Have you ever wondered what exactly the difference is between a camisole and a chemise? Or how about the difference between a bustier and a corset? This lingerie guide will help get you familiar with the common terms and definitions of popular lingerie items and intimate apparel.
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Babydoll
A babydoll is considered to be a shorter type of nightgown or negligee. Babydolls are generally used as nightwear or pajamas. Most babydolls are trimmed with a variety of materials such as lace or ribbon and can be accented with ruffles or marabou fur. Lingerie such as this often comes in sheer see-through materials, which include nylon, silk, and chiffon. Babydolls gained in popularity in the 1950s and have remained a popular and sexy lingerie item. Other variations of the word include baby doll and baby-doll. Most babydolls tend to be no longer than knee length and are often an alternative to nightgowns and bed jackets. Babydolls range in styles, from comfortable sleepwear to more risqué with exposed sections and/or matching panties to accentuate the body and provide a sexy looking undergarment. Bustier
Bustiers are formfitting lingerie for the upper body. This type of lingerie is often thought of as a hybrid of the bra and the corset, providing support through the bust while also extending down the torso, usually to the navel. This allows the bustier to have a waist slimming effect, while also being apple to accentuate the bust line. These attributes have significantly increased the appeal of the bustier. Camisole
A camisole, also known as a cami or camigarter, is a sleeveless undergarment for women. It can be worn as a sexy negligee or even under a sheer blouse for everyday use. Unlike a babydoll or a chemise, which generally have a more relaxed fit, a camisole provides a tight fit through the upper body, but is also a lightweight and comfortable type of lingerie. They are available in a wide range of materials, generally satin, silk, and cotton. Camisoles may also be accented with ruffles or lace. Bras, or brassieres, can be worn underneath the camisole. Some camisoles provide an underwire bra integrated into the bust. More and more the cami has become considered outerwear, but is traditionally used as an undergarment. Whether used as a fashionable outer garment, or as lightweight and comfortable intimate apparel, the camisole is equally feminine as it is sexy. Chemise
A chemise is a loose fitting upper body garment. Historically, chemises were commonly worn by both men and women as an undergarment. However, the male chemise evolved into the common men's shirt, while the chemise is still a popular undergarment for women. Although it is generally considered a type of intimate apparel, it is worn as an outer garment more and more. Because of its lightweight and loose fit, the chemise is a very comfortable type of lingerie. They are available in an array of colors, materials, and styles that enable the chemise to provide everyday comfort or enhance sex appeal. Corsets
Corsets conjure images of the Victorian Age. However, their style has truly become timeless. A corset is a tight-fitting type of lingerie that helps to support the curves of a woman's body. The bust, hips, and waist in particular are often accentuated by the corset. Although its original intention was to significantly modify the shape of a woman's figure, the modern corset is intended to accentuate the feminine and graceful curves of the body. Corsets are made rigid thanks to metal or plastic boning. In addition, they are usually available in many different colors, and are also accented by lace, ruffles, marabou fur, or other materials to make them sexier and more attractive. G-String
A g-string, which is also commonly referred to as a thong, tanga, or bikini bottom, is a type of underwear that consists of a narrow strip of cloth or other materials that passes between the legs and buttocks and reattaches at the hips. Most g-strings are worn by women, although men may also wear them. Many may associate g-strings with strippers or exotic dancers, but they have gained popularity as the ultimate lingerie accessory. The design of the g-string is intended to accentuate the buttocks and make the area more noticeable. Through the late 1980s and early 1990s, the g-string gained in popularity among women and has become one of the quickest selling styles. One trait that has made the g-string so popular is that it does not produce a panty line when wearing light or thin pants. Today's pop culture has also helped to bring the g-string into mainstream intimate apparel. The style is also commonplace in Europe and can be seen throughout Mediterranean beaches. Garters
Garters are a type of lingerie designed to hold up stockings and prevent them from slipping down the leg. Usually, garters are made of cloth or leather and measure only a few inches wide. During the early 20th century and before, garters were tied just below the knee. Eventually, with the advent of elastic the garter became obsolete. It has become tradition at weddings for the groom to remove the garter from the bride and throw it to male guests. American high school girls also commonly wear garters when they attend prom and may give them to their dates at the end of the night. Though their purpose may have changed over the years, garters still remain a sexy item to accent a sexy ensemble. Panty
The panty is the basic lingerie undergarment. Panties come in a variety of styles, including thong, g-string, bikini, tanga, low cut, and boy short. Up until the turn of the twentieth century, long john underwear was worn by men and women alike. However, in the 1910s, this undergarment was split in half, resulting in the evolution of the upper body camisole and modern panties. At this time, new materials were also being used in underwear as textile manufacturing became more efficient and was aided by the introduction of new technology and techniques. Today, the panty is the essential lingerie item due to its wide range of sexy styles. Stockings
Stockings are a tight-fitting elastic lingerie item, providing covering from the foot to the thigh. Also known as thigh highs, stockings are very common for their comfort, elegance, and ability to accentuate a woman's legs. Stockings are usually very thin and light, and are made from nylon. Originally, stockings were made from cloth, silk, or cotton, but the majority are made from nylon or even a fishnet material. Stocking, tights, and thigh highs are often considered as alternatives to pantyhose. This is often because stockings are considered a sexier option, especially if they are held up by a garter or garter belt. In addition, stockings often have more detail than pantyhose thanks to lace accents and embroidery, or more risqué fishnet styles. Stockings are also easier to put on and take off since they do not go past the thighs, making them especially useful for romantic encounters. Aside from style and convenience, stockings also provide a lighter alternative than pantyhose that allow for more exposure to air. As already mentioned, a garter belt can be used as an accessory to stockings. A garter belt has suspenders that extend downward from the belt at the waist to help keep the stockings pulled up for long periods of time. Many stockings, however, also have an elastic top that helps keep them up without the assistance of garters. Stockings with garters are very popular as sexy, erotic lingerie, and they are even common for weddings as bridal lingerie. Among the many styles of stockings available are sheer, opaque, matte, seamed, seamless, fishnet, embroidered, Cuban heel, knee-high, thigh-high, and also come in solids, stripes, and patterns. Pantyhose
Pantyhose is one of the most common types of lingerie. Pantyhose was invented in the 1950s. Since then it has remained one of the most popular types of undergarments and is perhaps the most common alternative to having bare legs. Usually made from nylon, pantyhose are tight on the skin. Unlike stockings, pantyhose come with an upper section, or girdle, that wraps around the midsection to eliminate the need for garters to hold up the material. Many women consider pantyhose to be more convenient than stockings since they do not require any adjustment. This was the reason for a decline in stocking purchases through the 1960s. Pantyhose is also available in many different styles, including fishnet and crotchless among others. Teddy
A teddy is a type of bodysuit. However, a teddy is not as tight as a bodysuit and is usually sheer. Teddies are prefect for providing an alluring, seductive look. This type of lingerie combines a camisole with a panty and can be worn by itself as a sexy outfit, or can be worn under pajamas or other nightwear. Get Daily Lingerie Ideas
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