A Comprehensive Guide to the Different Types of Lingerie: Styles, Features, and Uses

October 6, 2025

Lingerie is more than just undergarments; it’s a celebration of style, comfort, and confidence. And...confusion!

We are here to help, so if you have any questions about styles, choosing the right piece for your body or occasion, or need to see a piece modeled, reach out to us!

From elegant teddies to structured corsets, the world of lingerie offers a variety of options to suit every taste, occasion, and body type. In this guide, we’ll explore and explain the most popular types of lingerie—teddies, corsets, bustiers, basques, chemises, babydolls, peignoirs and negligees, nightgowns, slips (full and half), and garters—detailing their unique features, styling tips, and purposes. Whether you’re shopping for intimate apparel or looking to understand these garments better, we're here to help you navigate the diverse world of lingerie.

What is Lingerie?

"Lingerie" is a super-broad term that as a whole refers to women’s undergarments and sleepwear, typically designed with an emphasis on aesthetics, comfort, or seduction. Bras, panties and shape wear technically fall within the definition, but typically "lingerie" refers to undergarments with seduction and aesthetics prioritized.

Crafted from luxurious materials like silk, satin, lace, and cotton, lingerie ranges from practical everyday pieces to glamorous, occasion-specific designs. Understanding the different types of lingerie can help you choose the perfect piece for any moment, whether it’s a romantic evening, a special event, or a cozy night in.

Teddies: The All-in-One Lingerie

A teddy (also called a bodysuit or one-piece) is a single-piece lingerie garment that combines a camisole, bra or bustier with panties, offering a sleek, form-fitting silhouette. Teddies are versatile, ranging from sultry lace designs to comfortable cotton styles. They typically cover the torso and have a high-cut leg, accentuating the hips and elongating the legs.

Features: Snap or hook-and-eye closures at the crotch for convenience, often made with lace, satin, or mesh. Some are stretchy pull-on styles with or without a back closure of some design.
Best For: Romantic evenings or as a layering piece under sheer clothing. A lacy or strappy teddy makes for a perfect top under pants or jeans worn for a night out.
Styling Tip: Pair a lace teddy with a silk robe or peignoir for a glamorous boudoir look. Thigh high stockings also pair well with this style.

Corsets: Timeless Structure and Elegance

Corsets are structured garments designed to shape and sculpt the waist, creating an hourglass figure. Historically worn as undergarments, modern corsets are often styled as outerwear or lingerie. They feature boning (flexible steel or plastic supports) and lacing or hook-and-eye closures for a snug fit.

These can be ultra-functional and practical for controlled shaping of the waist, or less-functional but highly aesthetically-oriented to achieve that Victorian or Renaissance style.

Features: Tight-lacing for waist cinching, boning for structure, often adorned with lace or embroidery.
Best For: Special occasions, bridal lingerie, or as a statement piece with jeans or skirts. Popular at historical fairs like Ren Fair or re-enactments for Victorian clothing.
Styling Tip: Choose a corset with breathable fabrics like cotton for comfort during extended wear. Lace-up are more adjustable than hook-and-eye or zipper-close, especially those with two ribbons.

Bustiers: Support with a Feminine Flair

A bustier is similar to a corset but focuses on enhancing the bust while providing moderate waist shaping. Bustiers are shorter than corsets, typically ending at or above the hips, and often include built-in cups or underwire for added support. Think of these like extended longline bras with more support and shaping.

Features: Underwire cups, light boning, and hook-and-eye or zipper closures.
Best For: Bridal wear, evening outfits, or as a supportive lingerie piece.
Styling Tip: Pair a bustier with high-waisted trousers for a chic, vintage-inspired look

Basques: A Blend of Corset and Bustier

Basques combine elements of corsets and bustiers, offering a longer silhouette and more shaping than a bustier but less intense waist-cinching than a corset. They often include garter straps for attaching stockings, making them a favorite for bridal or boudoir settings.

