The Complete Intimate Apparel Dictionary

When it comes to intimate apparel, there are a lot of terms to keep track of. We've compiled a living list of terms and definitions around all things intimate apparel in this Intimate Apparel Dictionary. Keep checking back as we add to the list!

Types of Bras and Components

1. Band Size: The numerical measurement around the ribcage, just below the bust. It determines the size of the bra band.

2. Cup Size: The letter indicating the volume of the bra cup. It's determined by the difference between the bust measurement and the band size.

3. Underwire: A thin, flexible wire sewn into the underside of the bra cup to provide additional support and shaping.

4. Padding: Material added to the cups of a bra to enhance the appearance of the bust, provide shape, or add volume.

5. Lining: Fabric sewn into the cups of a bra to provide modesty, shape, or support.

6. Hook-and-eye Closure: The closure system typically found on the back of bras, consisting of metal hooks and fabric loops that allow for adjustment of the band size.

7. Center Gore: The center gore on a bra refers to the piece of fabric that sits between the cups, typically connecting them at the front. It's the part of the bra that lies against the sternum (the breastbone). The width and height of the center gore can vary depending on the style of the bra.

8. Bra Wing: The bra wing refers to the side panels of a bra that extend from the cups and wrap around the sides of the torso, meeting at the back closure. These wings provide additional support and help to anchor the bra in place. They are often made of elastic material and may contain boning or other structural elements to enhance support and stability.

9. Bra Cup: The bra cup is the part of the bra that holds and supports the breasts. It is typically made of fabric and is shaped to encase each breast, providing coverage, shaping, and support. Bra cups come in various shapes, sizes, and styles to accommodate different breast shapes and preferences. They may be padded or unpadded, molded or seamed, and can have additional features such as underwire or lining for added support and shaping. The size of the bra cup is determined by the difference in measurement between the bust circumference and the underbust circumference.

10. Adjustable Straps: Bra straps that can be lengthened or shortened for a customized fit.

11. Convertible Straps: Straps that can be adjusted or removed to allow for different wearing options, such as crisscross or halter.

12. Full Coverage: Bras designed to cover the entire bust, providing maximum support and minimizing cleavage.

13. Demis Cup: Bras with cups that cover about half to three-quarters of the bust, offering moderate coverage and a slight push-up effect.

14. Push-Up: Bras designed with padding or angled cups to lift and push the breasts upward for enhanced cleavage.

15. Balconette: A bra style with wide-set straps and cups that create a lifted, rounded shape, often with a lower cut neckline.

16. T-Shirt Bra: A seamless, molded cup bra designed to be invisible under tight or thin clothing.

17. Wire-Free: Bras without underwire, typically made with molded cups and/or additional fabric for support.

18. Wireless Bra: A wireless bra, also known as a soft cup bra or wire-free bra, is a type of bra that does not contain underwire in the cups for support. Instead of underwire, wireless bras rely on other structural elements such as seaming, shaping, and elasticized bands to provide support and lift to the breasts.

    Wireless bras are often chosen for their comfort, as they eliminate the potential discomfort or pressure that underwire bras can sometimes cause. They are a popular option for everyday wear, lounging, and activities where maximum support may not be required.

    While wireless bras may not provide as much lift or shaping as underwire bras, they come in a variety of styles and designs, including bralettes, sports bras, and leisure bras, offering options for different preferences and occasions.

19. Sports Bra: A specialized bra designed to minimize breast movement during physical activity, typically featuring moisture-wicking fabric and extra support.

20. Bralette: A soft, lightweight bra with minimal support and often without underwire or padding, designed for comfort and lounging rather than shaping.

21. Maternity Bra: Bras designed for pregnant or nursing mothers, often featuring adjustable cups and extra support.

22. Strapless Bra: A bra designed without shoulder straps, often featuring special construction and gripper strips to stay in place.

23. Plunge Bra: A bra with cups cut low between the breasts, ideal for wearing with low-cut or plunging necklines.

24. Nursing Bra: Bras designed for breastfeeding mothers, featuring cups that can be easily unclasped or folded down for nursing access.

25. Side Support Bra: A side support bra is designed to provide additional support and shaping to the sides of the breasts. It typically features panels or seams along the sides of the cups that help to lift and center the breasts, providing a more rounded and lifted silhouette. This type of bra is especially beneficial for those with larger breasts or a fuller bust, as it helps to distribute the weight of the breasts more evenly and prevents side spillage or bulging. Side support bras often have wider wings and underbands for added support and comfort, and they may also incorporate features such as underwire or reinforced side panels for extra stability.

