Applique: A decoration or ornament made by cutting pieces of one material and applying them to the surface of another.
Babydoll / baby doll: Generally, a short gown with shaped bra cups, attached loose fitting skirt & matching panties. Ranges in styles from sheer, lace, and opaque. Night wear or sleepwear.
Bikini: Style of panties, low cut & fitted around the hips
Bodice: The fitted part of a dress that extends from the waist to the shoulder; a woman's laced outer garment, worn like a vest over a blouse.
Body Stocking: One piece undergarment for women, usually made of nylon & covers the whole body.
Body Suit: Similar to a body stocking, but can be worn by itself or as an under garment.
Bra Types: Demi-bra or shelf bra: Covers the lower portion of the breast. Use with low necklines. Push-up bra: Lifts the breasts to create cleavage. Underwire bra: Metal wires in the lower edges of the bra cups support the bust.
Burnout: A design on fabric, such as velvet, that exposes the sheer, underside material. Similar in appearance to flocking.
Bustier: A formfitting sleeveless and usually strapless woman's top, worn as lingerie and often as evening attire.
Cami: A camisole worn as a lingerie undergarment.
Camisole: A short negligee; a woman's sleeveless undergarment, now usually worn under a sheer blouse.
Catsuit: A full-body stocking, generally made of stretch material. Made popular in the 1960s by Diana Rigg in The Avengers television series. Other types of catsuits include bodystockings and suspender catsuits.
Chantilly Lace: Floral pattern on a net material. Named after the French town of Chantilly.
Charmeuse: A satin finished silk fabric.
Chenille: (fabric). Fuzzy fabric, with "caterpillar" appearance. French in origin
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.
Corset: Foundation undergarment with stiffening & laced at the back. Designed to lift breasts & reduce waist size.
Crushed velvet: Velvet with a crinkly look; not shiny.
Denier: A unit or fineness for rayon, nylon, and silk fibers, based on a standard mass per length.
Embroidery: Ornamentation on fabric with needlework.
Faux leather: Fake leather.
Fishnet stocking: Open mesh fabric netting.
Flocked: Design or pattern on fabric that is not intricately part of the fabric.
Garter Belt: Used with stockings (not panty hose!), is worn around the waist and clipped to the top of stockings to keep the stockings in place. Should be matched in color and design with stockings and panties. Often, garters are attached to bustiers and various sets
Gown: Gown types include baby dolls, negligees, nightdresses, and peignoirs. Used for night or lounge wear. Often made of silk, cotton, or polyester, and sometimes includes adjustable shoulder straps. Sometimes worn with matching outer robe
G-String: Panties with string at the back rather than a fabric panel.
Halter: A bodice for women that ties behind the neck and across the back, leaving the arms, shoulders, and back bare.
Hosiery Types: Control top pantyhose: provides shaping support in the panty section. Fishnet hose: Generally, 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, and often worn with panties.
Jacquard: A fabric with an intricately woven pattern.
Keyhole: (neckline). Material forms a high neckline with a teardrop hole in the front, usually very near the top of the fabric.
Kimono: A loose robe worn chiefly by women.
Lurex: A trademark used for a yarn made of plastic-coated aluminum filaments.
Lycra: A trademark used for a brand of spandex.
Negligee: Sheer nightdress with lace trim, usually revealing.
Panne: (fabric). A fabric similar to velvet that has been flattened to achieve the desired look.
Panties: 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: The rear panel is very small, though usually larger than a thong. String bikini: A narrow strip of fabric or elastic joints the front and rear panels. Tap pants: Shorts with loose fitting legs, generally rides higher on the sides. Thong: minimal coverage on the rear, usually a string or narrow band of material or elastic. Tights: panties made of stretch fabric, may include attached leg.
Pantyhose: American term for tights.
Peignoir: Informal dressing gown.
Polyester: (fiber/fabric). Ability to stretch and resist wrinkling make polyester a popular fabric for lingerie. Traps heat against body, but is used in weaves that allow air to circulate. Synthetic.
Princess line: A dress, coat, or blouse made of several pieces contoured to fit the body.
Rayon: (fiber/fabric). A synthetic, silk-like fabric, but less expensive than silk. Does not trap heat against the body, and absorbs moisture. It is a comfortable fabric against skin, making it popular for lingerie.
Satin: A smooth fabric, such as silk or rayon, woven with a glossy face and a dull back.
Scallop: Border is curved on fabric or lace. Ornamental.
Scoop: (neckline). U-shaped curve at the neckline. May be a variety of sizes or depths.
Shirring: Material is gathered into lines, for decorative effect.
Spandex: A synthetic fiber or fabric made from a polymer containing polyurethane.
Surplice: A long, loose, flowing garment, such as a robe or nightgown.
Sweetheart: (neckline). A series of side and lower front curves that meet in center.
Teddie / Teddy: A combination of camisole and panties in one piece. May be fitted to the body, or loose. Variety of styles include body briefer: a fitted teddy, may also provide smoothing and shaping, or teddiette: teddy with detachable garters. Worn either under clothing, or as sleepwear.
Tricot and Satin Tricot: (fabric). A soft fabric that is resistant to runs. Often porous knit. Satin tricot has a lustrous finish.
Underwired: Bras with have wire sewn int the fabric under the breasts to add support.
Velvet: A soft fabric, such as silk, rayon, or nylon, having a smooth, dense pile and a plain underside; something suggesting the smooth surface of velvet.