Lingerie

Types of Lingerie

When it comes to intimate apparel, women look for soft and comfortable lingeries as well as stylish designs that evoke sensuousness. There are many styles and types of lingeries ranging from everyday wearing to pret-a-porter, bridal and haute couture lingerie. While many confuse lingerie to be just fancy bras and panties, it refers to a wide range of undergarments that includes the following types.

Matching Set

These include matching bras and panties made out of silk, satin, lace or other fine materials. They are expensive as compared to separates. The bras in these sets are usually padded and wired for shape-enhancing.

Negligee & Peignoir

Negligee or Baby Doll is a short and skimpy nightgown worn with panties. It is a loose-fitting garment with thin straps and an empire waist. Peignoir is the same style but floor-length loose fitted nightgown or a nighty.

Basque, Corset & Bustier

These types of lingeries are worn to flatter a woman's curves and give a more defined and hourglass silhouette to the body. The bustier is more form-fitting than a corset and works like a push-up bra that supports the breasts to enhance its shape while giving a thinning effect to the waist. 

G-string or Thong

Usually worn as underwear or a bikini bottom, the G-string or thong is a panty that has a narrow band which passes through the buttocks and is attached to a narrow band around the waist.

Garter Belt

A piece of lingerie that is typically made of lace and uses snaps or clips to hold up stockings or pantyhose. Garter belts come with a lace bra or corset and a panty with straps that hold up the stockings.

Camisoles & Teddy 

Camisoles are sleeveless undergarments that cover the upper part of the body. They are usually made out of light fabrics and feature thin spaghetti straps. Teddy is like a two-piece swimsuit that is a fusion of a camisole and a panty. Made out of fabrics like satin,  lace, lycra, silk and leather, these type of lingeries are not padded but can have underwire support. 

Word of Advice

The best way to buy lingerie is to first get yourself fitted by an expert. Get the right measurements and then invest in an appealing or high end lingerie. Next comes your body shape. Always go for the style that flatters your curves and enhances the shape of your body. Never put your lingerie in the dryer or washing cycle as they should always be hand washed. Though you may be tempted to buy and wear lingerie made out of fancy materials, they are not usually comfortable to wear. For everyday wearing lingerie, look for fabrics that are either 100% cotton 80% cotton and 20% elastane.