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Lingerie Glossary
Curious about a term, phrase
or word related to your purchase?
Lingerieisland.com has created the most
definitive lingerie glossary available
online. Should you find a word or term
unavailable, please email us and we will add
it to our glossary with the appropriate
definition.
A
B C
D E
F G
H I
J K
L M
N O
P Q
R S
T U
V W
X Y
Z
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.
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