Lingerie And Intimate Apparel
Glossary of Terms

Below you will find a glossary of the more common terms used to describe lingerie, intimate apparel, the materials they are made from, the different parts of lingerie and the unique and individual styles of intimate apparel.

  Adjustable Garters:

Adjustable (in length) elastic straps which attach to stockings to hold them up.

  Adjustable Shoulder Straps:

Shoulder straps can be shortened or lengthened to provide the best fit.

  Attached Sleeves:

Sleeves which are attached at only one point to the side of the garment. Usually seen on certain styles of bodystockings.

  Baby Doll:

A garment usually consisting of formed cups with an attached, loose fitting skirt that falls anywhere between the belly button and the hips.

  Back Seams:

Stockings with a seam running up the back of the leg for those that like a more old fashioned (and sexy) look.

  Bandeau:

A fancy name for a bra.

  Bell Bottom:

Pant cuffs that flair out.

  Bikini:

A low cut panty.

  Bloomers:

An old fashioned form of feminine underwear consisting of loose fitting trousers or shorts.

  Bodice:

That portion of the garment which covers the breasts. The upper part of a dress.

  Bodystocking:

Snug fitting hosiery that offers coverage from the neck or upper body down to the ankles or toes.

  Bodysuit:

Snug fitting one piece garment similar to a leotard.

  Bolero Coat:

A loose fitting, waist length coat/robe open at the front.

  Boning Rigid:

Supports sewn vertically into a bustier or corset that help to maintain a slim, shapely look about the torso. Originally made from bone (hence it's name), but now made of plastic.

  Boxer Briefs:

Snug fitting like briefs, but with a fuller cut and legs like boxers.

  Boxers Loose:

vvvvfitting under shorts.

  Boy Shorts:

A panty style similar in shape to boy's underwear (but much more attractive!).

  Bralette:

A sexy bra-like top that lacks the usual supportive features (such as underwires) of a real bra.

  Brazilian Back:

A panty style that covers more of the buttocks than a thong, but less than a traditional full-back panty.

  Briefs Short:

Snug fitting underwear with a full back.

  Brocade Rich:

Oriental fabric consisting of raised patterns, often in gold or silver.

  Brushed Back:

A material backing made from brushed cotton often used in pajamas to give a warm, flannel feel against the skin.

  Burnout:

Alternating patterns of sheer and opaque fabric.

  Bustier:

A bra that extends beneath the breasts to the waist to provide additional support, control and sex appeal.

  Camisole:

A short top usually offering little support for the breasts.

  Chantilly Lace:

Delicate lace made from an open, six-sided mesh background with floral designs.

  Charmeuse:

An opaque, shiny fabric.

  Chemise:

Short under dress or slip.

  Chenille:

Chenille fabric used in lingerie is an imitation of chenille yarn. The fabric has patterns of soft, protuding loops of fiber that look and feel similar to the chenille yarn used to make sweaters, throw pillows, blankets and other such items.

  Chiffon:

A lightweight, sheer fabric.

  Choker:

A snug fitting necklace.

  Chopper Bar Lace:

An open net lace background that has been embroidered with a slightly raised, shiny pattern.

  Clear Straps:

Straps made from a clear, see-through plastic, that are designed to be nearly invisible when worn.

  Contoured Fit:

Garment is cut/sewn to the shape of the body or body part for a more comfortable fit.

  Corsage:

A floral fashion accessory.

  Corset:

A snug fitting garment designed to cinch the waist and lift the breasts. Lacing in the back allows the corset to be adjusted for comfort.

  Cowl:

A loose, draped neckline.

  Crochet Knit:

A large, open knit pattern that resembles crocheting.

  Crop Top:

A very short top extending to just below the breasts.

  Crotchless:

A convenient slit or opening in the fabric covering the crotch area.

  Cuban Foot:

Hosiery with a contrasting colored sole (usually black) and tapered blocks at the ankle.

  Demi Cups:

Demi cups, or half cups, have a lower line which reveals more of the upper breasts.

  Dot Net:

A sheer net fabric decorated with evenly spaced opaque dots.

  Dotted Swiss:

Evenly spaced raised dots on sheer material.

  Embroidery:

Decorative designs sewn into fabric by hand or machine.

  Eyelash Lace:

Lace garment with strands at the edges that resemble eyelashes.

  Fascination Lace:

Mesh lace with shiny embroidered floral pattern.

  Faux Fur:

Imitation, synthetic or man made fur.

  Faux Leather:

Imitation, synthetic or man made leather.

  Fence Net:

A large, thin open net.

  Fiberfill:

Generic term for man-made fibers used as padding.

