United Kingdom, GBP
United States, USD
Canada, CAD
Australia, AUD
New Zealand, NZD
European Union, EUR
France, EUR
Switzerland, CHF
Germany, EUR
13 Different Lingerie Styles Explained
In this guide: How to choose | 13 different lingerie styles | What should I wear?
There’s underwear, and then there’s lingerie. There’s just something special about lacy, silky, sultry, beautifully made undergarments. With so many different types of lingerie out there, people of all shapes, sizes, and fashion senses can find something they find beautiful.
However, if you haven’t found much lingerie you love, browsing bras, panties, and babydolls can feel like getting lost in a sea of satin and straps. Getting lingerie advice from friends can help, but truly understanding lingerie styles for yourself will help you for a lifetime.
This article will talk you through the different lingerie styles, show you what to look out for when shopping, and give you advice on lingerie styles for different occasions. We've even interviewed the Lovehoney Lingerie team to bring you their expert insights.
Only got time for a quickie?
If you're keen to get shopping, here's the rundown. You can find even more detail in the full guide below.
Lingerie is totally personal. Choosing the right style for you is a personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. That said, we can give you tips based on your body type if you’re interested.
Lingerie sizing can vary – it helps to know your measurements. Check the size guide against your measurements to spend less time returning items that don’t fit.
Basques, bustiers, and corsets are all different things! Knowing the difference won’t magically change your life, but it could help you choose a style that makes you feel amazing. Check out the different styles below.
Fabrics have a big impact on fit and comfort. Cotton is breathable but not very stretchy while lace is usually handwash only.
There are a few ket terms to know. Knowing what terms to use for certain styles, cuts, and designs can help you figure out what you want. You’ll get help differentiating your basques from your bustiers below.
There’s lingerie for every occasion and budget. What you wear for a date night will be different than what you wear on your wedding night, but there’s no true right and wrong as long as you feel comfortable and confident.
Ideally, you want to find comfortable, eye-catching lingerie that fits your budget, and here are some ways to figure that out.
- Sizing: You can find the most beautiful lingerie you’ve ever seen, but if it doesn’t fit you right, you’re not going to be comfortable. Lingerie sizes can vary by brand and style, but if you know your measurements (or get someone to take them for you), you can check a retailer’s size guide to see what size your measurements fall into.
- Style: When it comes to lingerie, everyone has their own personal style preferences. The best way to find yours is by seeing what lingerie visually catches your eye, then trying them on to see what actually looks and feels good on your individual body.
- Material: What material you look for in lingerie depends on what you find comfortable and attractive, but you should also consider price point and how to best launder it. Higher-end fabrics like silk and satin, delicate material like lace, and structured larger pieces like corsets all should generally be hand-washed, for example.
- Brand: There are so many lingerie brands out there, from ultra high-end splurges to much more affordable fare. While you shouldn’t always trust prices that seem too good to be true, you don't need to invest in designer undergarments to find quality lingerie. Positive customer reviews, sales, and good return policies should help guide you to the right places.
Feel irresistible in lingerie
When you think about lingerie, you may picture lacy bra sets with garter belts, but that’s just scratching the surface. There’s an almost endless array of lingerie styles to choose from, all with different shapes, fabrics, cuts, and coverage. Here, you’ll get to know 13 of the most common lingerie options out there.
Body suits
“Bodysuits, known as bodies, are shaped like one-piece swimwear but made with more elegant fabrics like lace or mesh. They're usually close-fitting with a plunging neckline,” the Lovehoney Lingerie team explains. Most bodies have a simple shape, but they can get saucier with extra straps and even cut-outs that fully expose the breasts.
You can pair a bodysuit with fishnets or thigh-highs for a sultry bedroom moment, but it can also be styled with street clothes. The Lingerie team suggests pairing a bodysuit “with pants and a blazer” for a fun combo of sophistication and sex appeal.
