What is Lingerie?
Intimate apparel has a vernacular all its own. Lingerie is more than just “pretty underwear.” It is a term for women’s undergarments and sleepwear that are often more delicate, stylish, or detailed than regular underwear. Lingerie includes bras, panties, shapewear, bodysuits, slips, corsets, robes, and more. Demi, balconette chemise, tanga, low rise—these are just a few of the terms frequently used in the world of lingerie. If baffled by the nomenclature of underthings and their specific purpose, one is not alone. The right lingerie can make your clothes fit better, support your body, boost your confidence, and help you feel comfortable all day (or night). This article is designed to give a foundation about foundations and demystify what lies beneath. Here concise definitions within the lexicon of lingerie are provided to describe form and function. Following is a guide to each intimate piece, from the bras worn every day to the garter belts donned for special ensembles.
Different Types of Lingerie and Their Uses
Different Types of Bras
T-Shirt Bra
When someone sees a girl in a tight shirt and her breasts look smooth and perfectly round, she is probably wearing a T-shirt bra. This is an incredibly popular style for a reason: it is multifunctional and works under almost everything. It is a contoured-cup, underwire bra that has enough fiberfill to shape breasts perfectly, regardless of shape or size. Those who see this bra as a piece of armor or think it is “padded” because of the fill should reconsider. Its structure is designed to make it remarkably supportive, and is not intended to add volume. It also serves as a great equalizer. If one breast is bigger than the other, a T-shirt bra is the solution because the cups will discreetly hide any discrepancy. Want to wear a tight white shirt without fear of a cold draft causing a scene? T-shirt bra to the rescue! Don it and dim those headlights.
Contour Bra
Are people looking for shapely, curvy breasts? (If not, that person lives on another planet.) The contour bra holds its shape with or without breasts in it. Slip it on and voilà! Instant perfection. These bras come in every variety: demi, push-up, T-shirt and more. They are particularly helpful to those with breasts of different sizes or shapes, as the bra holds up its end of the bargain even if some fall a bit short. Wear it under anything and everything.
Convertible / Strapless Bra
A convertible is so versatile that it does everything but the dishes! It can be worn as a strapless, traditional two-strap, single-strap or halter bra. Most convertibles are shaped in a bandeau style. One can also find them in plunge styles, with or without padding. Some strapless bras come without straps, period. But most come with two detachable straps to utilize as wearers please.
Push-Up Bra
Hallelujah! Praise this bra. It does exactly what it professes to do: pushes ’em up. This is the quintessential post-childbearing bra, for when breasts have lost some volume and need a little extra oomph. Most loved by A and B cup ladies, it’s also adored by busty gals who need a little lift. The pushup bra typically plunges in the middle, with virtually no wire in between the breasts. It comes up higher on the sides and grabs breast tissue, pushing it to the middle. This style is available in padded and unpadded varieties.
Demi Bra
Sexy, sexy. Also called a half-cup, the demi is a bra with vertical seams and a very low bustline. The seaming creates a nice round look. It is a good style for most breast shapes and sizes, with the exception of those women who have a lot of upper-breast tissue that might spill over the cup. A demi looks great under low-cut shirts with scoop or square necks. It is an extremely popular gift for men to buy.
Balconette Bra
Stand up and be noticed! This sexy bra elevates breasts. The alluring yet practical style works well for most shapes. It often has a diagonally seamed bustline that offers a little more coverage than a demi bra, though some offer less coverage, depending on the brand. The underwires reach around and between breasts in a U shape. Horizontal or diagonal seams in a traditional balconette create a natural shape; vertical seams in a demi-balconette create a rounder silhouette. This bra can be worn under just about anything where seams don’t matter.
Underwire Bra
These are beloved by the well-endowed and minimalists alike. A traditional underwire bra has soft fabric, smooth or lacy, and an underwire. The cups may be seamed, or molded and seam free for a smooth look under clothes. They typically have more coverage than a demi or balconette, and they are fabulously supportive and comfortable, with zero padding or fill.
