What is Lingerie?

What is Lingerie? A Basic Definition

In the most general sense, lingerie is any type of woman’s undergarment, from plain underwear and cotton nightgowns, to elaborately seductive lace bras, panties, and shifts. Many synonyms may be used, including intimate apparel, sleepwear, delicates, undergarments, sleepwear, underclothing, and unmentionables. Depending on the specific type of lingerie, many different variations in style, color, and construction exist.

Are All Intimate Garments Lingerie?

Though the literal answer to the question “what is lingerie” includes all types of undergarments, the general consensus is that intimates are typically lacier, more seductive, alluring, and sensuous. Rarely is high-quality, expensive apparel worn daily, with the possible exception of nightgowns or pajama sets. Both standard underwear (plain bras, panties, and nightgowns) and spicier garments are often sold in the same section of department stores. However, exclusive stores carry more elaborate selections without their plainer counterparts.

Just as not all intimate garments are strictly lingerie, not all lingerie has see-through lace or other immodest fabrics. Many nightgowns, pajama sets, and other types of delicates offer modest coverage while still enticing the senses with luxurious fabrics, rich colors, or one alluring detail – a plunging neckline or high leg cut, for example.

Types of Lingerie

Often the person best suited to define lingerie is the woman for whom it is intended. Depending on her modesty and conservatism, what is thrilling apparel to one woman may be plain daily accouterments to another. Within general categories of intimate garments, there are a wide variety of different styles. Basic categories include:

• Panties: Depending on the cut, shape, and amount of fabric, panties may be briefs, boy-cuts, bikinis, French cuts, or thongs. The basic differences result from the type of cut at the waist and leg, with some styles deliberately designed to conceal panty lines under clothing. Lingerie panties are typically silk or satin and may have lace, patterns, bright colors, or embroidered focal points.
• Bras: Bras come in strapless, under wire, padded, sports, and other styles, usually depending on the strap width and placement as well as the way the cups are given shape. Lingerie bras are often rich, bold colors with shiny fabrics and lace sides or embellishments.
• Nightgowns: Nightgowns come in the widest variety of all, with different lengths, seams, waists, sleeves, and straps distinguishing different styles. Typically, nightgowns classified as intimate apparel are made of satin or silk, perhaps see-through, and include lace, bows, and form-fitting curves.
• Exotic Apparel: There are a select variety of styles meant for more exotic wear, including teddies, baby dolls and garters. These are considered the most risqué types of intimate apparel and are form-fitting, often transparent through lacy patterns, and may even be themed (devil, maid, angel, etc.). They may have feathers, pompons or other eye-catching details, and are usually found in boutique stores.

Sets

Many types of intimate garments, especially nightgowns and exotic apparel, are sold as sets that include a matching bra, panties, or both. Nightgown sets may include a coordinated robe as well. While purchasing a set may initially seem to be the easiest way to coordinate a desired look, consumers should be aware that sets are designed for an idealized body shape with symmetrical proportions: an image that few women actually fit. It is just as easy to choose complimentary pieces and purchase them separately to create a unique ensemble that fits well to each woman’s specific curves.

What is Lingerie? The Least You Need to Know

In the end, the best way to answer the question “what is lingerie” is to consider what makes a woman feel sensual and sexy without simultaneously feeling self-conscious or obligated to display herself. Whether she is comfortable in a rich yet modest fabric or the sheerest and shortest of filmy threads, her lingerie is as intimate as every curve it is designed to hug.