Teddies
Bodies and teddies are often conflated, since they’re both form-fitting one-piece styles. There is some difference, though: “Teddies sometimes have more intricate detailing or delicate fabrics. They're designed to be worn alone or as sexy surprise under clothing, rather than as replacement for your shirt.”
Though teddies do tend to have a softer, more delicate aesthetic, there are plenty of styles (like this teddy by Roma) that have underwire or more structure, so you can be sexy while still making sure your girls are supported.
Bodystockings
Imagine a bodysuit got together with pantyhose and made an elegant, eye-catching baby. That’s a bodystocking. These one-piece garments cover you from feet to shoulders, so they can be an easy way to put a full lingerie look together without much effort.
Just because it covers your whole body doesn’t mean you’re hiding it—bodystockings often have revealing designs made from sheer fabrics like fishnet that hug the body closely, leaving little to the imagination. At the same time, bodystockings also have a shapewear effect, giving your silhouette an eye-catching smoothness.
Corsets
Structured lingerie has been around for a long, long time, dating back to the 17th century. The corset as we know it today with its cinched-waist shape rose to prominence in the 19th century. “Corsets use eyelets and lacing at the back to cinch the waist and often feature heavy boning,” our Lingerie team explains. “Pick a corset if you want a very defined, dramatic hourglass shape.”
In addition to making the waist look narrower and more defined, a corset’s tightly-laced design can also provide a push-up bra ‘heaving bosoms’ effect—which you may have already seen in an episode of Bridgerton or at your local Renaissance Faire.
Basques
Our Lingerie team describes a basque as a shaped piece of lingerie that supports the bust with bra cups and covers the torso, finishing at or just below the hips. “It might have light boning to provide structure, though they can be made from light, stretchy fabrics too,” the team explains.
Though some basques resemble corsets, they also have a lot in common visually with bodysuits, and have adjustable straps and fasteners in the back just like a typical bra does. And while it’s not required, basques also commonly have garter straps at the bottom, so you can easily add matching thigh-high stockings.
Chemises
“A chemise,” our team says, “is a silky slip dress, with a longer, straighter skirt than a babydoll.” Chemises, like the Escante Black Lace-up Chemise, commonly have thin, spaghetti-style straps, and come in both opaque and sheer fabrics including chiffon, lace, satin, and cotton.
“Both babydolls and chemises can be worn as sleepwear or sexy lingerie,” the Lingerie team adds, but that doesn't necessarily mean you only have to wear a chemise indoors. Historically, people have worn corsets over their chemises, which you could explore for a more contemporary lingerie-inspired going out look, perhaps paired with leggings or even lacy bike shorts if the chemise is on the short side.
Babydolls
“A babydoll is a light, floaty garment that features a high, empire waistline and a loose skirt that skims the top of the hips,” says the Lingerie team, though the term “skirt” is a bit generous here considering how short the typical babydoll is.
Babydolls date back to the 1940s and are less form-fitting than other lingerie styles that cover the torso and hips, providing a looser shape that has nice movement to it thanks to lighter, gauzy fabrics like chiffon. The short length of a babydoll means you can pair it with matching panties (like this beautiful Lovehoney Bombshell Blue Lace Babydoll Set) and thigh-highs or even repurpose it into a shirt.
Bustiers
A bustier is very similar to a basque, but a bustier sits above the hips, looking more like a sexy, structured top. And yes, that means you can wear it as clothes.“Bustiers usually have hook and eye fastenings and adjustable straps, like a bra,” says the Lingerie team, so you won’t need to deal with any lacing up. Ideal “if you're looking for a form-fitting piece that feels luxurious without the cinch.”
If you have a larger bust or are less comfortable with firm, structured material over your chest, there are also bustiers that have underbust or open-cup designs. That way, you can wear the bra of your choice or even just some pasties.
Bra sets
Despite the name, bra sets include far more than just bras. Essentially, it's a lingerie set that includes multiple matching items. You have a bra, of course, paired with panties in the same fabric and look, plus potentially other goodies like thigh-high stockings, garter belts, or lounge shorts.
