Lingerie Glossary

A

Adjustable back:

The back of the garment has multiple settings to allow for individual sizing preference. Typically, adjustments are made with hook-and-eye closures.

Adjustable garters:

Garter straps, usually in elastic or ribbon, which allow for adjustment in sizing between the bottom of the strap and the top of the stocking in order to hold up thigh-high stockings.

Adjustable shoulder straps:

Straps located on bras, shapewear, chemises, slips and other undergarments that allow for shortening or lengthening to provide wearer with the perfect fit.

Adjuster:

Fine metal or plastic hardware found on garment straps that slide up and down to allow strap adjustments.

Animal print:

Fabric pattern inspired by wildlife such as zebras, leopards and tigers.

Attached garter belt:

Stockings designed with the garter strap permanently attached.

B

Baby Doll:

Lingerie or nightgown usually designed with a empire cut waistband and a-line cut, loose and swaying skirt section falling anywhere from naval to mid-thigh.

Back closure:

A bra or undergarment that secures in the back, usually with adjustable closures.

Back seams:

Stitched seam running from heel to buttock of stocking, creating a sexy, long and lean look on the leg.

Balconet Bra:

Bra styled to create a lifted, fuller round look with push up features, wide straps and a low cut décolletage.

Bikini:

A panty style with more coverage than a thong, and less than a brief. Typically, this brief sits below the naval and on the hips, but is slightly higher than a low-ride or hipster cut. The sides are usually high cut with either strings, bands or thin fabric separating the front and back coverage areas.

Black light glow:

Fabric created to glow in the dark under black light.

Bloomers:

Inspired by the old fashioned women's undergarment, these loose fitting, wide leg underpants are now sold as pajamas or loungewear.

Boa:

A sexy and feminine wrap, not unlike a scarf, made of feathers and sold in a wide variety of styles and colors.

Bodice:

The portion of garment that covers the upper part of a woman's body, including the breasts.

Bodystocking:

Form fitting garment made of nylon or fine mesh that covers the entire body form neck to ankle or toe.

Bodysuit:

Similar to a bodystocking, bodysuits cover the entire body from neck to ankle or toe and made in opaque stretchable fabrics similar to leotards.

Boning:

Originally, corsets and bustiers were given their structured form by stitching whale bone or the like into the garment. Now, similar, though less oppressive garments are structured similarly with man-made "bone" as supports. Boning creates a defined waistline and shapely torso.

Boxers:

Underwear or sleepwear designed with an elastic waistband and open, loose fitting legs. Men wear boxers as undergarments, and women typically as lounge or sleepwear.

Boy-leg-Brief:

Panty designed with a longer leg and lower riding waistline. Legs usually rest just above or at the buttock-thigh crease, with the waist on or below the hip.

Bra:

Short for brassiere (after the inventor), a bra is a women's undergarment designed to provide shape and support for the breasts.

Bra Cup:

The fabric area the surrounds and supports the breast.

Brocade:

Asian inspired fabric style consisting of raised intricate patterns and designs.

Brushed back:

Brushed cotton used as material backing on garments designed to create a soft, warm surface against the skin.

Burnout:

Fabric which alternates between sheer and opaque or structured into patterns consisting of the two.

Bustier:

Undergarment similar to a bra but extends down to the waist or hips to create a structured, supported look. Bustiers are often boned and include underwires and may have removable straps.

Button front:

Garment that fastens and unfastens in the front with buttons.

C

Camisole:

A garment fashioned to wear under blouses, suits and etc., that covers from bust to waist. Usually sleeveless, camisoles (or "camis") traditionally offer little if any breast support, though some modern styles now incorporate a sewn-in bra for additional support. Some contemporary styles are being worn as outerwear.

Camouflage:

Inspired by military fatigues designed to help hide troupes in the jungle, camouflage is a random pattern usually consisting of earth tones.

Centre Front:

The area of fabric between the cups of the bra that helps determine the cleavage shape.

