Lingerie Terms

Applique: A decoration or ornament made by cutting pieces of one material and applying them to the surface of another.

Baby Doll: Generally, a short gown with matching panties, but sometimes is a one piece. Can be made from sheer, lace or opaque fabrics; for night wear or sleepwear.

Bodice: The fitted part of a dress, extending from the waist to the shoulder.

Burnout: A design on fabric, usually velvet, that exposes the sheer underside material.

Cami: A camisole worn as an undergarment.

Camisole: A short negligee; a woman's sleeveless undergarment, sometimes worn under a sheer blouse.

Catsuit: A full body stocking, usually made of a stretch material. Often called bodystockings or suspender catsuits.

Charmeuse: A satin finished silk fabric.

Chemise: A woman's loose, shirtlike undergarment; a loosely fitting dress that hangs straight, sometimes worn with a belt.

Chiffon: A fabric of sheer silk or rayon.

Crushed Velvet: Velvet with a crinkly look but not shiny.

Embroidery: Ornamentation on fabric with needlework.

Faux Leather: Fake leather.

Garter Belt: Used with stockings, worn around the waist and clipped to the top of stockings to keep the stockings in place. Generally matched in color and design with stockings and panties. Often attached to bustiers and various other lingerie sets.

Gown: There are many gown types, including baby dolls, negligees, nightdresses and peignoirs. Used for night or lounge wear. Often made of silk, cotton or polyester, and sometimes with adjustable straps. Many times worn with matching outer robe.

Halter: A bodice for women that ties behind the neck and across th back, leaving the arms, shoulders and back bare.

Hosiery Types:

• Control Top Pantyhose: provides shaping support in the panty section.
• Fishnet Hose: Usually a diamond pattern in loose weave.
• French or Lace Pantyhose: A lace panty is sewn into the pantyhose.
• Lace Top Stockings: A lace band at the top of the stockings replaces the plain welt.
• Suspender hose: A section of the hose is cut out to simulate the look of stockings and a garter belt, often worn with panties.

Jacquart: A fabric with an intricately woven pattern.

Keyhole: A type of neckline in which the material forms a high neckline with a teardrop hole in the front, usually near the top of the fabric.

Kimono: A loose robe worn mainly by women.

Lurex: A trademark used for a yarn made of plastic-coated aluminum filaments.

Lycra: A trademark used for a brand of spandex.

Panty Types:

• Bikini: Top of the panty is below the waist.
• Briefs: Top of the panty is at the waist.
• French-cut: Leg opening extends higher than normal.
• G-String: Usually a string or narrow band of material or elastic used as the rear panel to provide minimal coverage on the rear.
• String Bikini: A narrow strip of fabric or elastic joins the front and rear panels of the panty.
• Tap pants: Shorts with loose fitting legs, that ride higher on the sides.
• Thong: Panties that the rear panel is very small, though usually larger than a G-string.
• Tights: Panties made of a stretch fabric, that usually includes attached legs, and made from opaque fabric.

Peignoir: An informal dress.

Rayon: A synthetic fiber/fabric that is silk-like but less expensive. Does not trap heat against the body, and absorbs moisture so it makes it comfortable against skin and popular for lingerie.

Satin: A smooth fabric, such as silk or rayon, woven with a glossy face and a dull back.

Scallop: An ornamental border that is curved on fabric or lace.

Scoop: A neckline that is U-shapped, and curves at the neckline in a variety of depths.

Shirring: Material is gathered into lines for a decorative effect.

Spandex: A synthetic fiber/fabric that is very stretchy. Made from a polymer containing polyurethane.

Sweetheart: A neckline with a series of side and lower front curves that meet in the center.

Teddy: A combination of camisole and panties in one piece that may be fitted to the body or loose. Includes a variety of styles such as body briefer or a fitted teddy, that may also provide smoothing and shaping. Teddiette: A teddy with detachable garters. Can be worn either under clothing or as sleepwear.

Velvet: A soft fabric, such as silk, rayon or nylon, that has a smooth dense pile and a plain underside.