Lingerie Glossary

Lingerie Glossary

Not sure what is what? Need to better understand a phrase or term related to your purchase? This lingerie glossary is for you.

Adjustable Shoulder Straps	Straps located on bras, shapewear, chemises, slips and other undergarments that allow for shortening or lengthening that provide wearer with the desired fit.
Athletic Underwear	Varied range of underwear that is generally worn for athletic pursuits: the gym, sports, running, biking etc. Some features of athletic underwear may include wicking power (draws moisture away from your body), compression (for energy conservation and muscle support), mesh (for ventilation), specific silhouettes (tank tops) and stretch (for body-hugging security during athletic activity and a body-conscious look for fit men and women). Average-Figure Bra Bra that offers light to moderate support, with narrow straps, back and sides. Average-Figure Bras usually made from slightly firmer material.
Baby Doll	Short, loose fitting nightgown with lengths varying from just under the breast down to the belly button, hips or derriere.
Back Closure	Part of the bra that hooks together behind the back and consists of two or three rows of hook-and-eye clasps.
Back Seams	Stitched seam running from heel to buttock on the back of stockings or shapewear designed to give the leg a sexy line and lean appearance.
Backless Bra	Style of bra that usually fastens low on the back so it can be worn with backless gowns and tops.
Balconet or Balcony Bra	Bra styled to create a lifted, fuller round look with push-up features, wide straps and a low-cut décolletage.
Banded Underwire	A bra with a banded underwire has an extra piece of fabric below the underwire to give extra control.
Bandless Underwire	In a bra with a bandless Underwire, the underwire is the bottom of the bra. This look is designed to be more natural.
Bikini	A women's panty cut in the shape of a swim bikini. They usually offer more coverage than a thong and less than a standard brief and sit lower on the waist than traditional designs. Typically, this brief sits far below the navel and low on the hips but is slightly higher than a low-ride or hipster cut. The sides are usually high cut, occasionally with strings, or with thin widths of fabric that connect the front to the back.
Bodice	The portion of a woman's garment that covers the upper part of a woman's body, including the breasts. Also the upper part of a dress.
Bodystocking	Also known as a catsuit; Snug fitting hosiery that offers coverage from the neck or upper body down to the ankles or toes; usually made of a sheer, lace or fishnet fabric.
Bodysuit	Snug fitting one piece garment similar to a swimsuit or leotard; usually has a snap crotch and is used as an alternative to a cami (camisole)
Boning	Stiff and rigid support structure sewn vertically into a bustier, corset or bra to provide shape and support; this additional support often helps form a more shapely torso by slimming the waist and tummy and accentuating the bustline by providing a pushed-up look; originally made of whalebone, now made of less restrictive man-made materials.
Boy shorts	A women's panty style similar in shape to little boy briefs; they are boxy, low rise, high and wide cut legs and are a more comfortable alternative to thongs while you still get the effect of an invisible panty line; Also known as "boylegs".
Bra Cup	The fabric that surrounds and supports the breasts.
Bra Size	Bra Size is made up of two measurements: band size and bra cup size. Measured in inches, the band side is the number of inches around the upper rib cage just below the breasts (e.g. 34, 36, 38, etc.). The cup size is the number of inches around the fullest part of the breast; the difference between the band size and the fullest part of the breast determines the bra cup size, measured in letters. (1"=A, 2"=B,3"=C, etc.). Examples of bra sizes would be 34B, 36C (the average size), 38D, etc.
Bralette	A sexy bra-like top that lacks the usual support features of a real bra; best for sleep and decoration.
Bridal Lingerie	Type of bras, bustiers, corsets etc. characterized by sensual attributes (sheer fabric, decorative flourish, racy silhouette) that are worn on wedding nights or for similarly seductive situations.
Brocade	Rich oriental fabric consisting of raised patterns, often in gold or silver.
Burn-Out	A sheer opening woven into the material; usually combining sheer and opaque patterns, showing off skin and yet providing coverage at the same time.
Bustier	A one-piece top or bra that extends beneath the breasts to the waist to provide additional support and a toned torso by smoothing and shaping the waist. Comes in varying lengths from just between the rib cage down to the hips and can be worn as outer-wear with a jacket or for a sexy night in with garters and stockings; Sometimes contains boning.
Camisole or Cami	A short sleeveless undergarment for women, a short negligee similar to a slip but shorter. Sometimes worn as a casual outer garment (depending on the material), as sleepwear or under a jacket. Usually offers limited support for breasts although some camis now come with a built in bra Cami-Garter A cami with an attached garter
Chemise	The chemise is a short, loose-fitting gown, slightly longer than a baby doll and offers a little more coverage. Provides a feminine, graceful look, falling loosely over the body and subtly clinging to curves. Easy to fit and universally flattering.