Chantilly lace:

A delicate ornamental lace usually in black or white with an outlined design pattern. Typically floral, these designs are common in wedding gowns.

Charmeuse:

A shiny, opaque fabric.

Chemise:

A short slip or garment designed to wear under dresses. Structured like a camisole, but longer in length. Current trends show women wearing chemises over jeans as outer garments. Chemises can also be worn as lounge or sleepwear.

Chenille:

Chenille is a type of yarn that is extremely soft and consists of loops and protruding bumps that create depth and texture. When referenced in lingerie, it is usually a fabric inspired by this look but made of other materials.

Chiffon:

An extremely light, thin and sheer fabric usually made of nylon, r rayon or silk.

Choker:

An accessory designed to wear tightly around the neck as an elegant alternative to the necklace.

Chopper bar lace:

Lace that is open-net with a slightly raised embroidered pattern on top.

Cleavage:

The clef, separation or hollow visible between a woman's breast when a low-cut garment is worn.

Compression Bra:

A bra designed to hold the breasts firmly against the body and restrict their movement. Compression bras may be used as a minimizers or athletic options.

Contour Bra:

A bra designed to help create a shapely silhouette. Typically padded, contour bras unusually have underwires and provide shape and support.

Control panty:

A panty that is designed to provide support and enhance the shape of the tummy, bottom and waist.

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 suck as halter, strapless, crisscross or open back.

Corsage:

A fashion accessory of either fresh or silk flowers. Corsages are typically worn on the wrist or at the bust, but recent fashion trends have seen corsages being pinned to belt straps, waistlines, hats, purses and denim jackets.

Corset:

A fitted garment usually with boning designed to cinch the waist and lift the breasts.

Cotton:

A fabric made from the natural fiber cultivated from cotton plants. Cotton is breathable and is know to draw moisture away from the skin.

Criss-cross straps:

Straps on bras, shapewear and other garments that create an "x" in the back.

Crochet knit:

Inspired by standard crochet, this knit has a large, open pattern.

Crop top:

A shirt or top that is cropped above the waist to expose midriff.

Crotchless:

A style of panty with an open crotch area or slit in the crotch for easy access.

D

Demi cups:

The fabric triangle of the bra that covers the breast, designed proportionate to half a full cup, the demi typically runs straight across the breast just above the nipple and has a low centerfront.

Denier:

The measurement unit used to describe the thickness of the fiber in a garment. The lower the number the thinner the fabric.

Diamante trim:

Trim made of glass, crystal or rhinestones designed to reflect light and sparkle.

Dot net:

Fabric which is sheer and designed with opaque spots equidistantly spaced across the fabric in a pattern.

Dotted swiss:

Raised and evenly spaced sots embroidered onto sheer material.

Drawstring waist:

A waistband designed with a fabric string to strip that can be pulled to adjust to an individual's own size.

Drip Dry:

Allowing recently washed garments to dry naturally by lying flat (preferably) or hanging. Most lingerie requires this method to retain structure and it is recommended that sun be avoided.

E

Elastane:

A fabric designed with elasticity that adds stretch. This particular variety is made from segmented polyurethane.

Elastic:

Woven, stretchable material of rubber or similar material used to create support and fit tightly around a body part.

Embroidery:

Decorative designs made from needlework or machines.

Eyelash lace:

The edge of fine lace with loose strands that resembles eyelashes.

F

Faux fur:

Imitation fur used as an alternative to real animal fur.

Faux leather:

Imitation leather used as an alternative to real animal hide. Sometimes referred to as "pleather".

Fence Net:

Net that is open, large and thin by design.

Fishnet:

An open mesh fabric that has the appearance of netting and is often used to make stockings.

Fit and Flair:

A style of dress cut characterized by a fitted top and flare skirt which may or may not have pleats or folds.

Flounce:

A strip of cloth gathered into pleats on one side which is then attached to a garment for decorative design.

