Last Updated on 27 March, 2026 by Cara Sutra
Let’s start with a confession: I’ve gone years without knowing the difference between a bustier and basque. I keep hearing phrases such as chemise, camisole, teddy and merry widow in relation to lingerie types, but coming up with the correct definition of each one? Beyond me. Is it the same for you? Good news: you can stop worrying. Today, confusion no longer reigns. Today, by the end of this feature, we’ll all have a good understanding of the different lingerie styles. Welcome to my lingerie terms guide!
When you understand the different lingerie styles, you’re better placed to choose the type of lingerie you feel most sexy and confident wearing. The most important thing to focus on is how it affects your mood – not worrying about how it looks to someone else, or how much your partner might like you in it; concentrate on how it makes you feel. Enjoy the lingerie on your body for yourself. A great partner will find you sexy and attractive no matter what you’re wearing – plus, seeing you in a confidence boosting lingerie outfit that you genuinely love is guaranteed to add to your erotic allure.
Your Guide to Various Lingerie Styles
My lingerie terms guide begins below and covers the main lingerie descriptors you are likely to come across when lingerie shopping online. Join me on this fascinating journey through the different lingerie styles, relishing the knowledge that you’ll never confuse a basque with a bustier again!
Everyday Lingerie
Most of us start with the basics: bras and bottoms. These are typically worn day-to-day, and the range of styles is vast—from full-coverage briefs to tiny G-strings, from practical T-shirt bras to intricate lace balconettes. Matching sets can offer that extra sense of polish, but mixing styles and fabrics gives you more room to express your personality. Prioritise your comfort.
Treating yourself to a beautiful and comfortable lingerie set, even when there’s no special occasion, is one of life’s underrated pleasures. A well-fitting, gorgeous bra and panty set can completely transform how you feel throughout the day.
Comfortable & Flowing Styles
If you’re after comfort without compromising on allure, flowing lingerie pieces like chemises, babydolls, teddies and camisole sets are perfect.
Let’s check out the differences between these styles:
Chemises: Think of these as the lingerie version of a slinky mini dress. Typically crafted from satin, lace or mesh, they skim the body in a flattering way and often feature delicate straps and lacy cups.
Babydolls: These flared styles are fitted at the bust and float over the waist and hips. Some are closed all around, while others feature an open front for a teasing glimpse beneath.
Teddies: A one-piece that combines a camisole top and knicker into a single outfit. Great for a flattering silhouette with easy wearability.
Camisole Sets: Pair a soft, lightweight camisole top with floaty shorts for a sweet and seductive bedtime look.
Bodies: More form-fitting than teddies, bodies hug every curve and often feature details like underwiring, sheer panels or cut-outs. They may fasten with gusset poppers for practicality.
Sculpting & Structured Lingerie
These pieces are designed to define and accentuate your silhouette with features like boning, underwires, and lace-up backs.
Corsets: A personal favourite. Cinch your waist and lift your bust with a traditional corset. From lightweight satin styles with plastic boning to sturdy steel-boned leather options, there’s a corset for every occasion.
Bustiers: Like a longline bra, bustiers offer structure and lift with soft boning and padded cups. They’re shorter than basques and great for layering under clothing or keeping them on show.
Basques: Longer in the body than a bustier, often extending to the hips. Basques provide torso-smoothing shape and may include suspender straps for added glamour.
Merry Widow: A vintage-inspired hybrid between a basque and a corset, typically including suspender straps. Perfect for pin-up and retro style lingerie looks.
Catsuits: Full-body coverage in form-hugging materials like PVC, latex or wetlook. Often zippered and styled for bold, fetish-inspired flair.
Hosiery and Accessories
Complete your sexy lingerie outfit with matching or contrasting hosiery.
The most popular hosiery styles are as follows:
Tights: A wardrobe staple, usually worn under clothing for shaping and for practical reasons like added warmth. Sheer or patterned styles can still add a sexy touch.
Stockings: A vintage classic. Stockings require a suspender belt and are strongly associated with elegance and eroticism.
Garter Belts: Worn around the waist with adjustable straps that hold up stockings. Essential for that classic lingerie look.
Hold-Ups: Stockings with a silicone-lined band at the top so they stay up without a suspender belt – ideal for convenience.
Bodystockings: Full-body pieces made from sheer mesh or lace. Some are crotchless for practical reasons as well as easy access. These stretchy one-piece wonders are both sexy and comfortable during wear.
Where to Shop and Discount Codes
Where do you shop for your sexy lingerie? The high street has plenty of well-known brands which offer comfort and practicality for your everyday undies, but finding glamorous, erotic and fetish-inspired pieces usually means shopping online.
It’s easy to shop in complete comfort and confidence, from the privacy of your own home, while selecting your next stunning lingerie piece from a reputable adult online store. Delivery is fast and discreet, with adult shopping websites providing reassuring details about how your package will arrive in a plain outer packet or box with no mention of the erotic items contained within.
My top recommended online adult stores when shopping for sexy lingerie are:
Lovehoney
Known for their imaginative range of sexy lingerie styles in a wide range of sizes (UK dress sizes 6-34). Whether you’re after something romantic, daring or classic, Lovehoney can help.
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Use my discount code AFF-CARASUTRA at checkout (at both Lovehoney.com and Lovehoney.co.uk – click through the relevant banner above) to enjoy 15% off your full-price orders.
Bondara
Bondara is a UK-based online adult shop offering glamorous and erotic lingerie styles at prices to suit every budget. There are playful lace sets, soft ‘n sweet styles as well as fiercely striking wetlook and PVC designs. Choose your style of sensual adventure: everyday seduction or kinky power exchange session.
Enjoy 15% off your full-price Bondara orders with my discount code CARA15.
Final Thoughts
Lingerie is far more than just the everyday essential of underwear – it’s an effective way to boost your confidence, enhance your self-love journey and express yourself to your lucky partner. Whether you’re drawn to flowing chemises, sculpting corsets or daring bodystockings, there’s a style that will feel perfect on your body and suit your unique erotic desires.
Revisit this lingerie terms guide before your next sexy lingerie shopping session or underwear drawer update to refresh your knowledge of the various lingerie terms and differences between all the lingerie styles.
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