Spill the tea: half of lingerie shopping is just knowing what the words mean. Bustier, teddy, basque, holdups — here's your plain-English glossary so you can shop like you know exactly what you want. (Because you do.)
What are the main types of lingerie?
The main types of lingerie are bra & panty sets, bustiers and corsets, bodysuits and teddies, chemises and babydolls, bralettes, and hosiery like stockings and garters. Each does a different job — support, shaping, coverage, or pure drama — and knowing the difference makes it far easier to find the piece that fits your body and your mood.
Here's every term, defined simply, with where to shop it.
The Adeline's lingerie glossary
Bra & panty set
A bra and panty set is a matching bra and underwear designed to be worn together. It's the everyday workhorse of lingerie — supportive, coordinated, and endlessly versatile. Shop Bra & Panty Sets.
Bustier
A bustier is a fitted, structured top that shapes the bust and torso, usually ending at the waist. It offers more support and shaping than a bra and often doubles as outerwear. Great for hourglass drama.
Corset
A corset is a firm, structured piece (often with boning and lacing) that cinches the waist and sculpts the torso for a dramatic silhouette. Modern versions prioritize comfort while still shaping. Browse Leather & Lace for structured styles.
Bodysuit vs. teddy
A bodysuit is a fitted one-piece covering the torso and fastening at the crotch — often supportive enough to wear as a top. A teddy is its more delicate, lingerie-first cousin: a one-piece combining a bra and panty in lace, mesh, or satin, made for intimacy rather than everyday wear. Shop both in Teddies & Bodysuits.
Chemise
A chemise is a short, loose slip-style piece that drapes from the shoulders to the upper thigh. It's soft, forgiving, and one of the most comfortable, flattering styles for any body.
Babydoll
A babydoll is a short, flowy nightie with a fitted bust and a loose, A-line skirt that skims the tummy. Playful and romantic, it flatters almost everyone.
Bralette
A bralette is a soft, unstructured, wire-free bra made for comfort. No rigid cup sizing to stress over, which makes it a great everyday (and gift-friendly) style.
Basque / merrywidow
A basque (or merrywidow) is a long-line bustier that extends over the hips, often with garter straps attached — structured shaping plus built-in hosiery support.
Stockings vs. holdups (thigh highs)
Stockings attach to a garter belt to stay up; holdups (thigh highs) have a silicone band that grips your thigh, no garter needed. Both add instant allure. Shop Hosiery & Garters.
Garter belt
A garter belt is a waistband with straps that clip to stockings to hold them up. Equal parts function and fantasy.
Thong & G-string
A thong has a narrow strip of fabric at the back for minimal coverage and no visible panty line; a G-string is even more minimal. Shop Undies.
Open/crotchless styles
Crotchless pieces have an open seam for a bold, playful option. Shop Crotchless.
How do I choose the right style for me?
Start with the job you want it to do: support → bra set or bustier; comfort → bralette or chemise; shaping/drama → corset or basque; intimacy → teddy or babydoll; allure add-ons → stockings and garters. Then match the color and fabric to your mood. Still stuck? Our Size & Fit Guide helps you land the right fit in sizes XS–4X.
Start here: Bra & Panty • Teddies & Bodysuits • Hosiery & Garters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a bodysuit and a teddy?
A bodysuit is a fitted one-piece that covers the torso and fastens at the crotch, often supportive enough to wear as a top. A teddy is a more delicate lingerie one-piece that combines a bra and panty in lace, mesh, or satin, designed for intimacy rather than everyday wear.
What is the difference between a bustier and a corset?
A bustier is a fitted, structured top that shapes the bust and torso and usually ends at the waist. A corset is firmer and more structured, often with boning and lacing, and is designed to cinch the waist and sculpt the torso for a dramatic silhouette.
What is the difference between stockings and holdups?
Stockings attach to a garter belt to stay up, while holdups (also called thigh highs) have a silicone band that grips the thigh and need no garter. Both add allure; holdups are simpler to wear, while stockings with a garter belt offer a more classic look.
What is the most comfortable type of lingerie?
Bralettes and chemises are among the most comfortable styles because they are soft, wire-free, and forgiving in fit. Both flatter a wide range of bodies and require no precise sizing, making them easy everyday choices.