Flutter:

A panty style with elastic around the waist and a short loose fabric around the bottom.

Fly Front:

The front opening in boxers, pants and other garments with overlap in fabric to conceal the closure.

French cut:

A cut of panty or stocking with high curve over the thigh to the waistline. Also, a stocking style with this look sewn in.

French Knicker:

Panty style with elastic waist and wide cut, open or flare legs that fit loosely.

French net:

A mesh fabric that is six-sided and coarse.

Fringe:

A garment decoration consisting of parallel thin fabric strips, strings or other material sewn closely together.

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.

G

Galloon:

A narrow band of lace, embroidery or thread with scalloped sides used as a trim.

Garter:

A garment designed to wear around the thigh. Usually elastic with a silk or lace cover, this item was originally designed to hold up stockings and is now worn as a fashion accessory and at weddings.

Garter Belt:

A intimate accessory that fits around the waist and hips with straps to hold up thigh-high stockings. The back and straps are typically adjustable.

Gown:

A long dress or sleepwear item, usually floor or ankle length.

Gripper Elastic:

Elastic designed to gently grip the skin to hold garment in place. This type of elastic is often seen on strapless bras or thigh-high stockings.

Gusset:

The triangular or rectangular usually cotton lining in the crotch area of the panty or girdle.

G-String:

A style of panty similar to a thong where the front fabric panel is connected by thing lines of fabric or elastic that rides along the hips or just below and fits between the buttocks.

G-string back:

Descriptive terms defining the back-end style of panty - specific to g-string or thing underwear where the entire buttock area is exposed.

H

Halter neck:

A short, 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 type of shirt or blouse supported by the fabric wrapping behind the neck. This cut exposes open should and back.

Hi-kini:

A panty with a high cut leg-line, to the waist, with a full bottom.

High-cut panty:

A panty cut high over the thigh and sides but with total back coverage.

Hooks and Eye Fastener:

A closure or fastener used to secure bras, corset, some shapewear and other garments that allows for adjustability. This 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 garments that secure in the back with one or multiple hooks.

Hook front:

A term for garments that secure in the front with usually one or sometimes multiple hooks.

Hook side:

A term for garments that secure on the side, or both sides with one or multiple hooks.

Hot Pants:

Shorts or panties that ride just above or at the bottom buttock crease.

I

Indent:

Term referring to limited edition garments with single store delivery.

Inner cap:

The interior lining of a wig or cap that prevents tangling and allows for adjustability.

Iridescent:

A descriptive term that defines fabric that appears to move and change in rainbow colors depending on the angle at which it is seen.

J

Jacquard:

Named for its French inventor who used a loom, jacquard is a technique for producing or the fabric created with an intricate weave or pattern.

Jacquardtronic Lace:

Lace created with high-speed machines capable of creating extremely intricate patterns.

K

Kick pleat:

An inverted pleat at the bottom of skirts or dresses.

Kimono:

A Japanese inspired garment that is traditionally loose, and floor length, though current styles offer shorter varieties. A Kimono typically has wide sleeves, wraps in the front and is held closed by a sash.

L

Lace Edging:

A garment trim using selvedge lace fabric usually decorative and applied to the neckline, bottom hem, straps or waist.

Lace-up Back:

A closure in the back of a garment, such as a bustier that is a fashionable adjustment device.

Lace-up Front:

A closure in the front of a garment, such as a bustier that is a fashionable adjustment device.

Lace-up side:

A closure on the side or sides of a garment, such as a bustier that is a fashionable adjustment device.

Ladder Stitching:

Garment stitching that resembles ladder rungs

Laminated:

Bonded layers of fabric or cloth.

Leather:

Animal hide.

Leaver's Lace:

Couture level lace created on a machine and named after its inventor, James Leaver.

Lining:

A layer of fabric sewn into the underside of a garment designed to add comfort and create smooth lines.

Long line:

A style of bustier that extends further down the hip than the traditional waist-length cut.

