Lingerie Glossary:
Adhesive Bra
Otherwise called stick on bra. These are strapless and can be worn with backless dresses. The cups have adhesive on the inside to stick onto the breasts.
Applique bra
Made of sheer fabric the bra has embroidered appliqués stitched together to the bra cups. comes under bralette and cami bras.
Babydoll
It is made up of sheer fabric. Mostly has emperor waist line. It’s a revealing under garment.
Back Seam
A delicate knitted vertical seam that runs from the top of your hosiery down to the toe.
Balconette bra
Covers ½ or 2/3 rd of the breasts. has wide neckline which is parallel to the bra band unlike demi bra. strap positioned wide apart
Bandeau bras
It is a slip on type bra with thick band at both ends. Made of knitted fabric for better elasticity. These bras have no straps or cups. sometimes comes with pads.
Basques
A form fitting bodice extending to the waist and hips and has suspenders.
Boy leg short
These are shorts meant to be worn as an innerwear. It can be worn with formal trousers as the panty lines won’t be visible like normal panties.
Bralette
These are more of stylish bras rather than functional ones. Made up of lace bralettes are sexy and comfortable.
Brief
It is a full coverage panty. The waistlines start just below the navel with broad side wings covering the entire butt.
Bustier
It is a bra extended to cover the waist. It gives a pushup effect as it cinches the waist.
Camisole and Tap pants
It is a set of camisole and shorts embellished with frills and lace. It can be worn as sleepwear not loungewear. It’s made of satin or lace.
Camisole
It is basically a slip and can be worn as an innerwear. It smooth out the silhouette and also as a top depending on the fabric it is made of.
Contour bra
It has cups with padding of equal thickness. This gives natural shape and some lift without making the breasts look bigger.
Corset
Corset is the hardcore version of bustier. It is worn to train the waist to stay small. A traditional corset is very difficult to wear as it has metal or shark bone inserts for creating frame.
Crinoline
It is a structured petticoat. Horse hair and cotton is used to make a crinoline fabric. Victorian period was largely dominated by full skirts. A crinoline was used to hold out the skirt to look puffier all around, especially at the back.
Cupless or Frame bra
As the name suggests this bra has no cups but only a frame to hold the breasts. Usually worn with nipple pasties or over another bra to add extra support as well as for style statement.
Demi-cup
Demi is a French word meaning half. A demi cup is half cup which means it covers only half of the breasts. Demi cup is just a regular angled cup but gives only half coverage. Has slanting neckline.
Fencenet
Hosiery (Panty hose or stocking)comes with diamond knit with big gap like a fence.
Fish net
The hosiery features a tiny diamond shape knit and looks like a fish net.
Frame knickers or overt knickers
Just like cupless bras frame knickers has only the knickers frame minus fabric. Sometimes lace overlaid. Mainly used as sexy lingerie.
Garter
It is an elasticated band with embellishments worn to hold up the stocking in position. But it is not in usage anymore apart from bridal wedding ceremonies.
Garter belt
Otherwise called suspender belt. It comes with a panty or bustier which helps to hold the stockings up.
Harness
Cheeky fantasy undergarment with a set of straps and strap adjusters with no fabric.
Keyhole Bra
Has a cutout in the design usually at the apex revealing cleavage. it is one of the sexiest bras.
Midi slip
Midi is a mid length slip usually below knee level. Sometimes worn as nightwear or jumper suit over a tee or top.
Minimizer Bra
Is designed to flatten the projected breasts. It evenly distributes the breast tissue. This bra is able to make your breasts appear smaller.
Panty hose
Is a delicate knitwear legging made with synthetic fabric like nylon. It starts from toes and ends at the waist covering the whole leg. It is appropriate to wear with formal skirts as it gives a fine and polished look.
Pajama Set
Usually a top and bottom set which includes a tee and full length pants made of the same fabric. It can be worn as lounge and sleepwear.
Peignoir
French women’s evening gown in olden days. Pronounced as “peinwa”. Nowadays negligee, chemise, babydoll come under this category.
Petite
Petite cup sizes range from A to C. However it doesn’t refer to the height of the person but only the cup size
Plunge bras
It has deep V neckline and gives a sexy look as the neckline cuts deep in the apex. Suitable for deep neck apparels.
Push up bra
Always comes with padding and extra wedge of foam at the bottom of the cups. It brings the breasts up and together to create ample cleavage.
Shelf bra
It comes with underwire with less or no fabric. It gives good support but offers no coverage. It is worn as sexy bra.
Stay-up stockings
These are thigh-high stockings but don’t need suspenders to stay up. It has silicon liner at the edge which makes the stockings stay in place.
Soft Bras
This bra has no underwires. Made of soft fabric. It is a slip on type bra. It can be worn during sleep, yoga and post surgery. It can be worn to add a layer on top of everyday bras.
Spacer Bra
Is made up of light weight fabric. Spacer bra foam is knitted to create foamy air pockets that allow air to pass through the cup.
Stockings
Usually starts from toes to cover the leg till thighs. Unlike stay-up leggings, stocking need suspenders to stay up. However, not all stockings need suspenders, most modern stockings have elasticized waist.
Super push-up bras
Adds volume upto 2 cup sizes and create ample cleavage for voluptuous look.
Teddy
It is another version of bodysuit. A teddy is mostly strapless. It is the lingerie version of the swimsuit. It is a one piece lingerie that covers the waist from bust to crotch.
Tights
Thicker than pantyhose and worn to add layer and warmth. Sometimes worn as a fashion statement.
Underwire
Is a semi-circular metal wire is inserted at the bottom of the bra cups to give more support and shape.
Waspie
It is a modern version of corset. Also called as waist cincher. It can be worn over apparel as a fashion statement.