Clear Straps	Transparent straps on bras meant to be worn with garments where strap invisibility is desired. Clear straps can be at the shoulders and also between the cups in order to accommodate plunging necklines.
Cleavage	The clef, separation or hollow visible between a woman's breasts when a low-cut garment is worn.
Contoured fit	Garment is cut/sewn to the shape of the body or body part for a more comfortable fit.
Convertible Bra	A bra that is designed with straps that may facilitate a variety of styles. The straps may be moved, removed and/or adjusted to create looks such as halter, strapless, crisscross or open back. The straps can often be worn or detached, or can be crisscrossed in the back like a halter top.
Corset	Known for enhancing the bust and slimming the waist, corsets are held together by lacing which can be tightened or loosened to achieve the desired effect.
Crop top	A very short top extending to just below the breasts.
Crotchless	A convenient opening in the fabric covering the crotch area.
Décolletage	A low neckline on a woman's garment.
Demi Bra or Demi Cup	A low-cut bra that fits across the breast, just above the nipple. Also know as a half bra, demis do not expose the nipple but do enhance cleavage.
Elastane	A fabric designed with elasticity that adds stretch.
Epaulet	An ornamental strip of fabric on the shoulder.
Eyelets	Round metal ring used for lacing or decoration.
Faux	Imitation (mock, not real, fake), such as faux silk or faux leather.
Fishnet	Coarse, open mesh fabric that looks like netting and is often used to make stockings.
Flatlock Seams	Seams that are sewn flat for less bulk and less abrasion against the skin.
Frame	The frame of a bra holds the cups and sides together, and runs from the center of the bra, around the cups, and around to the sides.
French cut	Pantyhose with sewn in decorative panty.
Front Close	A type of bra closure that is usually hook, barrel or clasp that rests between the breasts in the center front.
Full Brief	A panty style that rests at the waist and has full bottom coverage with a low leg line.
Full Cup Coverage Bra	A bra with the fabric cup covering and encapsulating the entire breast.
Full Support Bra	Type of bra that usually has an underwire or plastic boning holding them up. They can be worn by women of any breast size, and are specially suited for those with larger cup sizes. These bras offer a shapely cut and are built more like bikini tops than underwear. These also come in padded or unpadded version and are flattering on any figure type.
Full-Figured Bra	Bra designed for sizes 32-42C, D, or DD, and covers a larger area than average bras. The fabric used is heavier, the straps are wider and sometimes padded for extra comfort.
Fully-Padded Bra	A fully-padded bra is designed to give a smooth look, meaning it doesn't show any seams, and uses fiberfill or foam to enhance the size of small breasts by up to a full size.
Garter	The elastic leg band strap that clips onto the stocking; can be found attached to the bottom of a garter belt, bustier, a cami or the legs of a teddy.
Garter belt	A belt worn around the waist with straps, called garters, that clasp onto stockings to keep them in place. Usually the back of the garter is adjustable to fit different waist sizes and the garter straps can be adjusted for length.
Gown	A long dress or sleepwear item, usually floor or ankle length.
G-string	A panty made up of a triangular patch of fabric connected to thin elastic straps which surround the waist and fit snuggly between butt cheeks completely exposing your butt; Worn to avoid visible panty lines or just to be sexy.
Halter Neck	A dress, bra or undergarment style where the fabric wraps behind and around the neck for support. Halters may tie, clasp or be an uninterrupted piece of fabric that slides over the head.
Halter top	A short top held up at the neck usually exposing the shoulders and upper back.
High-Cut Panty	A panty cut high over the thigh and sides but with total back coverage.
Hook and Eye	A closure or fastener used to secure bras, corsets, some shapewear and other garments and which allows for adjustability. The fastener includes a small hook secured to one side of the garment that grasps a small partial oval secured to the other side.
Hook Back	A term for garment closures that secure in the back with one or multiple hooks.
Hook Front	A term for garment closures that secure in the front with usually one or sometimes multiple hooks.
Hosiery	Socks and stockings.
Interlock	The stitch variation of the rib stitch, which resembles two separate 1 x 1 ribbed fabrics that are interknitted. Plain (double knit) interlock stitch fabrics are thicker, heavier and more stable than single knit constructions.
Jacquard	Type of fabric weave that creates the effect of an intricate pattern or print.
Jumpsuit	A one piece garment consisting of a shirt attached to pants or shorts.
Keyhole	An oval-shaped opening.
Kimono	A long robe with wide sleeves traditionally worn with a broad sash as an outer garment ; a loose dressing gown or jacket.
Knee-Highs	Short hosiery that comes up to just below the knee. Some are styled with elastic tops and stay up without the help of garters.
Lace Bra	Provocative style of bra made entirely or almost entirely of lace.