Lycra:

A fiber originally trademarked by DuPont, for an elastomeric fiber with stretch and recover abilities.

M

Marabou:

The down from the tail of the marabou that is soft and feathery used for trimming. Also a term used for a fine white silk.

Marquisette:

A lightweight but strong fabric used to reinforce the center front of bras that prevents stretching an provides support.

Matte:

A type of finish or fabric style with a flat, non-shiny look.

Mesh:

A style of material with fine, evenly spaced holes.

Microfiber:

A fine synthetic fiber woven into lightweight, washable and breathable fabrics that hold shape extremely well.

Miniskirt:

A style of skirt which can be seen in multiple lengths form the micro-mini which stops just below the buttocks, to lengths around the middle thigh.

Mobilon:

A clear man-made rubber used as an alternative to elastic under mesh, lace or other sheer fabrics.

N

Negligee:

A woman's nightgown or undergarment made of thin, usually sheer fabric.

Net:

An open-mesh knit or woven fabric.

Nylon:

An extremely strong, synthetic material.

O

Opaque:

Material or fabric which is impervious to light and cannot be seen through.

Open bust / tip:

Style where little or no coverage is provided over the breast and nipple. Open refers to the entire breast, tip typically to the nipple.

Open rear:

Style referring to the absence of elastic, strings, fabric or coverage over or between the buttocks.

P

Padded cups:

Bra or undergarment where the material that covers the breast contains padding or liquid.

Panty:

A general terms for women's undergarments. Panties come in a variety of styles but are specific to coverage of the female region.

Pantyhose:

Nylon, silk or other material that stretches to fit next to skin and covers legs from hip to toe, or with open foot.

Patent leather:

Leather that has been treated with lacquer to give one side a hard, glossy surface.

Pecupsek-a-boo:

Bra cups designed with partial openings over part of the breast or nipple.

Peignoir:

A woman's loose fitting dressing gown, robe or lingerie.

Picot Elastic:

Decorative elastic used for practical purposes but also accent garment areas.

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.

Polyamide:

A synthetic fiber with wrinkle resistant capabilities.

Polyester:

A synthetic polymer used to create hard-wearing fabric with low moisture absorbency.

Pouch:

The fabric triangle creating the cup area in a man's thong or g-string.

Powernet:

Fabric often found in athletic bras and shapewear that has two- way stretch and provides compressive support.

Princess line:

Fabric stitching that creates visible seams to promote an hourglass figure.

Push-up cups:

Bra cups with padding designed to enhance and push up breast to create flattering cleavage. Padding is sometimes stitched into the cup and sometimes removable.

R

Rayon:

A synthetic textile fiber made from cellulose.

Regal lace:

General style of lace, named for its designer.

Removable garters:

Garter belt straps that can be removed if stockings aren't worn.

Removable pads:

Padding located in the bra cup that can be removed if preferred.

Ribbed:

A style of fabric with raised ridges running parallel to one another.

Rigid:

No propensity to stretch.

Rings and Slides:

The hardware or elements of adjustment devices found on bras, shapewear and like garments. Moving or adjusting these shorten or lengthen straps.

Robe:

A loose outer garment worn as loungewear or dressing gowns, for warmth and comfort.

Rouleau:

Rolled or folded ribbon used as decorative piping or trim.

S

Satin:

A shiny woven fabric made from silk or rayon with a smooth, glossy finish and dull backing.

Scallop edges:

An undulating pattern on a decorative fabric used as trim or to create interesting lines at the edge or hems of garments.

Seamless:

A style of fabric and/or garment designed and built without seams or lines to create smooth appearances under outerwear and for comfort.

Sequins:

Small round flat pieces of shiny metal or plastic sewn onto clothing to add shimmer and reflect light.

Selvedge/Salvage:

An edge of a piece of fabric that is woven so that it won't fray.

Shaper:

A style of lingerie created to provide support, shape and control.

Shawl:

A fabric square worn over the shoulders or head or as a wrap.

