The vast world of lingerie choices

If you walk into any lingerie store, you can find hundreds of similar styles, each with a variety of names. It can be intimidating to try and decide which style would look great on you and boost your confidence. Pieces that look wonderful in images may not look the same once you get it home and try it on. That in itself can be discouraging. Women come in all different shapes and sizes, and so does lingerie. In this age of body-positivity awareness, it’s very easy to tell you to love your body: show it off and be comfortable in your own skin. Let’s be real. We are women. There will always be something about our bodies that we dislike and/or want to hide. Lingerie should make you feel beautiful and it should make you feel sexy.

Think of your body as a work of art. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you’re new to the world of lingerie, you’ll need to ask yourself some basic questions. What do you love about your body? What parts are you most comfortable showing off? Which is your least favorite feature? Which areas are you uncomfortable with and wish to cover?

In most States, stores will not allow you to return intimate items. This means that you should have basic knowledge before you invest your money in any purchase. Although I encourage women to drift outside of their comfort zone, I, myself, am selective over what I’m willing to wear. Do you love your breasts but hate your mom belly? A corset or bustier may be right for you. Does sheer or silk free flowing material sound alluring and seductive? Maybe a chemise or babydoll would suit your needs. Want to bring secret sexy to work? Try a teddy under your business suit, complete with a garter and thigh high stockings. With so many options to choose from, it’s no wonder that lingerie shopping can feel somewhat mind-boggling. The definitions of some types of lingerie styles can be found below to help with your search. Happy shopping!

Babydoll: Style of clothing or sleepwear resembling that traditionally worn by a doll, especially short, high-waisted, short-sleeved dresses or negligee.

Basque: Close-fitting bodice extending from the shoulders to the waist and typically with a short continuation below waist level.

Bloomers: Loose-fitting underpants, baggy underwear that extends to just below or above the knee.

Bodystocking,: Unitard. A woman's one-piece undergarment which covers the torso and legs.

Bodice: Close-fitting upper part of a dress, covering the chest and back above the waist. They may also be reinforced with steel or bone to provide greater breast support.

Bralette: An unlined bra without underwires or a clasp

Brassiere: Full form bra. A close-fitting garment that is worn to help lift and support a woman’s breasts.

Bustier: Close-fitting strapless form fitting garment used to push up the bust and to shape the waist.

Camisole: Loose-fitting undergarment for the upper body, typically held up by shoulder straps and having decorative trimming.

Chemise: Loose-fitting undergarment or nightdress, typically of silk or satin with a lace trim.It is similar to the babydoll, but it is fitted more closely around the hips.

Corset: Tightly fitting undergarment extending from below the chest to the hips, worn to shape the figure.

G-string, or thong: Type of panty, a garment consisting of a narrow strip of cloth that covers the genitals and is attached to a waistband,

Garter/Garter belt/Suspender belt: A band worn around the leg to keep up a stocking or sock

Girdle: A belt or cord worn around the waist

Hipster: A mid coverage panty, which is a moderately low rise cross between a bikini and a brief.

Hosiery: Stockings, socks, and tights collectively

Negligee: Light dressing gown, typically made of soft fabric

Panties / knickers: A generic term for underwear covering the genitals and sometimes buttocks that come in all shapes, fabrics and colours, offering varying degrees of coverage.

Petticoat: An underskirt to add fullness to skirts

Romper: A one-piece camisole with short-shorts attached.

Tanga: A type of panty featuring full back and front coverage, but string-like sides that are typically thicker than those found on a string bikini.

Teddy: An undergarment that resembles the shape of a one-piece bathing suit because it is typically sleeveless, and sometimes even strapless.