Racerback Bra
If straps are constantly being adjusted, the racerback may be the answer to those prayers. This bra is excellent if someone has small or sloped shoulders that cause straps to fall down constantly or they want to diminish any strap sightings under tank tops. Racerbacks have a front closure and typically plunge very low in between the breasts. Another option is the convertible bra.
Minimizer Bra
Presto chango, this bra is like magic! A minimizer redistributes fullness. It tucks a bit of breast tissue toward the underarms, resulting in the appearance of smaller breasts and less boob out front. This can help people enormously when button-front shirts, well, they never button.
Soft Bra
Not diggin’ an underwire bra diggin’ in? The soft bra is a favorite among smaller-breasted women who don’t feel they need an underwire bra, or women who simply can’t tolerate one. This style comes in a huge variety of materials, from basic cotton and microfiber to frilly lace. The soft bra is becoming increasingly popular in a contour style because the light padding provides great shape under clothes, without the underwire. If wearers want more support, look for a snug band that hooks in the back. The one-piece, hookless, pullover styles are typically more about comfort and less about support.
Sports Bra
Got game? This is a gym bag essential. This bra minimizes the movement of breasts during rigorous exercise. Sports bras can be found in different materials and styles. If anyone is thinking “uniboob,” think again. Styling has come a long way since the inception of this style. They are available with underwire for maximum support, in simple cotton styles, or with thick elastic and moisture-wicking material for lengthy workouts. Some busty gals who don’t want to work out in an underwire layer their sports bras for extreme support. Spectators agree that this indispensable piece is for sports play only—not foreplay, or it’s Game Over.
Stick-On Bra
Stuck with a backless dress and no bra? Stick it on! There are several styles available on the market. Slim stick-on silicone breast covers with an attachment between the breasts for a bit of cleavage are available. There are also versions that have a contour-front bra with stick-on wings that adhere to the sides to offer a bit of support. Some feature round, oval or U-shaped tabs that adhere to the breasts and hold them up independently. Choose the style based on the shape of the top or dress one plans to wear. Make no mistake: these are not supportive bras. However, they can provide a little shape and nipple control for backless outfits (preferably snug-fitting tops). If someone needs a backless bra but can’t bear the idea of sticking it on, Maidenform has introduced one that has nothing sticky about it, except they must wear straps with it.
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Types of Panties
Brief
Also known as Granny Panties, these underpants do have their place. This modest style offers full coverage front and back, and some are downright pretty nowadays, in pleasing patterns and prints or embellished with lace and bows. However, briefs typically have a higher rise in the front, some up to the belly button, and back. Wear these under dresses with ease.
Boyshort
These cheeky little panties show that one can have a little more coverage and still be sexy. They come in a variety of shapes and styles, mostly low rise on the hip. From the front they look like shorts, with ample coverage. Yet in the back they may reveal a lot of booty, a little bit of booty or no booty at all, depending on the style. They are also deliciously comfortable and avert the panty-line problem. A variation is a thong-style short; it looks like a short in front, with a thick, thong-style back. Sassy!
Bikini
With the wild popularity of the bikini swimsuit in the 1960s, this panty has been de rigueur for decades. Traditionally, it provides moderate coverage in the front and back, with high-cut legs. Bikinis can fit perfectly under low-rise pants or offer coverage up to the belly button, depending on the cut and style. String bikinis are a variation that has skimpier coverage in the front and back, with ribbon-size sides. Tip: look for bikinis with a seam up the center of the derriere to give a rounder bottom shape under clothes.
Brazilian
This term means more than a thorough waxing. It’s a panty style particularly loved by those who want to elongate their legs or visually slim their thighs. These panties are cut high on the thigh and are available in both bikini and thong. Great if wearers want a little more coverage everywhere without sacrificing sexiness.
Tanga
These exotically named panties are a nice compromise between a thong and a bikini. A tanga has roughly an equal amount of material in the back as in the front, leaving the wearer more exposed in back with nice coverage in front. This style avoids panty lines and gives a little more coverage to those who don’t do thongs.
Thong
Love ’em or hate ’em, these little scraps of material do their job by eradicating VPLs. The thong typically is made with a small triangle of material in the front and just a thin piece—little more than a string—that rests between the cheeks. The absence of fanny coverage ensures the absence of panty lines.