Shelf cups:

Bra cups that support and lift the breast but are cut beneath the nipple for exposure.

Silicone cups:

A type of bra cup filled with silicone as opposed to fabric options to create a smooth natural look.

Silk:

The fine fiber that silkworms secrete to make cocoons that is then woven into thread and used to make fabric.

Silk Knit:

Silk fabric designed with stretchable blend to fit and stretch with the body.

Slinky Knit:

A type of knit create to conform to the body shape, similar to jersey.

Slit:

A garment term used to describe vertical predetermined cuts or slits to create breathability, allow movement and as decoration.

Snap Crotch:

Method of closure in shapewear or panties where the crotch areas snaps open and closed.

Soft Cup Bra:

A style of bra without underwires or structured cups.

Spandex/Lycra:

Synthetic stretch fabric or fiber made from polyurethane. Lycra is a brand of spandex.

Stay up:

A style of stocking or hosiery with a rubber grip stitched into the top edge to prevent the stocking from slipping or falling down.

Stockings:

Hosiery styled from above the knee or mid-thigh to toe.

Strapless:

Bra, shapewear, bustier or any garment without shoulder straps.

Strapless Bra:

A bra designed without straps to be worn under like garments.

Straps:

The supportive and often adjustable bands that go over the shoulders.

Stretch lace:

Lace designed with stretch ability to create form fit.

Suspender Belt:

Similar to a garter, suspender belts are designed to secure at the waist and have straps to clasp to stockings.

Suspender style:

Hosiery designed to beheld up by suspender belts or garters.

T

Taffeta:

A stiff lustrous silk or silk-type fabric with a slight rib.

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.

Tap pant:

Panty or pant with fitted elastic waist and loose, short, open legs.

Tapestry:

A heavy fabric with a woven pattern or picture.

Teddiette:

A teddy with detachable garters to hold up stockings.

Teddy:

A woman's one-piece undergarment serving as both bra and panty, usually with a thong back.

Thong:

An underwear style for both men and women with a thin fabric back that rest between the buttocks.

Thong back:

Term defining the back of a panty denoting the thin strip of material resting between the buttocks and exposing most or all of this area.

Thong panty:

A panty with a thin fabric back that rest between the buttocks, exposing the area.

Tie back:

A type of closure involving ties or laces and ties or unties in the back.

Tie belt:

The sash or fabric used to tie a robe or Kimono that holds it closed.

Tie front:

A type of closure involving ties or laces and ties or unties in the front.

Tie side(s):

A type of closure involving ties or laces and ties or unties on the side or both sides.

Tricot:

A plain close-knit fabric of natural or artificial fiber with threads running lengthwise.

Tube top:

A type of shirt or top that hugs to the body, is strapless and covers the breast and part or all of the midriff.

U

Underwire:

The metal or silicone shaped "U" that resides under the cup of the bra and provides support.

Underwired:

Term for bras that include the underwire feature.

V

V-Front:

A term for a particular cut of shirt or garment where the neckline plunges down in a "V" shape. This line usually shows the cleavage area.

Veil:

A decorative headdress worn by brides.

Velcro side:

A type of closure where sides can be opened or closed using Velcro for quick removal.

Velvet:

A cotton, silk or nylon fabric with a dense soft and usually lustrous pile and plain underside.

Venice lace:

A type of lace which is heavy and firm with an open background.

Viscose:

A type of rayon with a soft and silky feel made from a cellulose solution.

W

Wings:

Side panels of a bra typically found in the larger or plus size cups that provide support in the side bust area and under the arms.

Wristlet:

A fashion accessory that is a stylish elastic band worn around the wrist with some type of decorative, floral or jeweled design.

Z

Zip or Zipper:

A type of closure and fastener consisting of two rows of interlocking metal or plastic teeth with an attached pull-tab to open and lose the fastener.

Zipper front:

Garment with zip closure that opens and closes in the front.