26. Contour Bra: A contour bra, also known as a molded-cup bra, is a type of bra that has cups made from pre-formed foam or other rigid materials. These cups are molded to a specific shape, often resembling the natural curvature of the breast, and maintain that shape even when not being worn. The primary purpose of a contour bra is to provide a smooth and rounded silhouette under clothing, as the molded cups help to conceal the shape of the nipples and create a more uniform appearance. Contour bras can come with various features such as underwire for added support, padding for additional shaping and modesty, and adjustable straps for customizable fit. They are a popular choice for everyday wear as they offer a seamless look under tight or form-fitting clothing, and they come in a wide range of styles to suit different preferences and body types.

 Types of Underwear And Components

1. Briefs: Underwear with full coverage that extends over the hips and typically has a high waistband.

2. Bikini: Underwear similar to briefs but with a lower waistband and narrower sides.

3. Thong: Underwear with minimal coverage at the back, featuring a narrow strip of fabric or string between the buttocks.

4. Boyshorts: Underwear with a longer leg line and full coverage at the back, resembling shorts.

5. Hipsters: Underwear with a low-rise waistband that sits on the hips, providing moderate coverage.

6. High-Cut Briefs: Underwear with a higher leg line and waistband than traditional briefs, providing more elongation to the legs.

7. French Cut: Underwear with high-cut leg openings and a lower waistband, creating a flattering, elongated look.

8. Cheeky: Underwear with moderate coverage at the back, offering less coverage than traditional briefs but more than a thong.

9. Tanga: Underwear with moderate to minimal coverage at the back, featuring narrow sides that sit higher on the hips than a traditional bikini.

10. G-String: Underwear similar to a thong but with a narrower strip of fabric or string between the buttocks, providing minimal coverage.

11. Shapewear: Undergarments designed to shape and contour the body, often featuring compression fabric to smooth and slim the silhouette.

12. Control Briefs: Shapewear underwear with extra support and control panels to flatten the stomach and slim the waist.

13. Seamless: Underwear made without seams, providing a smooth, invisible look under clothing.

14. Cotton Briefs: Underwear made from cotton fabric, known for its breathability and comfort.

15. Lace: Underwear adorned with lace trim or panels, adding a feminine and decorative touch.

16. Microfiber: Underwear made from synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon, known for its softness, moisture-wicking properties, and quick-drying ability.

17. Silk: Underwear made from luxurious silk fabric, known for its smooth texture, softness, and breathability.

18. Modal: Underwear made from modal fabric, a type of rayon derived from beech tree fibers, known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties.

19. Bamboo: Underwear made from bamboo fabric, known for its eco-friendly and sustainable properties, as well as its softness and moisture-wicking ability.

20. Organic: Underwear made from organic cotton or other eco-friendly materials, free from pesticides and harmful chemicals.

21. Low-Rise: Underwear with a lower waistband that sits below the natural waistline, providing minimal coverage on the hips and abdomen. This style is often worn with low-rise pants and skirts.

22. Mid-Rise: Underwear with a waistband that sits at or just below the natural waistline, offering moderate coverage on the hips and abdomen. Mid-rise underwear provides a balance between coverage and comfort and is a versatile option for various clothing styles.

23. High-Rise: Underwear with a higher waistband that sits above the natural waistline, offering maximum coverage on the hips and abdomen. This style provides a smoothing effect and can help create a streamlined silhouette under clothing.

24. Gusset: The gusset on women's underwear refers to the piece of fabric that is sewn into the crotch area of the garment. It serves to provide reinforcement, comfort, and hygiene. The gusset is typically made of a soft, absorbent material, such as cotton, and is designed to absorb moisture and protect the body's sensitive areas. It helps to prevent chafing, irritation, and the transfer of moisture, providing added comfort and freshness throughout the day. In some styles of underwear, the gusset may also include additional features such as antimicrobial or moisture-wicking properties for enhanced hygiene and comfort.

Lingerie Terms And Definitions

1. Babydoll: A short, loose-fitting nightgown or negligee, often made of sheer fabric and featuring delicate lace or ribbon trim.

2. Chemise: A form-fitting, sleeveless lingerie garment that hangs straight from the shoulders and typically ends at the mid-thigh.

3. Corset: A structured undergarment, often boned and laced, designed to shape and support the torso, waist, and bust.

4. Bustier: Similar to a corset but shorter, typically extending only to the waist or hips, and often featuring built-in cups for bust support.