G-String
This is the tiniest thong one can imagine. And we didn’t think of it first: it originated among the tribal people from thousands of years ago. A small triangle of material is in front, with strings running up the cheek cleavage and across the hips.
Hosiery and Stockings
Pantyhose
This mid-century invention “liberated” women from the garter belt. The hosiery covers the body from waist to toes. The panty portion varies: it can be reinforced and darker shaded, give the illusion of lacy panties or be completely sheer. If someone is going to wear sandals, choose the seamless, sheer-toed variety or the styles made specifically for peep-toe shoes, which leave the toes free.
Control Hosiery
We believe in self-control when necessary. Control-top pantyhose sucks in the tummy and holds up the hose. This style is usually preferred, as it discourages the “saggy-crotch syndrome,” which makes wearers pull and tug at their bottom all day long. Some control-top hosiery sucks in thighs and hips. Another style, made popular by SPANX, is pantyhose sans feet, which gives the wearer an allover smooth look under pants or a long skirt.
Tights
Great for fall and cooler days, tights are also a fabulous way to make a fashion statement or add color to an outfit. The opaque hosiery is made with a higher denier, or thickness, in fabrics such as nylon, cotton and wool.
Fishnets
Ladies, make no mistake—men love these. Depending on the rest of the outfit, fishnets lend a look of sophistication (if paired with a demure or classic dress) or seduction (if worn with a supershort skirt and stilettos). These sexy stockings are meshed material in a diamond-shaped pattern, which can be tightly or loosely woven so less or more skin is exposed.
Thigh Highs
Thigh highs usually come in two varieties: those that require garter belts and those that “stand alone.” The former type has a soft top, typically of lace or nylon, that stays up with the help of a garter belt. The latter has a bit of silicone around the top band that grabs on to the thigh and won’t fall down on the job. Either way, a peek at the top of these is a surefire turn-on.
Garter
This petite piece of lingerie is best known as something a groom retrieves from his bride’s thigh and throws to his pals in the wedding hall. But the iconic symbol of marriage also serves a purpose: they can keep stockings up as well. Garters are usually embellished, lacy little things.
Garter Belt
What began as a workhorse to hold up hose has become a garment often used for fun and foreplay. A garter belt is a “belt” that fastens around the waist or hips. It traditionally has four (or more, or fewer) straps with hooks and clips that attach to thigh highs. Simple, flat-front garter belts for daily wear, frilly lace ones that match a favorite bra and panty set or waist cincher-style belts that provide equal amounts coquetry and tummy control can be found. Garter belt virgins should try before they buy; some can be very difficult to fasten.
Types of Camisole and Slips
Camisole
This is one of the most versatile pieces of lingerie to reveal itself in years—literally. The camisole now peeks out from under everything, including skimpy summer tops, plunging necklines and business suits. It is basically a tank top that is layered, like a slip, under clothing. These pieces provide warmth, discretion and style; they also create smooth lines. Adjustable straps are handy for daily wear and built-in shelf bras are great for support if they are worn without a bra. The wide range of fabric, colors and styles makes them collectible. One can never have too many of them. Before shopping, it’s helpful to have an idea of what is wanted and needed: neutrals or colors, smooth or lacy, loose or body-hugging, style of neckline.
Slip (Aka Full Slip)
A full slip will keep that dress from clinging to the derriere or letting the sun shine through thin material. Slips are layering undergarments of varying lengths intended to be worn under a dress. But they can also be layered as edgy fashion statements. This piece is usually made of nylon or a “slippery” material and comes with thin shoulder straps.
Half Slip
The half sister of the full slip is worn under skirts and is available in varying lengths.
Lounging and More
Dressing Gown / Robe
The terms dressing gown and robe are interchangeable. However, robe tends to conjure up something soft, fluffy and warm, and dressing gown evokes images of Hollywood starlets in long and slinky numbers from bygone days. The point is, it is used to cover up after a shower or when answering the door for the cable guy. Robes come in most imaginable fabrics, from bamboo modal to lightweight silk and cottons, and are available in varying lengths.
