Basques, Bustiers, Corsets, Teddies and Chemises

The moment you start looking at lingerie in detail you open-up a Pandora’s Box of definitions. What’s the difference between a basque and a corset for example, why is a teddie not a chemise and is a bustier radically different to a bra?

Luckily for you we have the definitive guide to everything you want to know making us the one-stop site for anything lingerie.

Let’s start with basics first: Corsets, basques and bustiers are tight-fitting, sleeveless garments which accentuate the female shape and give support. They are low cut across the breasts and can have straps attached to the bottom for attaching stockings.

Basques tend to be quite sexy and vampy in style. Bustiers do not have shoulder straps. Corsets have boning (usually not real bone these days) sewn into the lining to pull in the waist for a trimmer figure.

Camisoles are loose-fitting sleeveless tops which can come in a matching set with loose knickers like frilly shorts. Baby doll style garments have a bra top with loose-fitting material falling around the torso for a little-girl look. Bodies are all in one bra / vest top and knickers with flaps under the crotch and are sometimes called Teddies. Teddiettes are like teddies but with garters (straps for attaching stockings) attached. Chemises are short slips, like a small, sleeveless dress, or there are long slips.

With our crash-course out of the way you’re better equipped to dive deep into our world of quality lingerie so let’s begin the detailed guide:

Babydoll: A babydoll is considered to be a shorter type of nightgown or negligee. Babydolls are generally used as nightwear or pyjamas. Most babydolls are trimmed with a variety of materials such as lace or ribbon and can be accented with ruffles or marabou fur. Lingerie such as this often comes in sheer see-through materials, which include nylon, silk, and chiffon. Babydolls gained in popularity in the 1950s and have remained a popular, sexy lingerie item ever since. Other variations of the word include baby doll and baby-doll. Most babydolls tend to be no longer than knee length and are often an alternative to nightgowns. Babydolls range in styles, from comfortable sleepwear to more risqué with exposed sections and/or matching panties to accentuate the body and provide a sexy looking undergarment.

Bustier: Bustiers are formfitting lingerie for the upper body. This type of lingerie is often thought of as a hybrid of the bra and the corset, providing support through the bust while also extending down the torso, usually to the navel. This allows the bustier to have a waist slimming effect, while also being able to accentuate the bust line.

Camisole: A camisole, also known as a cami or camigarter, is a sleeveless undergarment that, unlike a tank top, is worn only by women. It can be worn as a sexy negligee or even under a sheer blouse for everyday use. Unlike a babydoll or a chemise, which generally have a more relaxed fit, a camisole provides a tight fit through the upper body, but is also a lightweight and comfortable type of lingerie. They are available in a wide range of materials, generally satin, silk, and cotton. Camisoles may also be accented with ruffles or lace. Bras, or brassieres, can be worn underneath the camisole. Some camisoles provide an underwired bra integrated into the bust. More and more the cami has become considered outerwear, but is traditionally used as an undergarment. Whether used as a fashionable outer garment, or as lightweight and comfortable intimate apparel, the camisole is as feminine as it is sexy.

Chemise: A chemise is a loose fitting upper body garment. Historically, chemises were commonly worn by both men and women as an undergarment. However, the male chemise evolved into the common men's shirt, while the chemise is still a popular undergarment for women. Although it is generally considered a type of intimate apparel, it is worn as an outer garment more and more. Because of its lightweight and loose fit, the chemise is a very comfortable type of lingerie. They are available in an array of colors, materials, and styles that enable the chemise to provide everyday comfort or enhance sex appeal, depending on the style.

Corset: Corsets conjure images of the Victorian Age. However, their style has truly become timeless. A corset is a tight-fitting type of lingerie that helps to support the curves of a woman's body. The bust, hips, and waist in particular are often accentuated by the corset. Although its original intention was to significantly modify the shape of a woman's figure, the modern corset is intended to accentuate the feminine and graceful curves of the body. Corsets are made rigid thanks to metal or plastic boning. In addition, they are usually available in many different colors, and are also accented by lace, ruffles, marabou fur, or other materials to make them sexier and more attractive.

Teddy: A teddy is a type of bodysuit. However, a teddy is not as tight as a bodysuit and is usually sheer. Teddies are prefect for providing an alluring, seductive look. This type of lingerie combines a camisole with a panty and can be worn by itself as a sexy outfit, or can be worn under pyjamas or other nightwear.

So, armed with our in-depth guide to buying quality lingerie you now know exactly what you are looking for and most importantly, when and how to wear it.