GLOSSARY

 

A dictionary and links to examples of women's lingerie and clothing terms, phrases or word related to your purchase.  Click on any of the underlined (hyperlinked) words to see an example of lingerie and clothing that seems to best illustrate the term or phrase that is defined.  Should you find a word or term unavailable, please email us at and we will add it to our glossary with the appropriate definition.  We welcome your suggestions at info@thedivainyou.com

A

Apparel:  Clothing, especially outer garments or attire.

Adjustable back:  The back of the garment has multiple settings to allow for individual sizing preference.  Typically, adjustments are made with hook-and-eye closures.

B

Babydolls:  They are short, sweet mini-gowns. Normally, they're fitted at the top-sometimes with under wire and bra-like cups-and flow out to about hip-length like a loose flowing skirt.  They can be silky, satiny or sheer.  They also often come with matching panties.

Back closure:  A bra or undergarment that secures in the back, usually with adjustable closures.

Bodysuit:  A one-piece top and bottom garment that cover the entire body from neck to ankle.  Sexy and "curve-hugging" bodysuits are often worn as outerwear and are extremely comfortable.

Boning:  The word "boning" refers to the plastic strips sewn vertically to the inside of some corsets and bustiers.  Boning shapes and slims the waist and tummy, and accentuates the bustline by providing a "pushed-up" look.

Bra Types:

Demi-bra or Half-bra:  Covers the lower portion of the breast, leaving the nipple exposed.  Creates a bra-less   look when worn with low necklines or under form fitting garments.

Push-up bra:  Lifts the breasts to create cleavage.

Underwire bra:  Metal wires in the lower edges of the bra cups support the breasts.

Shelf-bra:  A support bra that "shelves" each breast and leaves the nipple and upper breast exposed.  A great   look under form-fitting clothing, it supports the bustline while giving a no-bra look.

Bustiers:  A bustier is a sexy strapless bra that goes down to the waist with garter straps attached.  Depending on the style and fabric, bustier also make a great sexy top that look fantastic with skirts, pants, shorts, or even jeans.  Worn with garters and stockings they make a complete outfit. 

C

Choker:  An accessory designed to wear tightly around the neck as an elegant alternative to a necklace.

Corset:  Tight fitting and made of a stiff material, a corset cinches the waist and lifts up breasts.  It is held in place by adjustable lacing in the back. Sometimes garter straps are attached to the bottom as an added feature.  Some of the tasteful pieces can be worn under a suit jacket or button-up shirt to add a bit of sexy color.

D

Detachable garters:  Garter belt straps that can be removed if stocking aren't worn.

F

Fishnet:  An open mesh fabric that has the appearance of netting and is often used to make stockings.

G

G-String:  A style of panty similar to a thong where the front fabric panel is connected by thing lines of fabric or elastic that rides along the hips or just below and fits between the buttocks.

Garter belt:  A intimate accessory that fits around the waist and hips with straps to hold up thigh-high stockings.  The back and straps are typically adjustable.

H

Hooks and Eye Fastener:  A closure or fastener used to secure bras, corsets, some shapewear and other garments that allows for adjustability.  This fastener includes a small hook secured to one side of the garment that grasps a small partial oval secured to the other side.

Hook back:  A term for garments that secure in the back with one or multiple hooks.

Hook front:  A term for garments that secure in the front with usually one or sometimes multiple hooks.

Hot pants:  Shorts or panties that ride just above or at the bottom buttock crease.

L

Lace-up back:  A closure in the back of a garment, such as a bustier that is a fashionable adjustment device.

Leather:  Animal hide.  

Lingerie:  Women's underwear, nightclothes, and intimate apparel.                         

Lycra (fabric):  Lycra is a brand of spandex, an elastomeric fiber with stretch and recover abilities.  A touch of Lycra adds comfort and freedom of movement.

M

Mesh:  A style of material with fine, evenly spaced holes.

P

Panty:  A general term for women's undergarments.  Panties come in a variety of styles but are specific to coverage of the female region.

Peek-a-boo bra:  Bra cups designed with partial openings over part of the breast or nipple.

Peek-a-boo thong:  A style of panty with an open crotch area or slit in the crotch for easy access.

Piping:  A twisted cord covered with a biased-cut fabric that is inserted into seams or garment edges as decorative detail and to add structure.

Pouch:  The fabric triangle creating the cup area in a man's thong or g-string.

S

Strapless:  Bra, shapewear, bustier or any garment without shoulder straps.

Strapless Bra:  A bra designed without straps to be worn under like garments.

T

Tank top:  A sleeveless shirt.

Teddy:  A woman's one-piece undergarment combining camisole and panty in one, usually with a thong back.

Thong:  An underwear style for both men and women, that only cover the front and has a thin fabric back that rest between the buttocks and leave your bottom exposed. 

Tie back:  A type of closure involving ties or laces and ties or unties in the back.

U

Underwire:  The metal or silicone shaped "U" that resides under the cup of the bra and provides support and give a "pushed-up" appearance.

V

Veil:  A decorative headdress worn by brides.