Lingerie Glossary: Essential Terms and Definitions

When it comes to lingerie, understanding the right terms can make all the difference in finding pieces that fit well, feel comfortable, and complement your style. Whether you’re shopping for everyday essentials or something special, knowing the language of lingerie can help you make informed choices. In this guide, we break down the most important lingerie terms, so you can shop with confidence and appreciate the artistry behind every delicate detail.

BABYDOLL

A babydoll is a diminutive short gown, with or without matching bottoms, often made of sheer fabric with an empire waist and an A-line cut.

BACK SEAMS

Stockings with a seam running up the back of the leg for a more old-fashioned, and more seductive, look.

BIKINI

A panty whose waistband rests below the navel and on the hips. Usually has a high-cut leg line. The sides can vary from a string to a thicker side panel. Back coverage depends on the style of the bikini.

BODYSTOCKING, OR CATSUIT

A full, body hugging one-piece outfit made of stretch material which may be sheer, lace, fishnet or opaque. Wear a catsuit with a skirt, shorts, or rock it on its own for an edgy and alluring look. 

BODYSUIT

A bodysuit is a one-piece top and bottom garment, usually with a snap crotch, that is similar to a leotard.

BONING

Rigid plastic strips sewn in shapewear to give structure, support and body contouring. It is usually vertical for tummy and waist support.

BRALETTE

A bralette is a bra-like top that lacks the usual supportive features (such as underwire) of a real bra. Best for the smaller-chested—or paired with a boy brief for bed.

BRAZILIAN BACK

A panty style that covers more of the cheeks than a thong, but less that a traditional full-back panty. Think of a Brazilian-style bikini revealing bronzed beach buns for a good idea of the cut.

BRIEF

A brief is a panty whose waistband rests at or just below the navel, provides full back coverage and may have a high-cut leg.

BUSTIER

A bustier is a close-fitting garment extending from the bust to the waist, worn to support and sustain the shape. It is often stiffened with boning and, depending on the fabric, can be worn as an undergarment or outerwear. 

CAMISOLE

A sleeveless lingerie top that is fitted over the bust and ends at the waistline. They usually lack breast support although some modern styles now incorporate a shelf-bra. "Camis" can be combined with tap pants or shorts as loungewear, worn as an undershirt or exposed as outerwear.

CHANTILLY LACE

Delicate lace made from an open, six-sided mesh background with floral designs. Chantilly lace is known for its fine ground, outlined pattern, and abundant detail. 

CHEMISE

The name given to the first undergarment ever worn by women. Originally designed to protect the skin from rough garments, it was later used for sleepwear. Chemises are especially popular as gifts since they are easy to fit and flattering to most figures. It is a loose-hanging short slip that has no waistline still worn for bedtime or as a lining under clothes. Nowadays, this item has come out of hiding and is often worn as an evening or summer dress—or over pants for a fashion-forward look.

CONTOUR BRA

A bra designed to give a shapely silhouette with lightly padded, fiberfill cups to add definition, give a smooth shape and eliminate any visible traces of nipples. Great under t-shirts.

CONTROL BRIEF

A panty shaped like a brief but designed to flatten the tummy and give support while providing a smooth silhouette. Some have an additional panel in the back to give a little lift to the derriere.

CONVERTIBLE

A bra that can be worn in six different configurations: conventional, halter, one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, criss-crossed and strapless. Good for all occasions.

CORSET

A corset is a snug-fitting undergarment, usually stiffened with boning, that extends from the bust to below the hips, defining and maintaining a curvaceous shape. An essential element to wear under a wedding or evening gown—the celebs' red carpet secret for the perfect hourglass figure!

DEMI CUPS OR BALCONET

A demi-cup bra features half-coverage cups that enhance cleavage with a lower cut, making it perfect for low-cut tops while providing a natural lift. A balconette bra has wide-set straps and a horizontal cup shape, offering a rounded, lifted look with a bit more coverage than a demi-cup, ideal for open-neckline outfits.

EMBROIDERY

Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric with intricate stitched designs, often using threads, beads, or sequins to add texture and elegance. In lingerie, embroidered details create a delicate, luxurious look, enhancing the beauty and sophistication of bras, panties, and nightwear.

