits or teddies with frills or mesh panels: Add soft detail while elongating the torso and flattering your curves
  
• Babydolls with slits: Create a dynamic feature that spotlights your legs

Hedonist Lingerie Recommendation: Bellatrix Zip Tease Crotchless

4. Best Lingerie for Athletic or Rectangle Body Shape

Athletic or rectangle body types have straighter lines and fewer natural curves. The aim is to add softness and dimension with lingerie that builds shape visually.

Proportion

Bust, waist, and hips are fairly even ≈ 30–35% each (with little waist definition).

Best Features to Highlight

Your toned figure, shoulders, and long lines.

Recommended lingerie styles for athletic body types

1. Push-up or padded bras: Add volume to your bust for a curvier silhouette
2. Cut-out bodysuits or teddies: Create the illusion of curves with strategic cutouts
3. Two-piece sets with embellishments: Add texture and femininity to your look
4. High-waisted bottoms: Define your waist and accentuate your hips

Hedonist Lingerie Recommendation: Celine Lace Bodysuit 

5. Best Lingerie for Inverted Triangle Body Shape

The inverted triangle body shape features broader shoulders and bust with narrower hips. The goal is to soften the upper body and balance the silhouette.

Proportion

Shoulders/bust ≈ 45–50%, waist 25–30%, hips ≈ 20–25%.

Best Features to Highlight

Your cleavage, neckline, and hips.

Recommended lingerie styles for inverted triangle figures

• Supportive bras or corsets: Provide lift and support while enhancing cleavage
  
• Bodysuits or teddies with structured cups: Shape and support the bust for a balanced look
  
• Wide straps or halter styles: Flatter the shoulders while offering comfort
  
• High-waisted bottoms: Add volume to the hips for symmetry

Hedonist Lingerie Recommendation: Xanthe Wet Look Bodysuit 

Universal Tips for Choosing Lingerie

Comfort in Lingerie: Why It Matters First

True sensuality starts with comfort. If lingerie pinches, digs in, or rides up, it will distract you rather than empower you. Look for breathable fabrics with a touch of stretch, and prioritise adjustable straps or closures for a custom fit.

Lingerie Colours: How to Choose for Your Skin Tone and Mood

Start with what flatters your skin tone:

• Deeper skin tones: Jewel hues like emerald, ruby, and sapphire create striking contrast.
  
• Fair complexions: Soft pastels and blush tones highlight delicacy, while burgundy or deep green add drama.
  
• Olive and medium tones: Neutrals like champagne, ivory, and chocolate enhance warmth, while metallics bring a radiant glow.

Then choose the mood you want to set:

• Dark shades (black, plum, navy): Mystery and elegance.
  
• Bright tones (red, emerald, cobalt): Boldness and energy.
  
• Pastels (lilac, blush, cream): Romance and softness.

Playful Lingerie Styles for the Bedroom

Sometimes it’s about fun as much as fit. Add these bold choices for couple play and intimate confidence:

• Satin: Whispers luxury and indulgence, perfect for when you want to feel pampered.
  
  
• Lace: Evokes timeless romance and femininity with delicate detail
  
  
• Mesh: Adds a daring, edgy twist for a modern, playful vibe
  
  
• Fishnet stockings: Bring instant seduction and intrigue, ideal for layering or adding drama
  
  
• Wet-look fabrics: Channel confidence and power, making a bold statement
  
  
• Crotchless lingerie: A daring design that amps up seduction and spontaneity.
  
  
• Nipple pasties: Flirtatious accessories that tease, conceal, or surprise. Perfect for playful nights.

Fit Over Size: The Key to Flattering Lingerie

Sizes vary across brands, so don’t obsess over the number on the label. Focus instead on lingerie that fits your unique shape, enhances your natural lines, and makes you feel at ease in your own skin.

Confidence Is the Sexiest Lingerie

Remember, body shape is just a starting point, not a rule. Use these tips as inspiration, not limitations. Lingerie should feel like a love note to yourself. Something playful, powerful, or just a little bit of both. 

Whether you’re slipping into lace for a night of couple play, layering satin under your workwear for a secret confidence boost, or choosing a babydoll that makes you feel radiant in the bedroom, the right lingerie is the one that empowers you.

Ready to find your perfect fit? Explore our lingerie collection and discover pieces that bring only the best out of you!