Getting a set can be a good way to try an entire lingerie outfit at once without having to pick out each item individually, which can be nice for people who are pressed for time, gift shopping, or just starting their lingerie journey.
Crotchless
As you may have surmised from the name, crotchless lingerie has either an intentional slit in the crotch area or no fabric there at all. It can look more subtle or be quite obvious— some crotchless underwear even includes a strand of pearls to tease the vulva.
Of course, crotchless lingerie is more intended for steamy fun and isn’t the most practical choice for everyday wear. But if you’re celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or want to surprise your partner in the bedroom, a crotchless panty, bodysuit, or even tights can really make for a night to remember.
Stockings
If you want to smooth your silhouette and show off your legs, you can’t really go wrong with a good pair of stockings. There's more traditional hosiery designed to go under daywear like skirts and dresses, but there’s also a whole slew of sexy stockings out there.
Sheer pantyhose is more full-coverage and can have a smoothing shapewear effect, while fishnets and thigh-highs add a sultry vibe to nightwear or lingerie sets. Stockings with a backseam, like these cheeky crotchless ones from Cotelli, can make an ensemble look sophisticated and upscale. Lace-top thigh-highs in particular pair great with garters, which look sexy and legitimately help keep your stockings up.
Robes
Sure, you might not think your cozy terry-cloth robe is all that sexy, but a slinky, flowing cover-up that’s easy to remove and teases what’s underneath has all sorts of saucy potential. Robes can be short, ending above the knee, or so long they drape the floor like a gown with a train.
Robes typically have long sleeves and tie closed at the waist, but they don’t have to. A nice robe made of lace or silk is also a lovely addition to bridal lingerie. It gives you something soft and sexy to put on while you’re getting ready for your big day, and also when you’re winding down and/or getting steamy with your new spouse.
Fetishwear and costumes
Not all costumes are fetishwear and not all fetishwear may be considered a costume, but in general, these terms refer to clothes, accessories, and lingerie that help people get a little (or a lot) kinky. Fetishwear includes attire associated with kink, and BDSM such as leather bustiers, latex bodysuits, strappy harnesses, and chastity underwear.
Sexy nurse, maid, cop, and Playboy bunny outfits might seem like the kind of thing you’d see on Halloween, but these playful, skimpy ensembles (which are essentially themed lingerie) can also be super fun to wear during roleplay with a partner.
As you’ve learned, there’s a whole lot of lingerie out there. The only way to truly figure out your favorite lingerie to wear is by trying it on yourself, and it helps to know some good starting points. Here, you’ll get suggestions for styles based on your body shape, what occasion the lingerie is for, and what fabric you like best.
Lingerie styles for your body shape
- Apple: Characterized by a wide ribcage, a less defined waist, and relatively smaller hips, apple body types tend to look nice in V-neck or plunge bras, which can make the torso look more slender. Babydolls and chemises, on the other hand, have a flowier, less form-fitting shape, which also often flatters this body type.
- Athletic: Rather than muscle or sportiness, athletic body types are defined by having a straighter silhouette, meaning their waist, chest, and hips are around the same size. Lean into a more androgynous aesthetic with boyshorts and unstructured bralettes, or femme it up with balconette bras and lacy high-waisted panties.
- Hourglass: People with hourglass figures have a full bust, equally full hips, and a narrow waist between them, creating a symmetry that resembles, well, an hourglass. Vintage and pinup-inspired lingerie can look fabulous on hourglass figures, and corsets can help emphasize its iconic silhouette even more.
- Pear: Curvy, full hips and thighs are what makes the pear shape so distinct. A G-string thong will show off your assets, and high-waisted briefs with a high-cut leg spotlights your hips and makes your legs look longer. Up top, try halter-style bras, deep V-necks, and strappy tops that accentuate your shoulders.