5. Teddy: A one-piece lingerie garment that combines a camisole or bodice with panties or shorts, usually made of lace, satin, or sheer fabric.

6. Basque: A longline bra or corset-style garment that extends to the hips, providing shaping and support for the torso and bust.

7. Bodysuit: A form-fitting, one-piece garment that covers the torso and typically includes panties or shorts, often worn as both lingerie and outerwear.

8. Garter Belt: A lingerie accessory worn around the waist to hold up stockings, usually featuring attached garter straps.

9. Stockings: Sheer, thigh-high hosiery worn with a garter belt or attached to a garter tab on certain types of lingerie.

10. Pantyhose: Sheer hosiery that covers the legs and extends up to the waist, often worn as an alternative to stockings and garter belts.

11. Suspender Belt: Another term for a garter belt, used primarily in British English.

12. Crotchless: Lingerie garments, such as panties or bodysuits, designed with an open or crotchless design for added allure and accessibility.

13. Sheer: Lingerie made from translucent or semi-transparent fabric, often featuring lace or mesh detailing.

14. Satin: Lingerie fabric with a smooth, glossy surface and a luxurious feel, often used for bras, panties, chemises, and robes.

15. Lace: A delicate, decorative fabric often used in lingerie for its feminine and romantic appeal, available in various patterns and textures.

16. Mesh: Lingerie fabric made from a net-like material, providing a sheer and lightweight feel, often used for bras, panties, and bodysuits.

17. Embroidery: Decorative stitching or embellishments added to lingerie for intricate and ornate detailing, often found on bras, panties, and corsets.

18. Negligee: A loose, flowing garment worn as sleepwear or loungewear, typically made of lightweight and sheer fabric, often accompanied by a matching robe.

19. Peignoir: A long, flowing robe worn over lingerie or nightwear, often made of sheer or lightweight fabric and trimmed with lace or satin.

20. Adhesive Bra: A strapless, backless bra that adheres to the skin using medical-grade adhesive, providing support and shaping without visible straps or bands.

Intimate Apparel Terms And Definitions

1. Intimate Apparel: Clothing worn next to the skin, typically for comfort, support, and/or aesthetic purposes, including lingerie, underwear, and sleepwear.

2. Lingerie: Women's underwear and sleepwear, often made of luxurious or delicate fabrics and designed to be visually appealing.

3. Underwear: Garments worn beneath outer clothing, including bras, panties, briefs, and boxers.

4. Sleepwear: Clothing worn for sleeping or lounging, including pajamas, nightgowns, and robes.

5. Bralette: A soft, lightweight bra with minimal support and often without underwire or padding, designed for comfort and casual wear.

6. Shapewear: Undergarments designed to shape and contour the body, often featuring compression fabric to smooth and slim the silhouette.

7. Basque: A longline bra or corset-style garment that extends to the hips, providing shaping and support for the torso and bust.

8. Bustier: Similar to a corset but shorter, typically extending only to the waist or hips, and often featuring built-in cups for bust support.

9. Camisole: A sleeveless, form-fitting top worn as underwear or outerwear, often with spaghetti straps and made of lightweight fabric.

10. Chemise: A form-fitting, sleeveless lingerie garment that hangs straight from the shoulders and typically ends at the mid-thigh.

11. Corset: A structured undergarment, often boned and laced, designed to shape and support the torso, waist, and bust.

12. Garter Belt: A lingerie accessory worn around the waist to hold up stockings, usually featuring attached garter straps.

13. Stockings: Sheer, thigh-high hosiery worn with a garter belt or attached to a garter tab on certain types of lingerie.

14. Pantyhose: Sheer hosiery that covers the legs and extends up to the waist, often worn as an alternative to stockings and garter belts.

15. Robe: A loose-fitting garment worn over lingerie or nightwear, typically made of lightweight fabric and worn for lounging or modesty.

16. Teddy: A one-piece lingerie garment that combines a camisole or bodice with panties or shorts, usually made of lace, satin, or sheer fabric.

17. Thong: Underwear with minimal coverage at the back, featuring a narrow strip of fabric or string between the buttocks.

18. Bikini: Underwear similar to briefs but with a lower waistband and narrower sides.

19. Briefs: Underwear with full coverage that extends over the hips and typically has a high waistband.

20. Boxers: Loose-fitting underwear worn by both men and women, typically featuring a relaxed fit and longer leg openings.