Dear VienneMilano,
I'm getting ready for an upcoming boudoir photography session - can you tell me are stockings necessary for my shoot? Why do women incorporate hosiery to their session, and what type of stockings do you recommend?
Laura M.

So you've decided to give boudoir photography a shot, and you'd like to learn: are stocking necessary? 
 There’s no hard-set rule on whether or not you need to wear stockings for your photoshoot. However, you’re already spending so much time (and money) on preparing for the occasion; In some cases, you may have started shopping for an appropriate bra, panty, and shoes…so why not complete the look with the right pair of hosiery?


While pantyhose will make your legs look more polish, they aren't exactly comfortable. Instead, we highly recommend thigh highs for your session. Thigh highs are a type of hosiery that stays up on your leg as it features silicone strips.

Stockings (the kind that is made without a silicone strip) are also popular for boudoir photography. This type of hosiery is meant for garter belts - which are another fabulous accessory for your upcoming shoot.

What Is Boudoir Photography?

Before choosing the right stocking for boudoir photography, it’s important to understand what this photography niche is all about. Boudoir photography refers to an intimate, romantic, sensual, or erotic photographic style, in which the subjects’ photos are taken in a photographic studio, a private dressing room, or bedroom.

Boudoir photos are intended to provide romantic partners a source of private enjoyment. For this reason, boudoir photography is usually shot before the wedding day in preparation for the honeymoon stage.

Subjects wear their favorite sexy dress, heels, boots, and stockings. Anything sexy, flirty, and sensual is welcome in boudoir photography. Many single ladies consider boudoir photography to take advantage of the camera while they’re young and sexy, making photos a great souvenir they can always look at to reminisce their singlehood when they grow older.

Anyone who wants to express themselves in boudoir photography can hire an experienced photographer in this field. Anyone can take advantage of boudoir photography, allowing self-expression through this art.

There are many studios, such as Melissa Brielle Boudoir, offering boudoir photography. Just do your homework to ensure you’ll be in good hands when you engage in this photography style.

How to style stockings for a photoshoot?

By now, you've probably discussed with your photographer on the direction of your photoshoot session. For example: Will it be fun and playful? Sultry and erotic? Is the theme 1940's, or is it purely bridal? Either way, you may have an idea of the overall look, which is what you’ll need to keep in mind as you decide on the ideal pair of hosiery.

For A Bridal Theme Shoot

You've worked hard planning for your wedding, and now it’s time for some R&R and self-pampering. For a bridal themed session, we recommend:

• Floral lace top band
• Sheer stockings, go for something within the 15 - 20 denier range
• From the VienneMilano Collection: ISABELLA Ivory, PRISCILLA nude stockings (in all of it's variations), and LUANA stockings made for garter belt

For A Contemporary-Look

You're an independent woman who prefers a sleek and sexy look with a bit of an edge. For this style of photography, we recommend:

• Solid band
• Sheer, matte stockings, go for something within 15-55 denier rage
• Consider adding texture and patterns
• From the VienneMilano Collection: CLAUDIA Matte, ALESSIA Stripe fishnets or GIORGIA fishnets

For A Classic Lingerie Shoot

You're a romantic woman, and you're not afraid to show it. For your session, you're looking for a traditional look that will make him beg for more. Here's what we recommend:

• Either Lacey or floral band works
• Sheer stockings
• Fishnets
• Back-seam stockings
• From the VienneMilano Collection: ISABELLA black sheer, GIORGIA fishnets, and ALBA back-seam (in all of it's variations)

Be prepared for your photoshoot by bringing many outfits and accessories, including multiple pairs of stilettos, bras, underwear, and thigh highs. Ask your photographer if he or she carries VienneMilano Luxury Hosiery in stock. In some cases, your photographer may actually have a basket (or bathtub) full of VienneMilano thigh highs available at their studio.

Still can't decide which style to wear? Get a variety and try things out. Shop VienneMilano.com for thigh high stockings, and save $10 with voucher code ILOVEMYLEGS. You can also set up a time with our stylist. We'd be happy to recommend the right pair of stockings for your upcoming photo session.

Boudoir photography is a fabulous way to reveal your style and confidence, which also makes a fantastic birthday present, anniversary gift, Valentine’s day gift, or a wedding present. Have fun at and good luck!