Lingerie Glossary : Lingerie Descriptions

Learn About Types of Lingerie

Pampered Passions' Lingerie Glossary has attempted to provide simple definitions, examples and explanations to assist those interested in learning more about lingerie and types of lingerie. We hope you find our lingerie glossary helpful.

Babydolls

Body Stockings - Bodystockings

Traditionally, the bodystocking is a type of leotard, which covers the entire torso from neck to crotch. Today's bodystocking is designed to be an alluring full coverage intimate made of sheer, mesh or fishnet fabric. Bodystocking styles vary and may or may not cover the arms, feet or crotch.
Shop Bodystockings.

Bodysuits

The bodysuit is a form of leotard that snaps at the crotch. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with bodystocking, however, is differentiated by its shorter length, which typically does not include full leg coverage like the bodystocking.
Shop Bodyuits.

Boyshorts

Women's boyshorts are named so because they resemble men's briefs and traverse down the leg further than traditional women's panties or briefs.
Shop Boyshorts.

Bra - Brassiere

The bra, abbreviated from brassiere, is a foundation garment to support the breasts. Bras come in a variety of styles to meet the needs of various levels of support and/or fashion needs. The most common types of bras include adhesive bra (such as NuBra), balconnette bra, convertible bra, demi cup bra, full cup bra, minimizer bra, molded bra, nursing / maternity bra, plunge bra, push-up bra, racer back bra, seamless / t-shirt bra, shelf bra, sports bra, soft cup bra, strapless bra,
Shop Bras.

Bridal Lingerie

Women's bridal lingerie is a collection of lingerie including bridal foundations such as bridal corsets and bridal bras. Bridal lingerie often includes styles such as bridal garters and garterbelts as well as other bridal foundations and accessories for the bride. Many websites interchange the meaning of bridal lingerie with wedding lingerie. Bridal lingerie is worn beneath the bridal gown, whereas, wedding lingerie includes a broader range of lingerie, typically white or light blue, for the wedding night and honeymoon. Shop Bridal Lingerie.

Bustier

The lingerie bustier is a form fitting woman's foundation intended to lift the bust by pressing upward using boning or panels below the bust at the ribs or midriff. Many of today's bustiers are designed to be multifunctional such that they may be worn as an undergarment much like a push-up bra or as outer wear similar to a supportive top or camisole. Traditionally, the bustier is different than a corset, however, today the distinction between a bustier and corset are blurred.
Shop Bustiers.

Camisole

Traditionally the woman's lingerie camisole was a form fitting top with thin, spaghetti-style straps with coverage to the waist. Today, the camisole is multifunctional acting as either an undergarment, some with built in shelf bra for support (like those from Cosabella) or as a fashionable top with beautiful embroidery and wider straps (see Arianne camisoles).
Shop Camisoles.

Chemise

The lingerie chemise falls within the category of negligees, which also includes babydolls and nightgowns, and are designed as comfortable night attire for sleeping. The chemise is a mid-length sleepwear gown and typically falls between the mid-thigh and the knee.
Shop Chemises.

Corset

The lingerie corset is a form fitting woman's foundation intended to shape the mid-section and waist by pressing inward using boning. Many of today's corsets are designed to be multifunctional such that they may be worn as an undergarment such as a bridal corset or as outer wear similar to a supportive top or camisole. Traditionally, the corset is different than a bustier, however, today the distinction between a corset and bustier are blurred.
Shop Corsets.

G-String

The lingerie g-string is a type of thong. The g-string straps are thinner than a thong. The appeal of a g-string is that the fabric passing through the crotch and up the buttocks is so thin as to appear to disappear, thus providing the appearance that no underwear is being worn from behind. G-strings typically have spaghetti strap style sides.
Shop G-Strings.

Garter

The lingerie garter is a thin, typically elastic piece of fabric that, traditionally, held up stockings. Today, the garter is a traditional lingerie accessory at weddings and continues to be an alluring part of a woman's lingerie wardrobe. Garters may be circular to fit around the leg or it may hang from a garterbelt to hold up stockings with clips or clasps.
Shop Garters.

