Different Types of Lingerie

Don’t get us wrong—we love the confidence and femininity a gorgeous pair of pumps brings, but there’s nothing like coming home to a drawer filled with beautiful, finespun lingerie to help you tap into your feminine side. 

Regardless of who plays witness to your drawer full of goodies (your amour chéri? Your selfie cam?), curating a sumptuous collection of intimates is all about making yourself feel irresistible inside and out. That said, cherry-picking the pieces that please both the senses and the eye can be a challenge—especially when there are so many different types of lingerie options to choose from. 

Let’s take it from the top and meet the intimate lingerie pieces that keep your girls feeling snug and secure – the classic bras. The purpose of bras is threefold:

• To provide coverage, support, and security beneath your clothing, no matter the body type.

• To sculpt or contour the natural shape of your breasts.

• To help take on any extra weight, which can help ladies with more volume to work with allay back pain or discomfort.

There is, of course, a vanity argument to be made for bras: that you look damn good wearing one. Whatever main purpose your bra of choice will be serving, you’ll find a myriad of bra designs on the market to suit your preferences in function, aesthetic, and fit. 

When hunting for your next favorite piece, you’ll find your options fall into one of two categories—underwire and wireless.

As the name suggests, underwire bras are defined by the structural element of the underwire, which gives the wearer an added dose of support to keep their breasts in place. This design helps create a sculpted, lifted shape, making it a go-to for those who prefer extra definition. While styles like demi, balconette, and push-up bras are almost always underwired, some bralettes and triangle bras now feature hidden underwires for a balance of structure and softness.

Built for pure comfort, wireless bras skip the rigid underwire in favor of a flexible, unstructured fit that moves with the body. Perfect for lounging or everyday wear, they offer a natural shape without sacrificing ease. While bralettes, triangle bras, and sports bras are traditionally wireless, some strapless and plunge bras now come in wireless versions for those who want both freedom and support.

The next sections will explore the different types of bras in detail, from sculpting push-up bras to effortlessly chic bralettes.

Full-coverage bras cover the majority of the chest, offering maximum support to women with larger breasts. Most full-coverage bras use underwire to help gather up the girls and transfer any excess weight to the shoulders. You’ll find this style of bra in both soft-cup and molded cup designs.

You may have seen the term while bra shopping, but what is a demi bra, exactly? Demi bras artfully cover the lower half of the bust while accentuating the cleavage. Perfect for wearing under low-cut tops, these bras feature romantic touches such as balconette necklines and sweetheart cuts. Also, these are different from the features that define a plunge bra. They may use soft cups or sheer lace fabric trimmed with delicate accents, like delicate lace or scalloped edges, to complement your natural physique.

Now, what is a plunge bra? With a deep, V-shaped neckline, plunge bras are designed to stay hidden under low-cut tops and dresses while enhancing cleavage. The angled cups and narrow center gore create a lifted, natural shape without excessive padding. While most plunge bras feature underwire for added support, some wireless options offer a softer, more relaxed fit. This style is perfect for achieving a flattering, subtly enhanced silhouette without compromising comfort.

Thoughtfully named for their uplifting support, balconette bras offer a subtle lift from below, creating a natural-looking enhancement without the excessive cleavage that a padded bra tends to create. Rather than using two individuated cups, balcony bra cups resemble a bandeau with one clean, broad piece of fabric.

The push-up bra is a one-stop shop for adding maximum cleavage and highlighting your silhouette. These bras skillfully use the architecture of the bra itself—rather than traditional padding—to enhance and elevate. This innovative approach not only adds to your profile but also maintains the bra’s shape over time, avoiding the common pitfalls of wear and wash.  Still, be sure to check how to wash lingerie properly to avoid this from happening.

Reminiscent of classic women’s swimwear designs, triangle bras have a barely-there feel and work perfectly under everything from a crisp white oxford to a basic tee. To feel like a bombshell in your everyday triangle bra, scope out styles with sheer cups, lace detail, and adjustable shoulder strap to help you get the perfect fit.

Think of bralettes as the lovechild between a crop top and a bra. These are typically made from soft, stretchy materials like lace, cotton, or satin, providing gentle support that emphasizes natural shape rather than enhancing it. Bralettes come in a variety of designs, including racerback, halter tops, and plunging necklines, making them a versatile favorite among those who prioritize a relaxed yet chic lingerie aesthetic. They can also be worn as both an undergarment and part of an outerwear ensemble, peeking from under loose tops or sheer shirts. 

Designed to stay in place without traditional straps, strapless bras provide a secure, seamless fit under off-the-shoulder tops, dresses, and evening wear. Most feature underwire and silicone lining for extra support, though some wireless styles use compression for a snug hold. For a softer, more relaxed alternative, bandeau bras offer a stretchy, slip-on design that’s perfect for layering or casual wear. Both styles ensure a smooth, no-show look for any outfit.

Beyond bras and bralettes,  camis (also known as camisoles) are the final type of top you’ll encounter. Think of your cami as your favorite tank top—if all your tank top wanted to do was lounge the day away in bed. Of all the wireless options out there, camis lend the most coverage to your midsection and are usually sewn with feel-good fabrics like satin or tulle. Camis are a classic option for bridal lingerie ensembles, though they work equally well if you’re spending the night solo and feel like slipping into something silky and cool to the touch.