FISHNET

An open mesh fabric that looks like netting and is often used to make stockings—fishnet is known for its sex appeal.

FRENCH CUT

Also known as a high-cut brief. Ooh la la.

BRIDAL GARTER

Refers to the strap hanging from a garter belt, corset or bustier to support stockings, and an elastic leg band that is worn by brides on their wedding day.

GARTER BELT

A garter belt is a garment made of cloth or lace that snuggly sits upon or wraps around the waist and hips which holds stockings up with its attached garter extensions. For the full seduction ensemble.

LINGERIE GOWN

A loose, dress-like garment with a hemline ranging from mid-calf to floor length. Lingerie gowns are used for sleepwear or worn out as an evening dress.

G-STRING

Designed to prevent the dreaded panty lines, g-string panty has no back coverage—the sides and back are made of thin strips of fabric.

GUSSET

The triangle or rectangle-shaped lining often made of cotton in the crotch area of a panty. Open gusset lingerie is designed with a sensual, discreetly open construction that enhances both comfort and allure. Crafted with delicate lace or sheer fabrics, it offers a seamless blend of sophistication and seduction, perfect for intimate moments.

KIMONO

A Japanese-inspired robe that is typically loose, has wide sleeves, wraps in the front and is held closed by a sash. Traditionally floor length, kimono robes come in shorter styles.

SHEER MESH LINGERIE

Sheer mesh lingerie features see-through, airy fabric that elegantly drapes over the skin, creating a tantalizing balance of allure and sophistication. Its delicate transparency enhances the natural silhouette, offering a modern yet timeless expression of sensuality for see-through lingerie options.

NEGLIGEE

A negligee is a flowing, lightweight nightdress that exudes romance and elegance, often crafted from silk, lace, or sheer fabrics. Designed to drape beautifully over the body, it embodies effortless sensuality and timeless sophistication.

PLUS SIZE LINGERIE 

Plus size lingerie is designed to embrace and celebrate fuller curves, offering a perfect balance of comfort, support, and sensuality. With a wide range of flattering styles, luxurious fabrics, and intricate details, it ensures every woman feels confident, beautiful, and empowered.

ROBE

Lingerie robes are luxurious, flowing garments that wrap the body in soft, sensual fabrics like satin or lace, creating an effortlessly elegant silhouette. 

SATIN LINGERIE

A shiny woven fabric made from silk or rayon with a glossy finish and dull backing. Satin lingerie is a smooth, lustrous fabric that glides over the skin, creating a luxurious, sensual feel. Its reflective surface and soft texture evoke a sense of indulgence and timeless elegance, perfect for those seeking both comfort and sophistication in their intimate wear.

SEAMLESS

Seamless lingerie is crafted without visible seams, offering a smooth, invisible fit under clothing for a sleek and comfortable look. Its minimalist design ensures a flattering, second-skin feel, making it an ideal choice for a flawless, uninterrupted silhouette.

SOFT CUP BRA

A bra without underwires or structured cups that gives light support. A soft cup bra offers gentle support without the structure of underwires, providing a natural, comfortable fit. Its lightweight, flexible design ensures all-day comfort while maintaining a smooth, seamless look under clothing.

STOCKINGS

Nylon or silk leggings that reach mid-thigh and have traditionally been held up with garters before pantyhose were invented. Today, stockings and garters are worn to tempt, seduce and enhance fantasy play.

STRAPLESS

Strapless bras are designed to provide secure support without shoulder straps, featuring a sturdy band and often reinforced cups. Perfect for off-shoulder or sleeveless outfits, they offer a smooth, seamless look while ensuring confidence and comfort.

TEDDY

Women’s teddies are a one-piece, form-fitting lingerie garment that combines elegance and sensuality, often crafted from lace, satin, or mesh. With its flattering design that hugs the body’s curves, it offers a daring yet sophisticated look to any intimate wardrobe.

THONG

A panty style that leaves the buttocks exposed in order to prevent visible panty lines. Advantages of wearing a thong are no unsightly panty lines showing under clothing, no uncomfortable wedgies or bunching of material caused by friction between outerwear and underwear as you move and a longer leg look. Thongs take a little getting used to—like wearing a new ring on your finger—but once mastered, the wearer may never want to wear anything else.