The Lingerie & Swimwear Dictionary
29.04.2026
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Explore lingerie from A to Z through a rich and educational alphabetical guide: definitions, explanations, and decoding of terms, whether general or technical (non-exhaustive list).
Products, craftsmanship, professions, and styles… the key terms of lingerie, letter by letter, to better understand its codes.
| A | ABDOMINAL PANEL : Reinforcement panel inserted at the center of shapewear to flatten the stomach. |
| ALL-IN-ONE SHAPER : Shaping garment covering the torso like a bodysuit but without crotch fastening. | |
| B | BABYDOLL: Short, flowing nightdress, often flared under the bust. |
| BALCONETTE BRA: Underwired bra with a horizontal neckline exposing the upper bust. | |
| BANDEAU BRA: Strapless bra made from a simple band of fabric. | |
| BED JACKET : Short indoor jacket worn over nightwear. | |
| BIAS : Diagonal direction of fabric relative to the grain. | |
| BIKINI: Two-piece underwear or swimsuit. | |
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BODY / BODYSUIT (BODY): Garment covering the torso and fastened at the crotch, more or less close-fitting, worn as outerwear or underwear.
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| BONING : Rigid or semi-rigid strips integrated into certain undergarments to structure and support the bust or garment. | |
| BOXER : Short, fitted or loose. | |
BRA : Female undergarment, more or less flexible, surrounding the torso. It is designed to support and enhance the bust. Composed of two cups, with or without underwires, held by straps and usually fastened at the back with elastic bands and hooks.
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| BRA CUP : Each of the cups of a bra that support and shape the breasts. | |
| BRA STRAP : Narrow band, adjustable or not, passing over the shoulders and connecting front and back of a bra. | |
| BUSTIER: Garment covering only the bust, often boned and fitted, without straps. | |
| C | CAMISOLE : Small top with thin straps, straight cut, worn loosely on the bust. |
| CHEMISE : Lightweight sleeveless undergarment worn directly on the skin under a corset. | |
| CHEMISE-CULOTTE / TEDDY: Lightweight undergarment worn under dresses in the 1920s, composed of a thin-strapped top attached to loose briefs, often buttoned at the crotch. | |
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COMBINATION (COMBINAISON): Undergarment combining chemise and petticoat, worn under dresses.
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| COMBI-SHORT / TEDDY: Combination with shorts. | |
| CORSET: Undergarment made of strong fabric, often boned and tightened by lacing, shaping the body from bust to hips, often equipped with garters. | |
| CORSETRY : Term referring to all shaping undergarments including corsets, girdles, and bras. | |
| CRINOLINE: Structure made of hoops or metal wires allowing skirts to expand, used in the 19th century. | |
| CUP : See bra cup. | |
| D | DENIER: Unit of measurement indicating yarn fineness; the lower the denier, the finer and more transparent the fabric. |
| DRESSING GOWN : Light coat-like garment worn in private, often matching a nightdress. | |
| E | ELASTOMERS: Elastic yarns used in shapewear, swimwear, and close-fitting lingerie (latex, elastane such as Lycra). |
| EMBROIDERY : Decorative embellishment made with threads, beads, or various materials. | |
| F | FABRIC : Textile obtained by weaving warp and weft threads. |
| FARTHINGALE : Hooped petticoat, ancestor of the crinoline. | |
| G | GARTER : Ribbon or elastic band used to hold stockings on the thigh. |
| GARTER BELT : Belt worn at the waist with garters to hold stockings. | |
| GARTER STRAP : Elastic strap attached to garments with fastening to hold stockings. | |
| GIRDLE : Flexible shaping garment made of stretch fabric, often tubular, with garters and abdominal panel, designed to shape waist and hips. | |
| GUSSET : Fabric piece placed at the crotch for comfort and hygiene. | |
| H | HEEL : Part of a stocking or sock covering the heel. |
| HOLD-UP STOCKINGS : Stockings held in place with an elastic or silicone band at the top, often decorated with lace. | |
| HOOK : Small metal fastening device joining two parts of a garment. | |
| HOSIERY : Industry involving the manufacture and sale of knitted underwear. | |
| K | KIMONO: Lightweight indoor garment inspired by the Japanese kimono. |
| L | LACE : Textile made of solid and open areas forming patterns, often floral. |
| LEGGINGS: Tight-fitting trousers in stretch knit fabric. | |
| LINGERIE: Term referring to all undergarments and related garments made of fine washable fabrics. | |
| M | MACRAMÉ: Coarsely knotted lace of Arabic origin. |
| MESH / KNIT : Fabric made by interlooping yarns. | |
| N | NEGLIGEE : Light indoor garment worn mainly in the morning. |
| NIGHTDRESS / NIGHTGOWN : Nightwear resembling a dress, variable length. | |
| P | PAD INSERT : Foam or other material insert placed in bra cups to increase volume. |
| PANTY : Short shaping undergarment covering hips and thighs. | |
| PAREO: Lightweight fabric tied around waist or bust, worn at the beach. | |
| PETTICOAT : Undergarment in the form of a skirt worn under dresses. | |
| PIPING : Decorative narrow band applied along edges or seams. | |
| PLUMETIS: Lightweight fabric with small raised dots. | |
| R | ROBE : Indoor garment worn over nightwear. |
| S | SATIN: Fabric with a smooth and shiny surface. |
| SLIP : Lightweight undergarment worn under a dress. | |
| STOCKINGS : Garment covering foot and leg above the knee. | |
| STRAP : See bra strap. | |
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TIGHTS : Garment made by joining two stockings and briefs in stretch fabric, including a gusset for movement.
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| TULLE: Lightweight net fabric with polygonal holes. | |
| W | WAIST CINCHER : Boned garment tightening the waist, often with garters. |
| WEAVE : Interlacing system of warp and weft threads in fabric. | |
