Divas, we have been photographing women for 16 years. That means we have worked with SO many fabulous women of all varying beautiful body shapes and sizes, from size 6 to size 30. One thing we have learnt is that weight has absolutely nothing to do with confidence; some of the fiercest, boldest Divas we have ever met have been the largest women to come to the studio - and they absolutely rocked it.

But, saying that, we do know that size can impact how you see yourself. We have talked to so many beautiful plus-size women who feel that Boudoir is only for small women, and, even more than that, feel confidence is only for small women. They tell themselves the same thing, over and over again - “I am too big.” This just isn’t true Diva.

And we know that isn’t true because we have met countless plus-size Divas who have had their confidence totally transformed in our studio and in their photo experience - and that change wasn’t due to weight!!

However, we know it can feel harder to feel comfortable behind the camera, or to shop for lingerie (why do shops assume if you’re larger that you just want boring underwear?!) so here is a guide for you on how to feel fabulous in your Boudoir experience as a plus-size woman, complete with plus size Boudoir outfit inspiration and recommendations!

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Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT HIDE.

I know the temptation can be to cover yourself up under layers of fabric or babydolls and robes etc etc. Don’t get me wrong, they can and do look fabulous! However, hiding your shape can have the opposite desired effect and can be less flattering. I’m not saying don’t wear a babydoll, but don’t always feel that more fabric = more comfortable. Remember, you’re here to push yourself out of your comfort zone too. No more hiding!

Boudoir outfits for plus-size Divas: panelling and patterns look FABULOUS

I know plus-size Lingerie ranges can be a bit rubbish which is so frustrating, but when you choose outfits don’t drift towards plain lingerie. Think in terms of the photography - lace, cut-out details, sparkle… they all look fabulous in photos! This may sound stupid, but remember you’re in a photography studio. The light will always look fantastic on detail orientated outfits. They also tend to be more flattering too so avoid lingerie that is just a wall of fabric. Anything that directs the eye or will catch the light is a fantastic find so think straps, sequins, sparkles, lace, cut-out, pattern… You get the idea. Places like Savage Fenty and Playful Promises do great plus-size lingerie that is SO sexy.

As an add on, lingerie with structure can be SO flattering. Remember the theme of the day - no hiding, more standing out! So underwear with boning, underwire, panels etc can really give you that lift and highlight your gorgeous shape.

Say SOD IT and just let it go

Don’t be afraid of your size, and certainly do not be ashamed of any rolls or curves. I know it so much easier said than done, but confidence is EVERYTHING - and a lot of that will come out in how you hold yourself. The photography will be there to guide you through all the Boudoir poses, but remember we’re not trying to hide your shape or body. Stand tall in front of the camera. Shoulders back. Heads up. Don’t put your hands over your belly. If you’re standing proud, then that’s the energy the camera will capture!

And, let’s be honest, isn’t it so exhausting to have those negative voices constantly battering you? The voices telling you that you’re not enough, or too big, or not beautiful, or not sexy, or that your tummy is too big, or that you should lose weight…. Let them GO. Tell them to sod off.

Honestly I believe it when I say the studio has magic in the air. That may not feel possible now but wait till you get to the Boudoir studio… You’ll find going for it a lot easier than you may believe.

Use the Divine Divas VIP Group

Oh, we love the Divas Group ♥️ In our minds, it is the most supportive, powerful community you will find on Facebook with women ready to uplift and support you at the drop of the hat. Importantly, it is a group made of women of ALL sizes. So chances are, if you have a worry or an insecurity there is someone in that group who has felt the same way. So use the group! Post questions, voice how you’re feeling… The love you get back, from women who know how you feel, will make you feel so much better.

Listen to the daring voice inside… Bring out YOU

It feels like there is a vixen hiding in so many plus-size women who have been burying their fun, naughty, seductive, spontaneous, wears-what-the-hells-she-wants side for FAR too long. You know the voice I’m talking about, don’t you? The voice that gets a bit sad when you pick up a baggy top; the voice that asks you to stop hiding and start being noticed…

Diva, you have two looks in your Boudoir photoshoot so, hear me out, why not bring one look that is your safe bet and the other one can be something totally outrageous… The outfit you have always been dying to wear but told yourself that you never could. That’s the sweet spot.