Ladder Stitching	Garment stitching that resembles ladder rungs.
Lining	An extra layer of fabric sewn into the inside of a garment for added comfort, modesty and/or smoothness.
Long line	A bustier that extends further down, usually to the hips.
Lounge Pants	Loose-fitting pants constructed from soft, flowing fabrics designed for wearing while relaxing.
Low Back Bra	Bra with low back strap designed to be worn with backless dresses.
Low-Rise or Low-Rider	Ride low on the hips instead of higher at the waist for an invisible look when worn under low-rise jeans and trousers.
Lycra	A brand of spandex; an extremely elastic fiber that is sleek and stretchy.
Marabou	Soft fluffy feather-like material used for trim.
Maternity Bra	A bra which provides extra support and grows with the expectant mother as her pregnancy matures. Sometimes double as a nursing bra.
Maternity Panty	Designed to grow with mommy and stretch to fit during pregnancy. Maternity Panties often have no seams or elastic in the front for further comfort.
Matte	A type of finish or fabric style with a flat, non-shiny look.
Merry Widow	A strapless corset with half-cups for the breasts and long garters. Much like a bustier they often attach in the back using hook and eye fasteners.
Mesh	A woven knit, or knotted material of open texture with evenly spaced holes , similar to the small openings like a net.
Microfiber	An extremely fine man-made fiber that can be woven into soft, light weight, comfortable, washable and breathable fabric. Extremely supple yet strong, microfiber achieves superior color, clarity and quality with enhanced stretch, washability, breathability, and water repellency.
Minimizer Bra	A lifesaver for large breasted women, this bra shapes and supports breasts while reducing outward. Typically reduces size by 1.5" to 3".
Molded Bra	Machine molded bra cups shaped to give the breast a natural look. Usually unlined and may be either soft cup or underwire. They are seamless to create a smooth silhouette, unless overlaid with lace.
Natural Fiber	Linen, wool, silk and cotton.
Nightgown	A loose gown worn as sleepwear.
Nightshirt	A long, loose shirt worn as sleepwear.
Non-Stretch Straps	Non-stretch straps, also known as rigid straps, are usually used for sports bras or full-figured bras.
No-Wire Bra	Type of bra with no underwires designed for increased comfort. Some No-Wire bras give light to moderate support, for petite to average figures. Others furnish full support.
Nursing Bra	A nursing bra is an extra-support bra that comes with removable flaps on the cups, allowing a new mother to nurse her baby without totally removing her bra.
Nylon	A synthetic fiber that, along with polyester, made underwear fabrics more user-friendly by being easily washed and wrinkle-resistant.
Opaque	Material or fabric which is impervious to light and cannot be seen through.
Open rear	No fabric or elastic covers the area between the buttocks.
Padded	Extra material (sometimes removable) added on bottom and sides of each cup. These help achieve extra cleavage for smaller bustlines.
Pajamas	Loose-fitting nightclothes worn for sleeping or lounging.
Panty	General term for women's underpants, but when used by itself, it usually refers to conservative underwear that is full cut in the back (versus thongs and g-strings which expose the buttocks) and rides normally on the waist (versus bikinis or low-rise thongs). Sometimes called briefs, but that term is usually used for men's underwear.
Pantyhose	Nylon, silk or other material that stretches to fit next to skin and covers legs from hip to toe, or with open foot.
Peek-a-boo cups	Cups with a slit or other opening that partially exposes the breasts or nipples.
Piping	A twisted cord covered with a biased-cut fabric that is inserted into seams or garment edges as decorative detail and to add structure.
Plus Size	Typically size 14 and up.
Polka dot	A fabric pattern characterized by evenly spaced dots throughout.
Polyester	Large class of synthetic fabrics known for their wrinkle resistance; Today's version is breathable.
Princess line	Visible seams which resemble an hourglass shape for a figure flattering look.
Pull-On Bra	Type of bra made of stretchy material designed to be pulled on and are devoid of hook and eye closures.
Push-Up Bra	Lifts the breasts up, enhancing cleavage and gives a fuller look. A push-up bra contains padding (sometimes removable.
Queen Size	Stockings, pantyhose, or knee-highs sized to fit the heavier woman. Queen size is usually considered an extension of standard garments into a larger size.
Racer-Back Bra	Type of bra named after racing swimsuits that also have straps meeting in a V shape on the back between the shoulder blades. This bra style is designed to be worn with sleeveless tops, and also prevents straps from slipping off the shoulders.
Rayon	A fabric that possesses all the luxury of silk (it’s comfortable, absorbs moisture and does not trap heat against the body) but as it’s synthetic.
Reinforced	The stress areas such as the toe or panty portion which have been strengthened with yarns of heavier denier.
Rhinestones	Simulated diamonds.