  Fishnet:

Coarse, open mesh fabric noted for its sex appeal.

  Fit And Flair:

A dress style characterized by a form fitting top which flairs out towards the hem line, often resulting in pleats (folds).

  Flocking:

Decoration made from very short velvety fiber.

  Flounce:

A piece of material gathered and attached at one side, such as a large ruffle.

  Flutter:

A panty style with a strip of fabric around the sides that is elastic on top, but loose on the bottom.

  Fly:

A convenience opening in the front of shorts or pants. Can be closed with a zipper, buttons or velcro, or it might just be an overlapping flap.

  French Cut:

Pantyhose with sewn in decorative panty.

  French Net:

Very coarse, six sided open mesh fabric.

  Fringe:

Decorative thin strips or strings, usually hanging from the hem line.

  Full Cups:

Cups which completely cradle and support the breasts as opposed to other cup styles which offer less coverage and support.

  Garter:

An elastic leg band originally designed to hold up stockings but now just used for added sex appeal.

  Garter Belt:

A belt worn around the waist with straps, called garters, that clasp onto stockings to keep them from falling down. Usually the back of the garter is adjustable to fit different waist sizes and the garter straps can be adjusted for length.

  Gartini:

A combination garter belt and panty.

  Georgette:

Sheer crepe woven from hard-twisted yarns/threads to produce a dull pebbly surface.

  Gown:

A long dress usually extending to the ankles.

  G-String:

A panty consisting of a triangular patch of fabric attached with thin, elastic straps in back and around the waist completely exposing the buttocks.

  G-String Back:

Only a thin piece of elastic is used in the back and around the waist, exposing all of the buttocks.

  Halter Neck:

Garment wraps around the neck for support and, optionally, may be tied behind the neck (halter tie) or include a clasp (halter closure).

  Halter Top:

A short top held up at the neck usually exposing the shoulders and upper back.

  Hook Back:

Garment closes in back with one or more hooks.

  Hook Front:

Garment closes in front with one or more hooks.

  Hook Side:

Garment closes on the side with one or more hooks.

  Hot Pants:

Very short pants.

  Inner Tie:

A hidden tie on the inside of a garment (usually a robe) to help keep it closed.

  Iridescent:

Fabric which appears to change color or sparkle as it moves.

  Jacquard:

Fabric characterized by an intricate weave or pattern. Originally named after French inventor Joseph-Marie Jacquard who invented a loom capable of producing this fabric.

  Keyhole:

An oval-shaped opening.

  Kick Pleat:

An inverted pleat, often used at the bottom of a skirt to give it more breadth.

  Lace-up Back:

Garment laces up in the back for decoration and/or for an adjustable fit.

  Lace-up Front:

Garment laces up in the front for decoration and/or for an adjustable fit.

  Lace-Up Side:

Garment laces up the side for decoration and/or for an adjustable fit.

  Lined Crotch:

An extra panel of fabric sewn into the crotch for added comfort.

  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.

  Low Rise:

Pants or panties which ride low on the hips instead of higher up at the waist.

  Lurex®:

Fabric created from a trademarked metallic thread.

  Marabou Soft:

fluffy man-made feather-like material.

  Matte:

Smooth, even, non-glossy look.

  Mesh/Net:

A knit or woven fabric consisting of small, evenly spaced holes.

  Microfiber:

An extremely fine synthetic fiber usually woven into soft, light weight, washable, breathable fabrics.

  Miniskirt:

A very short skirt with a hemline that can extend anywhere from just below the buttocks (micromini) to mid-thigh.

  Muscle Shirt:

A shirt with no sleeves.

  Opaque:

Not see through. Semi-opaque is somewhere in between sheer (see through) and opaque. For example, stockings can look opaque until you stretch them over your leg, when due to the stretching, they become semi-opaque.

  Open Bust/Tip:

Little or no coverage is provided over the breasts. In general, open bust means there is no cup whatsoever while open tip usually means there is a cup, but with an opening over the nipple area.

  Open Rear:

No fabric or elastic covers the area between the buttocks.

  Over Knee:

Stockings meant to rise up just over the knee.

Shorter than standard thigh high stockings.

  Padded Cups:

Cups that contain padding, sometimes removable, for those with smaller breasts that might not otherwise fill out the cups.

  Panne Velvet:

Velvet which has been flattened in one direction.

  Panty:

Women's underpants.

  Pantyhose:

Close fitting hosiery offering coverage from toes to waist.

  Patent Leather:

Real or synthetic leather with a smooth, shiny surface on one side.

  Peek-A-Boo cups:

Cups with a slit or other opening that partially exposes the breasts or nipples.

  Peignoir:

From the French word which translates to 'garment worn while combing the hair'. A negligee or dressing gown.