- Strawberry: Also known as an inverted triangle or carrot body type, people with strawberry body types have broad shoulders and a wide chest, while their waist and hips are narrower in comparison. If you want to make your hips look fuller, consider the flowy silhouette of a babydoll or panties with lace or ruffles on the side. Or, go with mesh sleeves if you want your top half to look sleeker and more dynamic.
Lingerie styles by occasion
- Date night: Every couple’s date night is different, so the lingerie you wear also depends on what both you and your partner find sexy and suitable for the occasion. A T-shirt bra is perfectly fine if you’re just going to dinner, or if you have a bodysuit or corset that’s sexy but not too revealing, wear it as part of your outfit. You could also wear a bra and panty set with garters and thigh-highs and surprise your partner with the reveal when you get home.
- Wedding: Bridal lingerie is a whole category in itself, but the majority of it tends to be white, lacy, and delicate, with styles that lean more romantic and provocative. It’s for your wedding night, after all—which also means that if you want to wear sexy lingerie that isn’t lacy or even white, do whatever makes you happy.
- Valentine’s: It’s the one holiday a year dedicated to romantic love, so why not go all out? Valentine’s colors like red, pink, white, and purple will give you plenty of flirty, steamy options. This is a fun time for more elaborate getups that go beyond your basic bra and panties: Think bustiers, basques, corsets, garter belts, robes, and even crotchless panties.
- Roleplay: Sexy roleplay scenarios are the perfect time to explore bold, creative, and even silly lingerie choices. Dressing like a scantily-clad nurse or throwing on a pair of bunny ears easily brings a sense of playfulness to a night of intimacy, even if you only leave your roleplay costumes on for a couple minutes.
- Everyday: An everyday lingerie look should lean a bit more toward comfort and practicality. A lacy bralette or satin underwire bra (depending on what suits your bust size more) paired with comfy yet sexy panties can give you a confidence boost even when you’re in jeans and a T-shirt. Or, take our Lingerie team’s advice and pair a bodysuit with pants and a blazer.
Lingerie by fabric
- Lace: One of the most common and recognizable materials used in lingerie, lace is a delicate creation made from cotton threads woven into elegant patterns. Lace is used to embellish clothing, but it can also be the base fabric for lingerie like bodystockings and bralettes.
- Satin: Opaque, smooth, and shiny, satin fabric has a slinky, luxurious feel and often appears in robes, chemises, teddies, and camisoles. It looks great with a lace trim.
- Silk: Silk fibers are sourced from silkworms and woven into a smooth, soft, and durable textile that’s been sought after for hundreds of years. Silk tends to be associated with higher-end lingerie, and it’s also used to make a variety of other fabrics, including satin and chiffon.
- Mesh: Mesh lingerie is made from woven fabric filled with intentional, evenly-spaced holes. Sometimes mesh is wider and looks closer to fishnet, but oftentimes mesh is so fine it looks like slinky, sheer fabric, which makes it a great base for all sorts of lingerie. Plus, it’s very light and breathable.
- Fishnet: Fishnet has a diamond-shaped criss-cross pattern and is a common material for stockings. Fishnets can have a very open design that exposes more skin, or they can be much denser to the point where they almost resemble sheer tights. But be careful, fishnet material can easily rip and snag.
- Microfiber: As the name implies, microfiber is made up of very, very small, fine threads. Microfiber cloths are nice for cleaning and dusting, but it’s also a reliable fabric choice for panties and underwear thanks to its durability and moisture-wicking properties.
- Cotton: One of the most common clothing fabric options out there, cotton is known for being soft, comfortable, and breathable, which is ideal for everyday bras, bralettes, and panties.
- Faux leather: Typically made from plastics like PVC or polyurethane, faux leather (also called pleather or vegan leather) offers the structured edginess of classic animal skin leather without involving any actual animal products. Faux leather usually has a lower price point than real leather, and requires less maintenance.
- Chiffon: Sheer, shimmery, and lightweight, chiffon adds a delicate romanticism to any lingerie and is commonly used in floaty styles like babydolls.