The "low back" or so-called "backless" basques are fantastic for dresses with revealing backs since these support from far below the bust line.

Features: Light boning, garter straps, and a fitted bodice.
Best For: Wedding and formal dresses, romantic occasions or as part of a layered lingerie set.
Styling Tip: Wear a basque with thigh-high stockings for a cohesive, elegant ensemble

Chemises: Effortless Elegance

A chemise is a loose-fitting, straight-cut lingerie piece that skims the body, typically reaching the upper thighs. Made from lightweight materials like silk or satin, chemises are comfortable yet sophisticated, often featuring delicate lace trim.

These are basically extended, extra long camis. They can have structured or unstructured cups, usually lack underwires, and can be worn with or without panties.

Features: Flowy silhouette, adjustable straps, and minimal structure.
Best For: Sleepwear, lounging, or as a lightweight lingerie option.
Styling Tip: Layer a chemise under a sheer cardigan for a relaxed, romantic look

Babydolls: Playful and Flirty

A babydoll is a short, loose-fitting lingerie dress that flares out from the bust or waist, creating a playful, doll-like silhouette. Often paired with matching panties, babydolls are popular for their flirty and feminine appeal.

These are more structured, elegant and embellished versions of chemises. Some are fairly unstructured, while others have boning, underwires and structured cups.

Features: Empire waist, sheer or lace fabrics, and often includes underwire cups.
Best For: Romantic nights or as a fun, youthful sleepwear option.
Styling Tip: Choose a babydoll with bold colors or patterns to make a statement, and a style that highlights your best features. If you have wide hips that you want to downplay, babydolls aren't the best option.

Peignoirs and Negligees: Luxurious Loungewear

A peignoir is a short to long, flowing robe or gown, often paired with a matching chemise or nightgown. Made from sheer or silky fabrics, peignoirs exude luxury and are designed for lounging or post-bath relaxation.

Features: Sheer or lightweight materials, often with lace or satin details.
Best For: Evening relaxation or as a glamorous cover-up.
Styling Tip: Opt for a peignoir set with a matching chemise for a coordinated look. You can wear alone for maximum comfort and seduction, or wear over a bra set or bustier for a soft, layered aesthetic.

Nightgowns: Classic Sleepwear

Woman wearing a beige dress with lace details against a gray brick wall.

Nightgowns are long, loose-fitting garments designed primarily for sleep. Available in various lengths (from knee-length to floor-length), nightgowns range from simple cotton designs to ornate silk or lace versions.

These can be simple pull-over styles, or have zip, button or tie closure. Vintage styles range from semi-sheer to heavy velvet and offer great options for year round bedtime style.

Features: Comfort-focused, with minimal structure and soft fabrics.
Best For: Everyday sleepwear or cozy evenings.
Styling Tip: Choose a nightgown with breathable fabrics like cotton for all-night comfort

Slips (Full and Half): Functional Elegance

Slips are lightweight undergarments worn beneath dresses or skirts to prevent transparency, clinging and add smoothness. Full slips cover the torso and extend to the thighs or knees, while half slips cover only the lower body, starting at the waist.

Half slips range from short to maxi, while most full slips are knee-length to maxi. Full slips are highly underrated as stand-alone lounge wear and lingerie with a vintage, pin-up look.

Features: Smooth, non-clinging fabrics like nylon or silk, often with lace trim.
Best For: Layering under sheer or fitted clothing.
Styling Tip: Use a slip to enhance the drape of a dress while adding a touch of elegance

Garters, Garter Belts and Suspenders

Oh boy, lots of confusion here! It's really the fault of pop couture using these terms interchangeably, but garters and suspenders (also called garter belts) are totally distinct.

Garters

These are the elastic, stand-alone band that's worn around one or both thighs as an accent piece. They're what's traditionally thrown at weddings by the bride, but really have no practical function. They're purely for looks.