Rings and Slides	Rings and slides are the mechanisms used to adjust the length of the straps and may be placed in the front or in the back of the bra, depending on how smooth a look is desired.
Rivets	A flat, round-headed metal fastener that goes through the fabric and is flattened out to form another head.
Robe	A loose fitting cover-up.
Sandalfoot Hosiery	Type of hosiery with a nude toe, meaning no heavier yarn is used in the toe than in the leg.
Sarong	A loose garment made of a long strip of cloth wrapped around the body that is worn as a skirt or dress.v
Satin	A shiny, opaque woven fabric with a slippery feel.
Scallop edges	A pretty curved border on the edge of fabric or lace.
Seamless	An item manufactured without seams. Seams can be a source of discomfort, so a seamless item will tend to be more comfortable versus a similar item made with seams.
Sequins	Small shiny discs used to reflect light and add interest to a garment.
Sheer	Thin, fine and transparent fabric.
Sheer-To-The-Waist	Pantyhose without visible panty line or reinforcement in the panty portion. It is an all-sheer garment from waist to toe.
Silk	A natural fiber produced by silkworms that is revered for its luxuriously soft feel.
Sleepwear	Garments designed to worn for sleep, such as boxer shorts, slips, camisoles, pajamas, etc.
Slide top	Often called a triangle slide top because the cups are shaped like triangles that slide along the band for adjustability.
Slip	A woman's undergarment of dress length with shoulder straps.
Soft-Cup Bra	A Soft-Cup Bra uses elastic under the cups for support, as opposed to wire.
Spandex	Generic term for elastic thread. It takes just a small percentage of spandex to make a fabric stretch, so a typical cloth might be made of 95% polyester and 5% spandex.
Sports Bra	A sports bra, sometimes known as an activity bra, is specially designed to eliminate bounce (as much as possible), for use in any activity that involves a lot of movement. The cotton-lined cups are high at the front and sides for support, and they have a comfort band with non-curl elastic to stop it from riding up. They may also have a non-slip Velcro fastening strap.
Stockings	Hosiery providing coverage from over the knee or mid-thigh to the toes. Almost all modern stockings stretch and can be worn without a garter belt, but because the stockings may still slip down the leg, a garter belt will ensure they stay up and add a sexy touch to your outfit.
Strapless	A garment without shoulder straps.
Strapless Bra	A strapless bra has no shoulder straps, and is especially designed for wear with evening gowns and other sleeveless wear.
Stretch Lace	Lace designed with stretch ability to create form fit.
Stretch Straps	Stretch straps use low-stretch elastic to give more control and comfort, while reducing bounce.
String Bikini	A bikini panty with high cut leg line, thin string sides and full back coverage.
Studs	A sharp, cone-shaped metal fastener that goes through the fabric and is flattened out to form a flat head in back.
Suspender style	Stockings, pantyhose or bodystocking where the legs are held up by an attached waist band, sometimes styled to look like a garter belt. The front and back are usually open, so some may prefer to wear a g-string or thong under or on top (more convenient) of the hosiery.
Tactel	Registered brand of synthetic performance fabric known for its springy, lightweight construction and wicking power.
Tailored	Garments designed to have the appearance of being custom fit and cut. Typically fitted to the body.
Tanga	A lingerie pant style that has thin straps across the hips. Similar to a boy short but slightly higher in the waist and lower in the leg.
Tank top	A sleeveless shirt.
Teddiette	A teddy with attached garters to hold up stockings.
Teddy	A one piece garment, similar in structure to a bodysuit, with high cut legs and usually a thong back and snap crotch.
Thigh-Highs	Stockings that just reach the thigh and are held up by elastomer bands.
Thong	A panty with only a thin strip of material in the back that exposes most of the buttocks. Larger than a g-string but still protects from a visible panty line.
T-Shirt Bra	Type of seamless, contour cup bra designed to appear invisible under form fitting clothing. T-shirt Bras are absent of lace or ornamentation.
Tube top	A strapless, body hugging top made from a rectangular piece of fabric.
Underwire	A strip of flat, semi-circular steel-wire ( or other man-made material) placed under the cups of the bra (sewn into the material) for added support and to give a natural-looking lift. A must for larger breasted women.
Velvet	A cotton, silk or nylon fabric with a dense soft and usually lustrous pile and plain underside.
Waist cincher	A form fitting garment worn around the waist to help control and smooth your mid-section. Often includes garter straps to hold up stockings.
Wicking	Certain fabric's ability to pull moisture away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate in order to keep the wearer cool and dry.
Wings	Side panels of a bra typically found in the larger or plus size cups that provide support in the bust area and under the arms.
Wrap-Around Elastic Band	In a bra with a wrap-around elastic band, the frame has an elastic band running completely around the bra, keeping it in place. It's commonly used in sports bras.