Babydoll
This innocently named piece of lingerie can be sweet or sensuous, for sleep or sex. The A-line shaped top barely covers the bottom and often comes with a matching panty. Some styles have a split up the middle, exposing the midsection.
Chemise
A chemise may be the most flattering item in the lingerie drawer. This variable-length nightie is usually made of slinky and forgiving fabric that drapes simply and beautifully over a multitude of “problem areas,” including ample tummies, thighs and derrieres. Have fun with this one—choose from solids or prints, simple or lacy, classic or chic styles. Made for sleep or play.
Nightgown
While some of us sleep in the buff, many enjoy slipping into a little something at nighttime, like a nightgown. They are typically long, fluid, calf- or ankle-length gowns made from silk, satin, lace, cotton or anything luxurious. A peignoir set is a nightgown paired with a long dressing gown. Brides and divas alike enjoy the allure of these pieces.
Teddy
If the term teddy conjures up cat-eye eyeliner or leg warmers, don’t be alarmed. It’s a piece of lingerie that fades in and out of fashion. But one thing is for sure: men never tire of unsnapping it. This one-piece garment fastens at the crotch. It may be loose fitting, with tap-style shorts and a blousy camisole top, or it may be tight, made from stretchy fabric with a thong bottom and a bra-style top—or any variation in between. Shapewear teddies, which are both practical and attractive, are also available. Hello low-rise jeans, goodbye belly!
Tap Pants
They’re flippy and flirty and yes, one can tap in them; they were actually developed for dancing. But, these adorable bottoms have additional functions. Frequently worn in place of a slip under short skirts or dresses, tap pants also double as sleep and loungewear. The loose-fitting short shorts are made of silk or satiny material and usually have slits on the sides. They can be worn with or without underwear.
Special Items
Corset
Not just a suction device, but also a saucy accessory! Molder of bodies and shaper of waists, this nineteenth-century invention is typically a heavily boned piece with laces or hooks running up the front and/or back. A corset may or may not have underwire cups and usually reaches from just over the bust to over the hips. Generally, this item pushes the goods up. It can be more “industrial” for those who truly want that wasp-waisted or hourglass shape. It can also be gorgeously lacy and detailed, appropriate to wear for bedroom fun or teamed with jeans or a skirt as an outerwear piece. A corset sometimes has garter attachments. Wear with coordinating panties and strike a pose.
Waist Cincher
Need a little nip and tuck around the waist? Corset-style waist cinchers fit under the bust and often come with garter belt attachments. These are great for camouflaging a little tummy while adding drama to a boudoir outfit. They’re also a good choice if a corset large enough to accommodate the bust can’t be found: a bra can just be worn and the cincher added for effect. Typically, these are combined with a bra and panty set.
Bustier
First, let’s get this straight: bustier is pronounced “boo-stee-ay.” It’s basically a bra with metal or plastic boning that extends down the rib cage, often to the waist or hips. These breast-enhancing shapers are functional, or fun for when someone is feeling frisky. There are several variations. A longline version, which extends to, or over, the hips, is ideal underneath a clingy dress or for the bride who needs some extra support and shaping. A merry widow is a bustier with a built-in garter belt. Bustiers come with or without straps.
Shapewear
Shapewear is truly a girl’s best friend! This category comprises all items intended to be worn underneath clothing to control or tame trouble areas. Typically made from a blend of nylon, elastane (better known as Lycra or spandex) or cotton, there are myriad options when it comes to shapewear, depending on the designer and the amount of control wearers need. Light-, medium- or firm-control garments with different levels of compression can be found to smooth bulges and give problem areas a more taut appearance. Here are a few places where a little extra help tends to be needed.
Conclusion
Lingerie is more than just underwear; it’s about comfort, confidence, and style. Choosing the right lingerie is about understanding your body, needs, and the occasion. Lingerie empowers you to embrace your shape, whether it’s a power bra for the boardroom or lace for the bedroom. By knowing the types and uses of lingerie, you can elevate both your wardrobe and your self-confidence.
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Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