Garter belts, AKA Suspenders

Shown above, these are highly practical. Worn around the waist resting on the top of your hips, these hold up stockings with straps and clips, adding a seductive touch to lingerie sets. These were originally designed as practical pieces to hold thigh high stockings up, because they LOVE to creep down. The two options were to continually hike them up and roll down the tops for extra tightness to grip the thigh, or wear suspenders that clipped and held them up. Now, garter belts are less for function and more for fun, but they do actually work.

Lingerie with Garter Straps

Babydolls, basques, corsets and bustiers can all incorporate garter suspender straps. It's perfectly acceptable to leave those hanging as they're a sexy, extra detail to the design. If you love wearing thigh highs and stockings, though, looking for lingerie that has the straps is perfect for you.

Stockings with Built-in Suspenders or Garter

These are single-piece, stretch-to-fit stockings that consist of thigh highs with a garter belt, all connected together as basically one piece of material. The straps that connect the two halves are usually not adjustable, but these are a sexy addition to any lingerie outfit and are usually very affordable (though not super durable).

Features: Usually two to four adjustable straps with clips to attach to and hold up thigh high stockings. The belts are sized and usually somewhat adjustable for a perfect fit.
Best For: Boudoir, wedding lingerie and seductive aesthetics. They can be purely practical, however, if keeping stockings from falling down is a frequent goal.
Styling Tip: Experiment with built-in garter stockings to see if you like the feel and style, then move on to standalone later. Two-strap are less restrictive, but four-strap garters offer a more complex look and better holding power. Incorporate stockings into your lingerie wardrobe and for instant boost in elegance and seduction.

Bridal Lingerie

The term "bridal lingerie" can refer to any or all of the above types, but is generally broken into two sub-categories: day and night.

Day bridal lingerie

Pieces specifically designed for the wedding day. These can be pre-wedding loungewear that's super comfy, elegant and perfect for sleeping in and wearing to get ready. Robes, rompers and loose-fitting dresses are the usual picks, but anything that's ultra comfy and isn't tight enough anywhere to leave marks fits the bill. For the wedding, backless longline bras, shapewear that smooths, and ultra-sexy accent pieces like suspenders or extra-frilly g-strings worn secretly under the dress make the dress feel and function as perfectly as you planned.

Night bridal lingerie

These pieces are all about the wedding night, which is a no-holds barred celebration of intimacy. Specialized sets, often including corsets, basques, or chemises are purpose-designed to bring excitement to the night. Whether conservative or wild, these pieces are all designed to wow. A lot of brands like to offer and specifically label bridal lingerie in bright white, but it can really be any color or combinations of color. It's ultra personal and absolutely should be a very authentic representation of you, so don't go by what brands label pieces as—follow your style and heart and splurge. You and your night are worth it.

Choosing the Right Lingerie for You

When selecting lingerie, consider your body type, comfort preferences, and the occasion. For example, structured pieces like corsets or bustiers are ideal for creating a defined silhouette, while chemises and nightgowns prioritize comfort. Pay attention to sizing charts, as lingerie often fits differently than standard clothing. Additionally, prioritize quality materials to ensure durability and a luxurious feel.

Pro Tip: Mix and match lingerie types to create personalized sets. For instance, pair a garter belt with a basque for a bold, coordinated look.
Fit Matters: Always check for adjustable straps, stretch fabrics, or customizable lacing to ensure a perfect fit.

Final Thoughts on Lingerie Styles

Lingerie is a versatile and empowering category of fashion that caters to diverse needs and aesthetics. From the structured elegance of corsets to the playful charm of babydolls, each type of lingerie offers unique features and styling possibilities. Whether you’re dressing for a special occasion, enhancing your everyday wardrobe, or indulging in luxurious sleepwear, understanding the different types of lingerie can help you make informed choices that boost your confidence and comfort.

If you have any questions about styles, choosing the right piece for your body or occasion, or need to see a piece modeled, reach out to us! We are happy to help.

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