Lingerie Lingo - Lingerie is a term for women's fashion undergarments. It derives from the French word 'lin' for linen. The French Language applies the term lingerie to all undergarments for either sex. In English it is applied only to those women's undergarments designed to be visually appealing or erotic, typically incorporating materials such as Lycra, nylon, polyester, satin, lace and/or silk.
The concept of lingerie being visually appealing is relatively recent. The lingerie industry has expanded in the 21st century with designs that double as outerwear. The French refer to this as 'dessous-dessus' which basically means inner-wear as outerwear.
Listed below are familiar and some not so familiar terms associated with the lingerie industry. Read, learn and enjoy!
Baby Doll - A baby doll outfit is a two piece set which has a loose fitting top ,usually consisting of formed cups, that is designed to end between the belly button or just around below your hips. The term baby doll is used because the nightware was designed to resemble that of a young girl's night gown, although modern versions only vaguely follow this definition. Baby doll sets come in a wide variety of fabrics and styles. This outfit is flattering to just about all body types.
Basque - A Basque is a tight, form fitting bodice that typically extends past the waistline over the hips. Often people refer to it as a long corset or jacket.
Bikini - Bikini bottoms are used for underwear and swim wear. They provide full coverage of your bottom and have thin straps on each side. You can find them in wide variety of fabrics and they vary in style as well.
Boa - A Boa is a long scarf made of feathers or colored feathers used as an accessory (or stand alone) to outfits.
Bodystocking(s) - A Bodystocking is a piece of lingerie like a unitard or leotard, sometimes called a cat suit. The term bodystocking gets used often when the item is worn in cold weather as a means to stay warm. Typically it has long legs and long sleeves, but it may have long, short, or no sleeves. The fabrics one sees typically for these are sheer similar to those used for tights and stockings or from fishnet material. Many people consider bodystockings to be erotic garments.
Bodysuit - A Bodysuit is similar to a bodystocking; however, the material tends to be heavier like leather or vinyl. The bodysuit usually is skin tight or form fitting. It may or may not have snaps at the crotch.
Boning - Boning is a type of rigid supports sewn vertically into a bustier or corset to help maintain the shapely look of the torso. Originally made from bone, hence the nam. Today the material tends to be made of plastic.
Boy Shorts - Boy shorts or boy short panties are a type of lingerie that has coverage all the way down the hips. Popularity in this type of lingerie is increasing and they are named for their similarity in looks to men's shorts. Boy shorts typically cover most of the bottom, but not always. Some styles come with thong back shorts. These panties are comfortable and do not tend to ride up. They look great with a camisole. Put yourself in a set and lounge away! Fabric choices are widely available.
Bridal Set - A Bridal Set covers a wide variety of lingerie items. Typically it consists of a bra, camisole top or a corset. Matching panties will be included as well and usually a garter belt and stockings. The fabric selections range from silk to satin (of course!) and you can have the elegant bride with full coverage or the more bodacious bride with minimal coverage. It's your choice!
Briefs - Briefs are probably the best known and most worn type of panties out there. You probably have a pair in your underwear draw (lingerie draw!). The brief tends to give fairly full coverage of the bottom and the waistband sits at or near the waistline. Not very sexy, but pretty darn comfortable. Many designs are fairly attractive these days.
Bustier - Bustiers are similar to a Basque, but shorter. They are formfitting lingerie for the upper body. One can think of a bustier as a hybrid between a bra and a corset. It provides support through the bust while extending down the torso. A bustier's primary purpose is to push up the bust by tightening against the upper midriff and forcing the breasts to move up while gently shaping the waist. This produces a waist slimming effect and accentuates the bust line. Talk about sexy and added sex appeal!
Today bustiers are used for inner-wear and outerwear. You can use it as a push-up bra for inner-wear or as a camisole as outerwear when you want to go clubbing or to a dinner party. These garments are usually made with mesh panels vs actual boning.
Camisole - A Camisole or Cami's is a woman's undergarment that covers the top part of the body. It is sleeveless, tight fitting, and offers little support for the breasts. A camisole is sometimes worn cropped allowing the midriff to be exposed. Camisoles are made from satin or silk, Lyra, nylon, etc..
A camisole can be worn over a bra or without one. Some camisoles come with a built-in under-wire bra which eliminate the need for a bra. Camisoles are now often worn as outerwear.
Chemise - A Chemise is a short, delicate a-line sleeveless gown that fits loosely at the waist. The chemise is similar to the baby doll, however, it is a bit longer and has a straighter cut through the hip area. Many times a chemise comes with a matching panty. Patterns range from modest to extremely revealing and the fabric choices vary. This is one item everyone should have in their inventory! A Chemise is also considered a mini dress and is often times worn as outer-wear by the hip, young generation. If you're not daring enough to wear it "out" at least have one or more chemise for enjoying in the bedroom and lounging.
Corset - A corset is a bodice type garment worn to mold and shape the torso by cinching the waist and supporting the breasts. A corset typically has some sort of boning or ribs within it. Lacing in the back allows the corset to be adjusted for comfort. Very dramatic and curvy effects can be had by wearing one of these.
A corset makes a splash as outerwear and are perfect for clubbing, a night out on the town, or even when you attend a fancy dinner party.
French Maid Lingerie - This is a popular type of lingerie worn that is considered to be adult sexy costumes, role playing or fantasyware. The name basically describes the outfit and it comes in a variety of styles for adult playtime.
Garter Belt - A Garter Belt is used to keep stockings up and is made of fabric that wraps around your waist with four straps (two in front and two in back) . These straps, called garters, attach to the top of the stockings holding them up. Sometimes you will see garters attached to the lower edge of a corset or camisole top.
G-String - A G-String is a narrow piece of cloth that passes between the buttocks, and is attached to a band around the hips forming a T. This type of lingerie offers you very little coverage. Although designers are now coming up with a hybrid between a thong and a g-string.
Panty - Known as women's underpants. This is a generalized term used to cover many styles and types panties.
Pantyhose - We are all familiar with pantyhose. It is something ladies have been wearing since the 1950's. From the time of it's invention it has remained one of the most popular types of lingerie and most common alternative to having bare legs. Unlike stockings, pantyhose come with an upper-section, or girdle, that wraps around the midsection, eliminating the need for garters. Pantyhose come in a variety of sizes and is also available in many different styles including fishnet, crotchless just to name a few.
Robes - A robe is a loose fitting coverup. Every wardrobe should have at least one sexy robe in their closet for lounging in.
Stockings - Stockings are a tight-fitting lingerie item providing coverage from the foot to the thigh. Also known as thigh high stockings accentuate a women's legs. The majority of stockings are made from nylon or even a fishnet material. Stockings often have more detail than pantyhose and are considered far more sexier. They are easier to put on and take off since they do not go past the thighs. Stockings with garters are very popular as sexy lingerie and are commonplace for weddings as bridal lingerie.
Tanga - A type of thong that has more coverage of the front and rear.
Teddy - A Teddy is an all in one piece of lingerie. There are two main types of teddies available today - teddies designed as practical clothing and those teddies that provide for an alluring, seductive look. These pieces of lingerie can be matched with a camisole and panty. Piece a teddy along with some pajamas and lounge with a silky robe.
Teddiette - A Teddiette is a teddy with attached garters.
Thong - A Thong is a type of panty that offers minimal coverage in the front and has thin sides that come to a T shape in the rear. The T shape gives you very little coverage on the rear. Thongs are often worn for tight or close fitting clothing in order to avoid the appearance of panty lines.
some definitions taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