Garterbelt

The garterbelt is a piece of lingerie, typically made of stretch lace or elastic, that is worn around the waist with four to six attached garters used to hold up stockings. The garterbelt and garters are traditionally an alluring part of a lingerie ensemble.
Shop Garterbelts.

Hosiery

The term hosiery refers to knitted apparel, or coverings, for the legs. Hosiery, or leggings, is an all encompassing term for stockings, tights, socks and other types of lingerie covering the legs and/or feet.
Shop Hosiery.

Leotard

A leotard is a form fitting garment made of one piece which is typically worn for warmth and/or flexibility for athletic activities such as gymnastics, ice skating and other recreational activities.
Shop Leotards.

Loungewear

Women's loungewear, or lounge wear, consists of comfortable matching top and bottom. Loungewear is more versatile than pajamas or sleepwear because of the design and fabrics used. Loungewear may be worn as lingerie or as outerwear when worn with underwear underneath.
Shop Loungewear.

Negligee

The negligee is a form of nightgown or sleepwear that is traditionally made of fabrics adorned with lace and/or embroidery.
Shop Negligees.

Nightgown

The lingerie nightgown falls within the category of negligees, which also includes babydolls and chemises, and are designed as comfortable night attire for sleeping. The nightgown is the longest of sleepwear gowns and typically has a length that falls between mid-calf to ankle.
Shop Nightgowns.

Pajamas

Among the most popular form of sleepwear, pajamas typically consist of a comfortable loose fitting top with matching pant or shorts with elastic or drawstring waistband.
Shop Pajamas.

Panties

Women's panties are an all encompassing term for underwear worn to cover the crotch and typically consist of a waistband and fabric to cover the crotch. Types of panties vary according to the amount of coverage and include: bikinis, boyshorts, briefs, g-strings, tangas and thongs among others. To better understand the differences between the various styles of panties please visit Wikipedia's Panties page.
Shop Panties.

Peignoir

The lingerie peignoir is a mid to long length robe traditionally made of sheer chiffon with lace. Peignoirs are usually sold as sets with matching nightgowns.

Petticoat

The lingerie petticoat is a soft underskirt worn beneath a dress or skirt to provide lift and volume, which helps the waist to appear more narrow or thinner.

Robe

The lingerie robe is a loose fitting garment with sleeves and has a length from mid-thigh to ankle. Traditionally, the robe is the outer garment worn over lingerie or sleepwear.
Shop Robes.

Sleepwear

Women's sleepwear is an all encompassing term for lingerie, or loungewear, that is comfortable for sleeping. Sleepwear styles include babydolls, chemises, negligees, nightgowns, pajamas and other loose fitting, comfortable apparel.
Shop Sleepwear.

Slip

The lingerie slip is an undergarment worn beneath a skirt or dress that serves multiple functions, including smoothing the look of the dress, protect the dress from perspiration as well as provide comfort to the skin when heavier coarse fabrics are worn. Slips come in a variety of lengths and are made from a variety of smooth, comfortable fabrics.

Stockings

Women's stockings are a form of hosiery that cover the legs. Stockings may or may not cover the feet and/or buttocks. Stockings that do not cover the feet are typically called tights. Stockings that cover the buttocks are called pantyhose.
Shop Stockings.

Tanga

The lingerie tanga is a form of thong panty that has full rear coverage with thinner sides than a panty.
Shop Tangas.

Thong

The lingerie thong is a form of panty that has less rear coverage than a tanga with thinner sides than a panty.
Shop Thongs.

Teddy

The lingerie teddy is similar to a leotard, however, is looser in fit, has no sleeves and is made of sheer fabric or lace.
Shop Teddies.

Trousseau - Lingerie Trousseau

The bridal lingerie trousseau is a collection of lingerie to be worn by the bride on her wedding night and honeymoon.

Wedding Lingerie

Women's wedding lingerie encompasses lingerie worn for the wedding night and honeymoon. Typically, wedding lingerie is in hues of white or light blue.
Shop Wedding Lingerie.