And it doesn’t have to be lingerie either! Let the real you shine! Are you a gamer girl? A hiker? An arts and crafts expert? We’re bringing you to the surface, so if you’ve got an idea, whether it’s daring or frankly just a little weird, then TELL us. It’s what we live for!!

Trust in the Boudoir poses!

As we said, our Boudoir photographers have worked with hundreds and hundreds of women! We have flattering Boudoir poses for every size women, as well as poses for women with different health issues to navigate. We’ve got your back.

You don’t need to know how to pose during your photo shootB. That’s what we’re here for. We’ll tell you where to put your hand, what to do with your legs, where to look… Sometimes it might feel like a bit of a workout, and sometimes the pose might feel a little weird, but trust in the process. We know what we’re doing!

It’s worth mentioning as well, it’s not all down to knowledge and poses, our photographers are just incredible people too. They make you feel so at ease. It may feel near impossible now, but once you’re in the Boudoir studio with them you won’t even be thinking about the fact you’re in your knickers in front of a near stranger!

Do not go on a killer workout regime for your experience

You do not need to starve yourself and hit the gym before your Boudoir experience - it defeats the point of WHY you book a Boudoir experience. Losing a few pounds will not make any difference! Heck, losing stones won’t make you feel better unless the confidence boost comes from within.

I have never talked to a Diva who lost weight and found her stride in the fitness world because she was punishing herself. You’re never going to stick at something if you’re doing it out of feeling bad about yourself. You stick at things when you enjoy it, when it’s coming from a place of joy.

I have met far more women who have found a healthy relationship with exercise and food AFTER they have embraced their weight.

So, with that in mind, just know that you will feel amazing NO matter what size. It doesn’t matter if you put on weight before you come in even!!

In fact, it’s more important that you eat well and stay hydrated before you come in. It can be a bit of a workout so you need the nourishment!

Jackets, robes, jewellery, props etc…

It looks amazing when you get inventive for your special moment, and we do understand that you may feel more confident if you start off in an outfit that feels familiar. We want to go with what feels happy for you.

So, things like leather jackets, robes, denim jackets… They all look amazing and it’s a great way to bring out more of your personality too. Plus, remember you get two looks so you can always do a jacket for one look and lingerie for another!

Same applies to jewellery and props. Any thing you can bring that tells your story will always make you shine.

What’s our top plus-size Boudoir tip? Remember that the goal of Boudoir isn’t to make you thinner or younger - it’s to make you feel incredible in who you are

The job of Boudoir isn’t to make you look smaller or younger. Your body is your body; ‘imperfections’ and all. Our job is to help you embrace ALL of who you are; to feel powerful taking up space - no matter your size.

Because the truth is, we put on weight, and we lose it, and sometimes we put it on again. We get scars. We get spots. We bulge and fat spills out our jeans and we get rolls on our back and we get cellulite on our bums. Our boobs sag, we get stretch marks on our tummies and, one day, we turn around and there’s grey in our hair. We wrinkle and we change, and we change, and we change, and we change, and we change.

And isn’t that fabulous?

It’s what bodies do. That’s what being a human is. That’s what it is to live a life in a body - and a full life in that. A life where we have the gift of growing old; of giving life; of touching and holding and drinking and eating.

We waste so much energy swimming against the tide, racing the clock and holding ourselves up to an impossible vision of what a woman is. The truth is, I have seen HUNDREDS of woman naked, and 99% of them had cellulite on their bum, and 99% had a tummy that stuck out a bit. That’s not because they’re unhealthy or not looking after themselves. That’s just what a lot of women look like.

Yes, you may be a lot larger than other women. You might have a stomach that sticks out a lot and arms that jiggle. So what?!

Don’t feel you need to hide.

You’re a large women. Fabulous.

Does a big stomach make you less beautiful to those who love you? Should big arms make you less beautiful to yourself? Absolutely not.

Your body might change. You might lose weight. But are you going to tell yourself that you can’t be happy in yourself until then?

No!!

So, just know that this might feel absolutely terrifying but you are not the first plus-size women to walk through our doors and you won’t be the last. You may not have the confidence now, but that’s why you’re doing it! So take a leap of faith and get ready to feel like the gorgeous, sexy, confident plus-size Diva that you are, and always have been.

Feeling inspired and a little curious as to how a Boudoir Experience with us works now? Read this!

Plus Size Boudoir Shoots: Here’s What You Need To Know