  Piping:

A decorative cord sewn along the edges of a garment.

  Plunge Cups:

Cups that are cut to form a v-shape, thus revealing more cleavage than a bra with full cups.

  Point d'esprit:

A type of fabric pattern that originated in France in the 1800's.

It's characterized by a net fabric with individually spaced dots.

  Polka Dot:

A fabric pattern characterized by evenly spaced dots throughout.

  Pouch:

A man's g-string.

  Princess Line:

Visible seams which resemble an hourglass shape for a figure flattering look.

  Push-Up Cups:

Cups containing padding, sometimes removable, designed to push the breasts up to create a more flattering cleavage.

  Regal Lace:

While it sounds like lace fit for a queen, in reality, this is just a particular pattern of lace that was arbitrarily given the name 'Regal' by the fabric manufacturer.

  Removable Garters:

Elastic straps which attach to stockings to hold them up, but which can be removed if stockings won't be used.

  Removable Pads:

Pads which can be removed from the cups, if desired.

  Ribbed:

Fabric with raised vertical 'ribs' usually made into form fitting designs.

  Rigid:

Does not stretch.

  Robe:

A loose fitting coverup.

  Satin:

A particular type of shiny, woven fabric.

  Scallop Edges:

A decorative fabric edge shaped similar to a line of scallops (or shells) lined up edge to edge.

  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.

  Shawl:

A wide scarf worn about the shoulders.

  Shelf Cups:

Cups which only provide support and coverage underneath the breasts exposing the nipples.

  Shirred:

Material which is gathered to make decorative folds.

  Silicone Cups:

Cups which are padded with silicone instead of fiber. Silicone tends to provide a smoother, more natural look and a more comfortable fit.

  Silk:

A natural fiber produced by silkworms that is revered for its luxuriously soft feel.

  Silk Knit:

Silk fabric which stretches and clings to the body.

  Skirtini:

A mini skirt with attached garters.

  Sliding Pouch:

The pouch slides along the waistband allowing it to be widened or narrowed for an adjustable fit.

  Slinky Knit:

A soft, elastic knit fabric which conforms to the shape of the body.

  Slit:

A narrow vertical split in the fabric usually added for ease of movement or sex appeal.

  Snap Crotch:

Crotch snaps/unsnaps for convenience.

  Spandex/LycraŽ:

Spandex is the generic term for fabric created from elastic thread which helps a garment to stretch for a better fit and added comfort. LycraŽ is a well known brand of spandex.

  Spiral Wire Cups:

Bendable wire in a spiral shape used to make a skimpy bra cup. The spiral can be pulled out, pushed in or otherwise bent to accomodate the shape of the breast.

  Stay-Up Stockings:

Stockings with rubber grips inside the tops that help to prevent them from slipping down the legs. They are meant to be worn without a garter belt. In fact, it's usually difficult to use a garter belt with stay ups due to the stiff top.

  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.

  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.

  Taffeta:

A crisp plain-woven lustrous fabric.

  Tailored:

Styled to look as if custom made by a tailor.

  Tank Top:

A sleeveless shirt.

  Tap Pant:

Pants with a slightly gathered, elasticized waistband and very short, loose-fitting legs.

  Tapestry:

A rich looking fabric similar in appearance to the heavy, handwoven designs used in making curtains and upholstery.

  Teddiette:

A teddy with attached garters to hold up stockings.

  Teddy:

A one piece garment with high cut legs and usually a thong back.

  Thong Back:

Only a thin strip of material is used in the back exposing most of the buttocks.

  Thong Panty:

A panty with only a thin strip of material in the back that exposes most of the buttocks.

  Tricot:

Plain, close warp-knitted (produced by machine with the yarns running in a lengthwise direction) nylon fabric.

  Tube top:

A strapless, body hugging top made from a rectangular piece of fabric.

  Ultrasuede®:

A trademarked soft, man-made suede fabric noted for its durability, washability and comfort. For more about this fabric, see http://www.ultrasuede.com.

  Underwire:

Adds extra support and lift for the breasts using a thin wire sewn into the base of the cups. Especially desirable feature for larger breasted women.

  Veil:

A decorative headdress worn by brides.

  Velvet:

Fabric with a short, soft, dense pile noted for its luxurious feel.

  Venice Lace:

Firm, heavy lace with an open background, usually in floral leaf patterns.

  Vest:

A sleeveless, waist length coat usually meant to be worn over a shirt or blouse.

  Vinyl:

A man-made, non-elastic, non-breathing plastic material that has a wet look and is often used in fetish wear.

  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.

  Wristlet:

A decorative, elastic band worn around the wrists.