Lingerie Glossary
Air Filled - bra cups are padded out with air (often blown up by a
special pump) to increase size.
Balconette
- a low-cupped bra where the breasts rest as if in a
balcony. Designed to seductively push-up cleavage.
Basque - a woman's close fitting bodice... very sexy.
Bodies - an all in one garment, often smooth so as not to be seen under
clothes.
Brief - knickers where the waistband rests at or just below the belly
button.
Bustier - extravagant, close-fitting undergarment which gives breasts
the wow factor. Usually a shorter length than a corset.
Control - big knickers which hold everything in and flatten the tummy.
A little help to make you a star in your evening dress...
Corset - a sexy, close-fitting undergarment, traditionally boned (i.e.
rigid strips sewn in, originally made from bone, now more likely plastic) to
reinforce it's (and your) shape. Sculpts the waistline, hips, and breasts.
French Knickers - traditionally loose but luxurious shorts which show
off just enough of your bum to tantalise. You can now buy tighter versions but
they're all very sexy.
Fuller Figure - woman sized 32-36DD and 38-42C-DD and larger are
classed as fuller figure ladies. These bras offer additional support to allow
for a more comfortable fit.
Gel Filled - a form of silicone gel padding to enhance cleavage which
moulds to the breasts. Quite heavy so best for nights out rather than day to
day.
G-String - sexy knickers in the shape of a V at the front with very
little material at the back or the waistband. Look good but not particularly
comfortable to wear.
Hi-Leg - the knickers are high-cut on the leg but cover all of the bum.
Hipster - knickers where the waistband is very low, resting on the hips
rather than the tummy.
Maxi-brief - big knickers with a high waistband and a low-cut on the
leg. Designed for comfort.
Midi-brief - big knickers where the waistband rests below the
bellybutton but with a higher-cut on the leg compared to the maxi brief (see
above). Designed for comfort.
Multiway
- bra has a detachable strap which can be attached in a
variety of ways (e.g. normal shoulder straps, cross-over, halter-neck) which
allows flexibility to suit the straps on your top.
Padded - the bra cups are padded to enhance cleavage. Padding can be
fabric based, gel or air (see above).
Plunge - the bra plunges down between the bust, designed to show off
more breast.
Push-Up - the bra is padded at the bottom to push up breasts and
enhance cleavage.
Stick-On - a pair of self-adhesive, silicone cups that stick on to the
bosom - used to support (and often enhance) your bust without being seen
whatever the style of your outfit.
Thong - sexy knickers in the shape of a V at the front with only a thin
strip of material at the back. Look good and don't leave lines under clothes.
Triangle - the cups are literally 2 triangles of fabric, often used in
bikinis. They don't provide much support but look great.
Underwired
- the bra cups have pieces of curved wire sewn in underneath
which enhances support.
Zip Cup - nursing bras where the cup can be unfastened to provide easy
access to the nipple for breastfeeding mothers.
