Types Of Lingerie

Understanding What She Wants

If you are going to take the leap of faith and buy your lady-love something that is special and that will tell her what she means to you; it is a good idea to understand those subtle hints she will occasionally drop, for instance; "I think I need to buy a basque." If you are going to attempt such a feat, you might be wise knowing what a basque is.

This information page will help you clarify the different types of lingerie so that you succeed in buying the right garment and more importantly, succeed in letting her know how much you care.

Lingerie Style Guide And Types
Baby Doll Nightgown - A short nightgown (just to the thighs) with matching panties, baby doll gowns can be sized by bra size or just as "Small", "Medium", "Large", etc. Sometimes these have matching short robes.
Basque - A basque is an updated version of a corset. It takes the place of a bra and a garterbelt, and covers from the bust to the hips. Sometimes it provides a little shaping (making the waist a little smaller), and sometimes it's meant to be seen either peeking out of an unbuttoned blouse or in place of a blouse when wearing a skirt. It all depends on the cut and style. Other terms that are types of basques are the Merry Widow (no straps), a corset (usually has more shaping ability), a corselets (designed for shaping, but maybe a little less than a corset), a torsolette (same as a corselet) and a waist cincher (more of a belt that slims the waist.)
Bustier - If you take a basque and make it only go to the waist (instead of to the hips) you have a bustier. A bustier can be worn under clothing or as "visible" lingerie to take the place of a blouse with a pant suit or with jeans. Madonna brought these back in a big way, but don't think those are the only styles available. Many are elegant and discrete and in no way inappropriate in the boardroom.
Bodystocking/Catsuit - A one-piece garment that covers from bust to the toes, a bodystocking is usually worn under close fitting clothes during the daytime or alone in the boudoir. This type of garment takes the place of all other underwear, so it's perfect under tight or clingy clothing (no panty lines!), and can be very enticing to the man in her life because he knows she may leave it on after she takes off the other clothes she's wearing. If you saw Sigourney Weaver in "Heartbreakers", this is the item she wore as part of her wedding gown than knocked Ray Liotta's eyes out when they got to the honeymoon suite. Bodystockings can be sized by bra size or by height and weight.
Bodysuit - Imagine a bodystocking without long legs and you have a bodysuit. This is a wonderful item for slacks, jeans or a skirt-the "blouse" doesn't ride up. This is "visible" lingerie that works well with a variety of clothing options. As with bodystockings, sizing formats vary for bodysuits.
Bras - OK, you think you know what a bra is, but you probably aren't aware of all the options. There's the cami-bra-it's a bra with a piece of fabric or lace that stretched from one bra cup to the other to look like a camisole. It's worn with suits (where you don't take off the suit jacket) or low cut dresses, and gives the look of another garment underneath what she's wearing. Demi-bras don't cover the top of the breasts, so they're perfect with low cut necklines. Long-line bras cover the bust to the waist, but aren't meant to be seen. These are the workhorse version of basques and bustiers. Natural bras don't have seams and aren't padded. They're designed to closely mimic being bra-less, but they provide support. Push-up bras (OK, this you probably recognize!) give the illusion of having a little more than nature granted. You want cleavage, you get a push-up bra. A sports bra is good for support and comfort while running, working out, etc. Sometimes, ladies wear sports bras for any kind of activity where heat can be an issue (like camping or housekeeping) because they usually are made of cotton and wick away moisture, and they usually don't have much in the way of uncomfortable shaping details. A strapless bra is, well, strapless. A strapless bra can be good for dresses that have unusual straps or neckline details, as well as for dresses that are strapless. And finally, there's the underwire bra which has a stiffener under each bra cup to provide more support.
No matter what the style, you'll need to know the band and cup size (e.g., 38DD).
Camisole - This, like a basque or a long-line bra, also covers from the bust to the hips, but a camisole typically has no bra support and is sized "Small", "Medium", "Large", etc. This can be something that a lady would wear under something scratchy to keep comfortable (kind of like a man wearing a tee shirt under a starchy shirt); or more commonly as "visible" lingerie-either under a sheer overshirt or as an alternative to a tee shirt of blouse. These can be simple or extremely elegant, depending on the style.
Chemise - A chemise is another one of those items that started out as nightwear, but sometimes shows up in the daytime. Basically, a chemise is a short nightgown, extending to the thighs. A nightgown is a chemise that goes to mid-calf or to the ankles. Most usually, when found in lingerie, this will be nightwear; but some are meant as club wear. Chemises typically are sized "Small", "Medium", "Large", etc.
Garterbelt - If you want to see the lady in stockings, then you may need a garterbelt. Some stockings have elastic at the top (a built-in garter), but many of the styles do not. Before you purchase a garterbelt, look at the other items you are interested in. Many bustiers, basques and corsets have garters built in. However, a bra and panty set with a matching garterbelt can be very pretty and enticing. For this, you need an idea of the lady's waist size.
Negligee - A longer lightweight nightgown usually with a matching sheer or lightweight robe, a negligee is a glamorous version of sleepwear. Also known as a peignoir set, these are a good, safe bet for a first gift of lingerie. Typically sizing is easier and there are various options from demure to racy. As it is not meant to be seen out of the home and because it is easier to find a good fit (than with a bra, for example), chances are you'll find something here that she will like and will open the door for discussions about potential future gifts.
Panties - Well, you know what a panty is. But you may not be familiar with all the different types. A bikini comes up to the hip line, not the waist line. Briefs go all the way to the waist. French cut or high-cut is a brief where the leg opening comes up high to the hip. A g-string has very little in front, and just a thin bit of fabric in the back. A thong can have more coverage in the front, but the back is like a g-string. Tap pants are like short-shorts with fluttery legs.