GLOSSARY OF LINGERIE TERMS

A garment that is loose fitting with formed cups and usually falls between the belly button and hips. It is common for the babydoll to be made of a sheer fabric and trimmed in lace, ruffles, sequin and/or bows.

A stitched seam that goes down the back side of stockings.

 A strapless garment, usually made of a tight fitting material to provide support to the breast.

A bodystocking is a form fitted garment that covers your entire body, usually from the neck area to your ankles or feet. Bodystockings are similar to a leotard and can be worn under clothing.  Most often they are sheer,  made of nylon, lace or a form of netting (fish/fence) and are can be very provocative in nature with an open bust and/or open crotch.

The hard, rigid support that is sewn into a corset or bustier that provides the form fitted look of the torso.  Originally made from bone, they are now more commonly made from steel or plastic.

A thick, decorative fabric often with a raised design and gold or silver threads.

Are the two long, rigid pieces of steel that are commonly seen at the opening of a corset.  One piece of steel has a loop and the other has a post.  The are create the closure of the corset when hooked to together, similar to a hook/eye closure.

A fabric that alternates between a sheer and solid design, usually in some form of velvet.

A bustier is similar to a corset with boning and a fitted look,  however the bustier has built in cups which "push up" the bust and shows off cleavage.    In many cases you can purchase a set which includes removable and/or adjustable shoulder straps and garter straps as well a matching thong or g-strings.  Most commonly made of stretch lace or satin the bustier can also be worn as sexy outerwear with a pair of jeans or dress slacks and a blazer.

A camisole, also known as a cami, is a short fitted top around the bust which usually offers little support and ends around the waistline.   It is commonly available in many different fabrics including, lace, mesh, satin, leather and vinyl.

Charmeuse is a light weight woven fabric with a satin like finish.   It is lighter and and softer than satin and can be made of silk, which is more expensive and delicate or is available in a polyester which is less expensive and can withstand the machine washing.

A chemise is similar to a babydoll, however it is slightly longer and usually more fitted around the waist and hips.  There is generally little support around the bust and is commonly available in a garter style.  The chemise is available in many different fabrics including, lace, mesh, fishnet, charmeuse and satin.

A sheer, lightweight, woven fabric which resembles a fine mesh.

A corset is structured with boning and cinches the waist while lifting and emphasizing the breasts.  It is available in many different fabrics including satin and leather and is commonly strapless.

An opening or slit in the fabric of the crotch area of an undergarment.

Considered an exotic piece of lingerie, a cupless lingerie garment is one that shows off the bust area of an outfit with no fabric and offers little to no support. Cupless lingerie is available in many different styles, including teddies, corsets, bustiers and babydolls.

A style of bra that is generally padded and offers a bit more coverage than the "shelf bra" -  with about 1" of fabric above the nipple.  Most "push up" style bras are also demi cup and are excellent for a low neck lines.

Embroidery is a very common decorative embellishment among lingerie garments and can be quite exquisite on depending on the manufacturer.  It is possible to see silver or gold threads embroidered by hand or machine, into the lace of a babydoll as well as multi-colored floral patterns on bustiers.

Eyelash lace, is a delicate lace that is usually hand cut and gives a unique, elegant look.   The lace is cut into small strands and creates the appearance of eyelashes.

Faux is another word for fake or imitation.  It is common to see faux fur, faux leather, or faux pearls in lingerie.

A knit hosiery fabric named for its small diamond shapes.  Most often seen in stockings or bodystockings fishnet is available in many different colors.

Similar to a fishnet with a larger open diamond pattern shape.

Stretchy straps with attached clasps commonly used to hold up stockings.  Garters are often attached to the main garment, such as a garter belt or bustier and provide an extra sex appeal.  Depending on the garment, the garters can be adjustable and/or removable.

A skirt with garter attached to hold up stockings.   Depending on the garment, the garters may be adjustable and/or removable.

A long garment that usually extends to the ankles or ground.  Available in many fabrics, the lace gown can be worn in the bedroom or a microfiber gown could be worn out on the town.

A skimpier version of the thong, the g-string usually has an elastic band in the back around the waist resulting in little to no panty lines.

A garment that wraps around the neck for support.

The hook/eye is used to fasten a garment and is commonly used in multiple rows to close a bra, corset or bustier.  The hook is a small piece of metal that is fastened into the loop of the eye to close up a garment.

Hot shorts, also known as booty shorts are very short shorts with approximately a 2" inseam which usually allows part of the buttocks to show.  They are a generally made of lace, nylon or spandex and tend to be tight fitting.

A fabric which appears to change colors as the angle of view changes.   Iridescent fabrics may also give the illusion of sparkle.

A fabric woven into an intricate pattern and commonly seen in bustiers and corsets.

Delicate fabric which is woven with open holes and is usually sheer.  Often seen in babydolls, lace is available in many different colors.

Garment which laces up to adjust the size and fit.   Commonly seen in bustiers and corsets which can lace up in the front, back or side.

A loosely woven fabric with small equally spaced holes similar to a net.

A very fine synthetic thread that is woven into a washable, wrinkle resistant fabric.

A hemline that is above the knee and no more than 4 inches below the buttocks.

Also known as a cupless garment, an open bust garment leaves the bust area open with little to no support for the breasts.

A garment that has slits or openings in the top or crotch which allow the skin to "peek" through from below.

A very loose fitting outer garment that opens in the front and resembles a robe or gown.  A contemporary pegnoir is commonly made of a chiffon or sheer fabric set typically available in a matching set with a babydoll or gown, and a panty.

Stretchy straps with attached clasps which can be removed from the main garment such as bustier or chemise.

A shiny fabric woven in a satin weave which produces a gloss shine front and dull back. The best Satin is derived from silk, however satin lingerie is commonly made from polyester or rayon which is more affordable.

A garment made with no seams.  Typically seen in a bodystocking, pantyhose or stockings.

Small, shiny pieces of plastic that are sewn or glued onto fabric as decoration and to reflect light.

A fabric that is thin enough to see the bare skin beneath. Commonly seen in babydolls and teddies, some fabrics may be more see through than others.

A bra cup which has a little more support under the breast than a cupless bra to provide lift, but leaves the nipple exposed.

Also known as a "Peek a Boo" garment, a slit cup garment has openings in the top which allow the breast or nipple to be seen through the slit.

A garment that opens or closes with snaps in the crotch area which allows for access to the area.

Also known as hosiery and commonly made from a knitted fabric, stockings are a garment that cover the legs and feet.

A garment that has no straps including bandeau style tops.

The look or appearance of a fabric woven into an intricate design.

A one piece garment typically made from lace with a thong or g-string back.

A one piece garment with garters to hold up stockings. Garters are typcially attached however may be removable on some garments.

Similiar to the G-String, a thong usually has an elastic band in the back around the waist with a bit more fabric at the top of the buttocks.

A garment that fits under the bust and down past the waist, usually seen in a corset or bustier.

 

A woven fabric with with evenely distributed soft cut thread and a short dense pile.