Lingerie Dictionary
List and definitions of lingerie goodies.
Bra - less commonly know as brassiere, these are the boob holders. They provide lift and support. Different types are listed below:
Adhesive Bra - adheres directly to the skin with no straps. Made for strapless/backless dresses.
Balconette - aka shelf bra. As the name suggests it lifts your breasts like a shelf enhancing the appearance, shape, and cleavage, making it a more revealing choice.
Bralette - a simple, usually triangular shaped bra. It offers little to no support, making it more suitable for smaller busts.
Contour - also referred to as molded cup. These are seamless bras that maintain shape even when they are not being worn. Usually used in t-shirt bras to create that seamless look under a fitted garment.
Convertible - bra with different strap options. Typical arrangements accommodate for strapless, racer-back, halter, and low back tops/dresses.
Demi Bra - sometimes used interchangeably with the balconette. They both provide the same purpose, lift and cleavage. The demi shape has more of a tilt to form the cleavage. The balconette has more of a shelf look.
Full cup - designed to provide maximum coverage and support.
Long-line - a bra that extends to the waist providing additional support.
Maternity - bra with soft and flexible fabric, sometimes adjustable to change with the body during pregnancy. Sometimes known as a nursing bra, but it does not have removable panels for breast feeding.
Nursing - similar to the maternity bra, with the exception of having removal panels to facilitate breastfeeding.
Plunge - allows for lower and more cleavage to show.
Push up - as the name suggests, this bra "pushes" the breast to increase the appearance of cleavage. They are usually demi bras with extra padding.
Strapless - bra with no straps for additional support. Since all of the support is coming from the band, it comes with an extra wide band.
T-Shirt – also see contoured bra – contoured bra with no visible seams, constructions, or designs. Has very little padding. It is made for t-shirts and other garments with light fabrics.
Underwire – bra with boning under the breast tissue to provide additional support.
Babydoll- shorter style sleepwear or negligee. Has thin straps, empire waist, and loose fitting.
Bodysuit - leotard-like undergarment, usually tight and formfitting. Many designers construct them to be used also as outerwear.
Camisole - undergarment with thin straps and made of light material.
Chemise - similar to a babydoll, except it is more form fitted. Made for sleeping/lounging.
Corset - a bodice made to shape and mold the torso. Most are made of steel or steel spring boning.
Garter/Garter belt/Suspender belt - all serve the same purpose - hold up stockings. Garter/Suspender belt is usually worn around the natural waist (or a little lower) with hanging straps to keep stockings from falling. In addition to garter/suspender belts, garters are usually attached to panties, corsets, or busters to provide same support.
Hosiery - see stockings
Negligee - dressing gown, usually floor length, but can also be shorter.
Nightshirt - sleeping garment that resembles a t-shirt but longer and made of softer material.
Panties - aka knickers, underwear that comes in different styles and cuts.
Bikini - panty with full coverage in the back, higher cut in the front. Attached with strings.
Boyshort - panty that look like shorts (namely, male shorts).
Cheekies - basic shape like a boyshort, except it shows more of the bouttocks.
Thong - type of panty with less coverage in the front and no coverage in the back. The band attaching the front and back are usually thin or a string (g-string).
Peignoir - long outer garment for women typically in sheer fabric.
Robe - garment worn to cover the body, Can come in long, short, or mid lengths.
Shapewear - undergarment meant to temporarily alter ones shape by smoothing or "controlling".
Slip - garment worn under clothes, typically under sheer clothing or to prevent undergarments from showing through.
Stockings - aka hosiery, undergarment made to cover the legs.
Tap pants - a type of shorts (longer and looser than boyshorts) typically made of lace, silk, or satin.
Teddy - undergarment that is in the shape of a one piece bathing suit, usually sleeveless.
Thigh highs - undergarments made for the legs, that reach the thighs.
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