Lingerie has its own vocabulary, and it's easy to feel like everyone else already knows it. They don't — most people learn these terms the same way you're about to: by looking them up. Here's what each style actually is, so you know exactly what you're choosing before you buy.
Chemise
A loose, slip-style garment that falls from the shoulders, usually ending at the hip or mid-thigh. Think of it as a dressed-up slip — often in satin or lace, with thin adjustable straps. It's one of the most comfortable styles to actually sleep in, not just pose in.
Babydoll
Similar to a chemise but shorter and fuller through the skirt, often gathered under the bust for a looser, floaty fit. Usually paired with matching briefs. The relaxed cut makes it one of the more forgiving, comfortable styles across different body shapes.
Teddy
A one-piece that combines a top and bottom in a single garment, similar in concept to a bodysuit. Teddies often have a lower-cut leg for a flattering silhouette and sometimes feature a crotchless or snap-closure design for practicality.
Corset
A structured piece built with internal boning (rigid strips that hold its shape) and usually a lace-up back, designed to shape and define the waist. A full corset covers from bust to hip; a shorter version stopping at the waist is often called a waspie. Corsets are a statement piece rather than an everyday one — built for a few hours, not all day.
Basque
Often confused with a corset, but softer and less rigid — shaping through fabric and seaming rather than heavy boning. More comfortable for longer wear while still giving a defined waist, making it a good middle ground between a bra and a full corset.
Bodysuit / Body
A one-piece garment combining a bra top with a brief bottom, usually fastened with poppers at the gusset. Functions like a fitted top on its own, or a smoothing base layer under other clothing.
Bodystocking
A sheer, stretch one-piece covering the torso and legs, often in a fishnet or lace pattern. Entirely a special-occasion piece rather than everyday wear — it's about the overall silhouette rather than coverage or support.
Suspender belt / Garter belt
A belt worn at the waist with straps (suspenders) that clip onto the tops of stockings to hold them up. Different from hold-ups, which stay up on their own using a silicone band — a suspender belt is the traditional way of wearing true stockings, and it's also just a striking piece to wear on its own with a matching set.
Peignoir
A lightweight, flowing robe, usually in sheer or soft fabric, worn open over lingerie rather than closed like a dressing gown. Traditionally part of a bridal or honeymoon set, though it works just as well as an elegant layer for any evening at home.
A quick way to remember the difference
- Loose and flowing: chemise, babydoll, peignoir.
- Structured and shaping: corset, basque.
- One-piece: teddy, bodysuit, bodystocking.
- Worn with stockings: suspender belt.
Now that you know what you're looking at, browse our Lingerie and Bedroom Wear collections to see each style in person.