Lingerie Glossary

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·         Center Gore
The center gore is the piece of fabric, which connects the cups of a bra at the center front.

·         Comfort Straps
Comfort Straps are wider than average straps and are usually padded or lined. They help to more evenly distribute the weight of the breast, and thus increase the comfort of the wearer. Comfort straps are very helpful feature for any woman who has experienced shoulder pain due to her bra.

·         Contour Bra
A contour bra has cups that hold their shape. The cups are always padded or lined and they have an underwire. Contour bras are similar to a molded bra, except molded bras may not have cups with padding or underwires. Contour bras are a perfect choice for any woman seeking a sculpted silhouette, as they offer a significant amount of coverage and control. A contour bra can also add definition (not size) to the breast, a smooth shape, and elimination of nipple contours. A good choice for in-between bra sizes, or a woman with uneven breasts.

·         Convertible
A convertible bra has straps, which can be worn in six different configurations: conventional, halter, one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, criss-crossed, and strapless.

·         Cookie
A padded insert in the cup of a bra. Though usually made of fiberfill, it can also be made with water, oil or a gel. Cookies help to change the shape of the breast. They also help when one breast is smaller than the other. Placing a cookie in the bra cup of the smaller breast will give you a more even look.

·         Control Brief
A panty shaped like a brief but designed to flatten the tummy and give support while providing a smooth silhouette.

·         Chantilly lace
Chantilly lace is a floral pattern, sewn with thread and ribbon, on a net background. It's named after the northern French town of Chantilly, which was famous for lace and porcelain.

·         Culotte
A wide leg version of a boyshort.

·         Charmeuse
A soft wool, cotton, silk, or rayon yarn with protruding pile.

·         Chemise
A chemise is a loose-fitting dress that hangs straight down from the shoulders. It can be worn as an undergarment.

·         Chiffon
Chiffon is a fine, almost transparent fabric of silk, nylon, or other such fabric.

·         Corset
A corset is a foundation garment which is stiffened, usually with bone, possibly elasticized, and laced in the back. It's designed to lift and support the breasts, and reduce the size of the waist. It may also have attachments at the bottom to hold up stockings.

·         Corselet
Also spelled corselet, it is a woman's support undergarment that combines a girdle with a bra.

·         Crop top
A crop top is a top that comes down to just below the breasts.

·         Denier
A denier is a unit of weight used to measure the fineness of silk and man-made fibers, especially when woven into women's tights.

·         Decollete
A bra style with a very low-cut front panel to create a dramatic cleavage-enhancing look.

·         Demi Bra
A demi cup (or demi) style bra means a contoured underwire design with a large portion of the upper half of the cup being cut away to expose the upper part of the breasts. The shoulder straps are also set farther apart (wide-set). These types of bras are worn when the top of a garment is cut low, wide or square. Men find this style of bra very attractive on women. Can also be called a balconette or a shelf bra.

·         Embroidery
Embroidery is decorative needlework, usually done on loosely-woven fabric, in the form of a picture or pattern.

·         Foam Cup
Padding in the cup of the bra is made of foam. Such padding does not bunch up during washing and gives a smooth look to the cup.

·         Foundations
A pre-war term for shapewear, these undergarments were called foundations because of their similarity to concrete. Ladies who wore them were seen as "solid citizens" while those who refused came to be known as "loose women." Today's shapewear fits and feels like a second skin--coaxing your curves into their smoothest, sleekest, most naturally perfect state.

·         Fishnet
Fishnet is an open-mesh fabric that looks like netting. It's usually associated with a provocative look.

·         French Cut
Another name for high-cut brief.

·         Front Close
A bra that closes in the center front with either a plastic barrel closure or a hook and eye closure. A good style for plunging or v-necklines.

·         Full Cup
A full cup bras completely covers most of the breast, offering both more coverage and more support than a demi cup bra. A full cup bra will not cause a crease or indentation along the top of the breast.

·         Full Figure
Women who wear bras sizes 32-36DD and 38-42C-DD and larger are classified as full figure women. Bras made in these sizes are usually designed to give additional support. Common features include padding, wider shoulder straps and triple hook and eye closures.

·         Full Support
A bra with this characteristic will have banding under the cups, substantial side wings, and closures with two or more hooks.

·         Faux
Imitation, such as faux silk or faux leather. 

·         Fringe
A decoration consisting of a row of hanging threads or strips.

·         Flutter
A panty that is elastic on top and loose on the bottom.

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