Briefs, boyshorts, thongs—there are quite a few names to sort through when it comes to different styles of undies. To keep it simple, we’ve narrowed down lingerie undies into two main categories: briefs and thongs.

Briefs are a classic, full-coverage variety of loungewear lingerie that keep more of your butt, hips, and waist under wraps. This underwear style is best for:

• Daily wear when comfort is your first priority.

• Days when you aren’t concerned about visible panty lines in your outfit.

• Occasions when you’re favoring a demure vibe for your lingerie look.

Far from being boring, you’ll find a substantial amount of variability—and some undeniably sultrier options—within the brief category. To balance comfort with coquette, look for cheeky low-rise styles or high-waisted designs with a delicate drape over your derriere.

Women’s boyshorts are a popular style of underwear that’s the ultimate blend of comfort and style. These undies offer full coverage and resemble shorts more than traditional panties but, at the same time, offer a seamless silhouette that erases a visible panty line, making them perfect under any outfit. The slightly longer leg cut not only enhances comfort but also provides a touch of modesty, making them ideal for wearing under skirts and dresses. Whether you're looking for everyday comfort or special occasion finesse, our boyshorts promise to deliver both convenience and confidence sprinkled with playful charm.

As the lowest-coverage underwear style, thongs leave very little to the imagination, with the majority of fabric reserved for the front-side triangle.

Thongs are perfect for:

• Dresses or bottoms made of satin, silk, or sheer fabrics.

• Date nights, special occasions, or events when you want to feel ultra-glam.

• Tight bottoms (like your favorite pair of slim-cut jeans) so you can avoid that bunchy, uncomfortable wedgie feeling of extra fabric where it shouldn’t be.

Like briefs, this style of women’s underwear can come in high-waisted, mid-rise, or low-rise designs to match the bottoms you’ll be layering them under.

Lingerie shorts, while they give the most coverage of the various kinds of bottoms out there, they’re also a lesson in seduction—just one more layer to unwrap. Shorts, sometimes referred to as “shorties”, resemble a short skirt and typically expose just the bottom edges of your bum with delicate drapes of fabric. They’re a gorgeous option for bridal looks, anniversaries, or evenings when you’re feeling extra feminine (and maybe a little bit coy). 

The lingerie world has come a long way since the traditional bra-plus-undies combo. Shapewear and slips have made a major splash in the last few years of fashion, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

Suits aren’t just for lounging poolside anymore. The bodysuit is a uniquely versatile garment in the lingerie world, helping you to tease out an hourglass silhouette with minimal fussiness. Lingerie bodysuits are ideal for:

• Streamlining your figure and offering you maximum coverage around the midsection.

• Wearing as loungewear with a glamorous twist.

• Styling as a top to dress up everything from slip skirts to fitted trousers.

Not only does the one-off look simplify your intimates wardrobe, but it also provides shaping and compression to create a fluid, femme-fatale silhouette—a perfect primer for whatever outfit you have (or don’t have) planned. 

Slip dresses are most often associated with the golden age of Hollywood—an era which called for more modesty, and thus a few more layers under starlets’ most glamorous Oscar-worthy gowns. Nowadays, the slip or “half slip” is a wonderful option for when you feel like sliding into something a little more sensual than your favorite sweatpants (they deserve some time off anyway). 

Beyond your bedroom, these sexy dresses are also making their way into the world of evening apparel as a sultry, boudoir-chic option for nights out on the town or dinner dates with a special someone.

Regarded as a staple in romantic apparel, this sexy lingerie item is a one-piece garment similar to a bodysuit. It combines features of a camisole and panties into a single piece, typically made of the same material all throughout. Designed to contour gracefully to your body, teddies often feature exquisite details such as lace, mesh, or alluring cutouts, accentuating the curves of your body. 

Lingerie isn’t just about what’s underneath—it’s also about elegance and comfort. From romantic chemises to structured corsets, these pieces add a touch of luxury to every moment.

A chemise is an elegantly form-fitting, sleeveless lingerie item that extends down to the thighs, resembling a beautiful mini dress. Made from lightweight materials like silk, satin, or lace, chemises combine simplicity with sophistication. You can either wear them as a luxurious nightgown or discreetly under daytime attire, offering a sleek silhouette with snug comfort. Adjustable straps also provide an ideal fit, enhancing the body’s natural shape. 

A babydoll is distinctly shorter and more roomy than a chemise, creating an enchanting and playful profile. This sexy lingerie features a snug bust that flares out under the bust line into a breezy and flowing shape, perfect for showcasing a playful yet romantic appeal. Usually made from translucent fabrics adorned with lace, ruffles, and ribbons, babydolls captivate with their flirtatious charm. They typically come with matching panties as they are short enough to reveal underwear. Babydolls are a cherished option for romantic occasions, including bridal nightwear, making every special moment extra memorable.

Lingerie isn’t just meant to be hidden in the shadows – it’s also a beautiful companion to your daily outfits. Here are some tips to incorporate your lingerie with your everyday fashion:

• Layer with Confidence -  A peek of lace from under a bralette, blazer, or sheer top can transform your look from simple to chic.

• Mix and Match - Don’t be afraid of combining different textures and styles. A smooth satin bra under a lace top adds depth and intrigue to your outfit.

• Accessorize - Utilize lingerie accessories, such as a garter belt or a sheer robe, to add a vintage or luxurious touch to your evening outfits, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair.