The Ultimate Lingerie Glossary

Lingerie is downright beautiful, but with so many options available, shopping for lingerie can be a little overwhelming. When faced with bras of all shapes and styles you can often find yourself asking: ‘do I buy an underwired or a non-wired bra?’

Whether you’re a lingerie newbie or simply wanting to expand your lingerie collection but are baffled by a babydoll and a basque, we’ve got you covered!

Consider this your ultimate lingerie glossary, featuring all the need-to-know lingerie names and terms you might come across to help you choose the best type of lingerie for you. You can also find some of our top tips on how to wear each piece for an unforgettable look.

Babydoll
A babydoll is a short, typically sleeveless lingerie item commonly worn as nightwear, featuring formed cups for bust support with an attached, loose-fitted skirt. Often sheer or lace in design, the babydoll falls just below the bum or at the upper thigh in length and can be worn with a matching thong or brief.

Basque
A basque is a form-fitting piece of lingerie that covers the torso of the body and nips you in at the waist to create a killer hourglass silhouette. Sometimes confused with a corset, the basque is much more flexible and features built-in bra cups.

Once seen only behind closed doors, because of their well-constructed design the basque is now a staple wardrobe piece in its own right. Layer with your favourite pair of jeans and a blazer for an everyday look, or style it up with a skirt and heels for a bolder look!

Bodysuit (Body)
A bodysuit, or a ‘body', is a one-piece garment. A bodysuit can have a full back, open back, or halter neck design with a brief or thong coverage at the back.

The bodysuit is one of the most popular lingerie additions to your underwear as outerwear wardrobe, and with built-in body sculpting and lifting, they’re the perfect solution to bra boredom. Style a bodysuit with a chic skirt or jeans for the perfect brunching-with-the-squad outfit.

Bralette
The bralette is an unlined, soft-cup bra that offers light support. Bralettes are popular due to their style and comfort.

Bra
The bra you put on in the morning can set your mood for the day - a good bra will keep you supported and feeling amazing and ready to conquer anything!

At Bluebella you’ll find an array of luxurious bra and brief sets that feel like a second skin. With designs that feature directional straps, sheer mesh panels, or elegant modern lace, our offering will add that hint of ‘je ne sais quoi’ to any outfit.

Loving loungewear? Style an off-the-shoulder sweater with a lace bra to make those dressed-down-days look even better.

Head over to our Fit guideto help you find the right fit for that perfect bra.

Briefs
Briefs sit comfortably on the hips and provide moderate to high coverage at the back and sides. The waistband rests below the belly button, or you can opt for a high-waisted option to accentuate the waistline.

Chemise
A chemise is ultimately a slip dress designed from gorgeously soft fabrics such as chiffon or satin. Exuding Hollywood movie-star glamour, the chemise can be worn as nightwear, lingerie, or as a fashion statement.

Looking to nail the underwear as outerwear look but unsure where to start? A sensual satin or mesh little-black-chemise could be the perfect option for you.

Corset
A corset is a tight-fitted lingerie item worn by women for centuries to create an hourglass figure. Corsets are usually boned throughout for sturdiness and finished with a hook and eye closure.


Garter
A garter is a suspender that’s worn around the upper thigh, a chic alternative to a suspender belt. Our Garter Suspender is designed with adjustable elastic straps and suspender hooks for holding your favourite stockings in place.

Harness
A harness is an item of lingerie that is worn to be seen. Accessorise a harness with your favourite lingerie set, or enhance your work wardrobe by styling with an open shirt. We offer a range of body and thigh harnesses that will add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit

Hosiery
Hosiery is the collective term for legwear including tights, stockings, and hold-ups. Hold-ups and stockings are similar, though hold-ups have a silicone band at the top that grip to your leg, meaning can wear them without a suspender or garter belt.

With lots of different types, there is something for all tastes - go bold with our Back seam Hold-ups, or enjoy the luxury feel of Lace-top Stockings whilst wearing your favourite lingerie set.

Kimono
A kimono is a loose-fitting outer garment with a tie-belted waist that can be worn to complement any lingerie set. The kimono is a popular loungewear choice, often designed in chiffon or satin for ultimate luxury.

Knickers
Knickers are an essential part of your lingerie collection. When choosing your favourite pair of knickers, the fit and feel they offer you are the two most important things.

Here at Bluebella, we have a range of knickers featuring the softest materials for you to choose from, whether it’s a revamped classic high-waisted brief or a daring black thong with a cut-out back

Panties
Panty/panties are alternative terms used to describe knickers.


Pantyhose
Pantyhose are essentially the same as tights but usually refer to sheer (under 40 denier), high-waisted tights, with a smooth look that eliminates panty lines.


Suspenders
A suspender belt is worn around the waist to sculpt and flatter the body, with adjustable clips that hang at the front and back to hold up your stockings.

There’s nothing quite like putting on an exquisite lingerie set with a seductive suspender belt and luxurious hosiery to make you feel amazing.

Teddy
Similar to a bodysuit, a teddy is a one-piece lingerie item that flatters the body and enhances your curves in all the right places. Generally, teddies are opted for as a luxurious sleepwear option, effortlessly adorning the body with their delicate satin, sheer, or lace design.

Thong
The thong features a waistband that generally sits on the hips, offering minimal coverage at the back and no visible panty lines.

In true Bluebella style, we offer a range of tantalizing thongs for you to choose from that will have you feeling comfortable and exuding confidence.

Tights
A soft-fitted opaque garment typically worn under skirts and dresses to cover the legs from hip to toe, allowing a high level of freedom and motion. Tights range in denier (thickness) – the higher the denier, the more coverage you will get.


Underwired Bra
An underwired bra is designed with a sewn-in, moulded wire that curves under the bottom of the cup to provide added lift and support. The coverage from an underwire bra depends on the style you opt for, but the underwire bra is known for providing optimal support.

We have an enticing ensemble of open cup and closed cup underwired bras for every occasion, whether you’re feeling fierce, playful or provocative!