Lingerie Glossary

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·         Netting
A net fabric with which to cover or enclose. See through cloth that is made of very fine threads woven together so that there are small evenly spaced holes between them.

·         Negligee
A negligee is a sheer nightdress with lace trim, usually designed to be revealing.

·         Nursing Bra
A bra with specially designed cups that open to allow access to a baby for nursing.

·         Pantyhose
Pantyhose, or tights, is hosiery that goes from the waist all the way down to, and including, the toes.

·         Peignoir
A peignoir is a woman's dressing gown.

·         Patent Leather
Leather with a hard smooth glossy surface.

·         Piping
Piping is a thin strip of decoratively-covered cord or material, used to edge hems.

·         Poly
A polymerized plastic or something made of this, especially a polyester fiber, fabric, or garment.

·         Push Up
A bra with additional padding at the bottom portion of the cup to lift the breasts in order to give the illusion of greater breast size. The padding, if removable, is known as a "cookie."

·         Padded
A bra with padded fiberfill cups. The padding adds size and definition to give a well-proportioned look to smaller bustlines.

·         Panty liner
A panty liner is any undergarment that begins at the waist and extends down past the mid-calf. A panty liner can be pantaloon-like and worn as a slip for unlined pants, or it can be form-fitting to slim and smooth the legs. Can also be called an underliner.

·         Plunge
A plunge bra is designed to reveal more breast for a sexier look. Plunge bras create the appearance of increased cleavage because of their deep (plunging) front silhouette, angled cups and thin center gore. Plunge bras differ from push-up bras in that they are not heavily padded.

·        Robe
A robe is a loose flowing garment worn as a dressing gown or bathrobe.

·         Racer Back
This bra is named after racing swimsuits that also have straps meeting in a "V" shape on the back between the shoulder blades. This bra style is an excellent solution for sleeveless tops. It also prevents straps from slipping off the shoulders.

·        Ribbed
Vertical ridges in a garment.

·         Rayon
Any of a group of smooth textile fibers made from regenerated cellulose by extrusion through minute holes.

·         Rise
The rise is the measurement between the waistband and the first horizontal seam of a panty. The average brief or panty has a 9" rise. A low rise is when the rise measurement is 7" or less.

·         Sheer
Very thin, delicate, transparent or see through.

·         Satin
Satin is a fabric made of silk, rayon, or other such material, that's closely woven to give a smooth glossy appearance.

·         Silk
Silk is a thread or fiber made from the very fine, soft, lustrous fiber that's produced by a silkworm to make its cocoon.

·         Slit
A narrow cut in the fabric usually made for ease of movements or sex appeal.

·         Shape Enhancer
A shapewear garment that controls the tummy, and shapes the waist and sides. It commonly has hook and eyes at the waist, and usually has boning to keep the waist from rolling. Can also be called a waist nipper.  

·         Strapless
An underwire bra with wide sides, no straps or removable straps, and a triple hook back. Many times silicone is stitched to the upper and lower edges of the bra to keep it secure on the body. Mostly worn with strapless tops, evening gowns or with tops where a normal bra would show.

·         Spandex/Lycra
Spandex, or lycra, are man-made fabrics that are strong and durable while still remaining light and elastic. They're also water- and oil-resistant.

·         Seamed
Any bra that has seams running though the cup. A seamed bra tends to give more support than a seamless bra because seams determine the cup's exact shape and size. The best supporting bra has seamed cups and made in 3 pieces.

·         Seamless
A bra with cups that have been molded into a permanent shape and fit. This bra gives a smooth and almost transparent look under clothing. They are particularly suitable under revealing and tight-fitting tops.

·         Stretch
Bras made with Lycra fabric, which lends a smooth, sleek look as well as freedom in movement, comfort and fit.

·         Suport Panel
A support panel is another name for an Inner sling. An inner sling can be a curved strip of fabric which follows the natural curve of the bra similar to an underwire, except soft. This fabric is rigid and sewn inside the cup to provide additional support. An inner sling can also go around the entire breast circumference, or just be panels on the sides of the breast.

·         Silicone Cup Bra
Cups that contain silicone padding instead of fiber padding.

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