The Lingerie Glossary: Your A-Z Guide to All Types of Lingerie, Panties, & Bras

Bras

At Frederick's of Hollywood, bras are our bread and butter. While you may think you know all there is to know about bras, finding the right style, shape, and fit for your unique frame can be a challenge for even the most well-versed lingerie pro. Shop Bras

From plunging push-ups to barely-there bralettes, the right bra can make or break your outfit—and your day. Learn more about the different types of bras and how they play into your overall lingerie stategy. 

push up bras

Did you know? The push-up bra was invented by our very own founder, Frederick Mellinger, and his wife in 1947. Since then, it's become a staple in the world of lingerie. Their name is pretty self-explanatory, as the cups contain padding that shapes your cleavage for a fuller, lifted look. 

A push-up bra is all about the padding. They can come in plunge styles, balconettes, strapless, and more. Read on to learn more! 

plunge bras

Plunge bras are specially designed with a sultry, deep cut that accentuates your cleavage. They offer less coverage over your bust than a typical bra, making them an ideal choice for pairing with a jaw-dropping, low-cut top or dress. Frederick's offers plunge bras in a range of styles, fabrics, and shapes.

open cup bras

Prepare to tantalize and captivate. Open cup bras are uniquely sexy types of lingerie, offering an enticing glimpse of your curves. These bras have little to no coverage over the cup area, and provide support from shoulder straps and fabric beneath the bust. Like other bra styles, these bras have functional hardware in the front or back for easy-on-and-off during play.  Frederick's of Hollywood's open cup bras are designed with seduction in mind, and can be paired with nipple pasties for a playful hint of coverage. 

balconette bras

Show more, wear less. Balconette bras work their magic by offering just the right coverage, creating a plumper, more enticing silhouette. What separates balconette bras from a traditional bra style is their wide-set straps and plunging neckline, which make them the perfect choice for tops that show off your décolletage and bust. 

underwire bras

A tried and true classic, underwire appears in many types of lingerie. Underwire bras give the breasts a natural lift to shape and sculpt your silhouette and provide a touch of support—without additional padding. Many different styles of bra contain underwire, from balconettes to push-ups to open-cups. 

bralettes

If your priority is finding the comfiest types of lingerie, bralettes are for you. Bralettes are endlessly wearable and the perfect way to show off you natural silhouette with a touch of support. Without any underwire or padding, they're perfect for lounging around or pairing with your favorite tee.

strapless bras

Strapless bras are the perfect way to get sneaky shaping and support. Designed with your favorite strapless tops in mind, strapless bras keep your shoulders bare while providing lift with a specialized band and gripping strips.

Panties

When it comes to types of lingerie, the details make the biggest impact. Frederick's of Hollywood's exquisite range of panties are designed to do just that. From barely-there and daring to comfortable coverage, we offer a diverse selection of panties that cater to every mood, preference, and occasion. Whether you're looking for lacy luxury or classic cotton, we all have our favorite pair of panties. And once you find them, why not buy them in every color? 

Thongs

Looking for a sleek and smooth silhouette with minimal, cheeky coverage? Look no further than thongs. Perfect for wearing with any fitted bottom, thongs provide a small triangle of back coverage and a full-coverage front for a comfortable, barely-there fit. 

G-Strings

G-strings are the perfect type of thong for those looking for minimal coverage. Designed to be sleek and under-the-radar, G-strings feature a triangle of fabric for front coverage, and a thin string back, so you can unleash your inner vixen without visible panty lines.

Tangas

Tangas are the perfect halfway point between a thong and a more full-coverage panty. Perfect for showing off your assets, with a bit more coverage than a G-string or thong. Tangas are still a great pic for reducing panty lines, while offering a hint of comfortable coverage.

Crotchless Panties

Crotchless panties are designed with the daring at heart in mind. With an opening at the crotch, these panties are perfect for passion. Countless styles of panties can include a crotchless cut, from bikinis to thongs to hipsters. Pick your fav and spice up your panty drawer. 

Bikini Underwear

Classic and cute, bikini underwear provides flattering comfort with a low cut and high leg openings. Available in a range of styles, fabrics, and coverage options, bikinis are a staple when it comes to types of lingerie. 

Cheekies

For moderate coverage that shows off a bit of the bum, cheeky panties are the perfect intersection of playful and practical. Cheekies can come in a range of styles and cuts: hipster, bikini, crotchless, and more. What makes a panty cheeky is the cut in the back—which offers a bit less coverage than a bikini, but more than a thong. 

Hipsters

These panties are perfectly named for both their fit and their attitude. A moderate coverage classic, hipsters are low rise and sit right at the hips. Effortlessly wearable and cool, hipster panties meet at the intersection of style and everyday wear. 

Lingerie

At Frederick's, we consider ourselves experts in the many different types of lingerie. In addition to bras and panties, the right lingerie can bring your confidence to sexy new heights. From babydolls to teddies to everything in-between, there are countless lingerie looks, and finding the right style can be overwhelming.

Wearing lingerie is all about bringing things to the next level.  A well-curated lingerie look should make you feel special, whether you're prepping for a sexy night in or a special occasion.

Babydolls

Babydolls are the epitome of feminine flare. These intimate garments are designed to exude romance and allure, featuring a short, flowy nightgown typically made from sheer or semi-sheer fabrics such as lace, chiffon, or satin. Babydolls are renowned for their flattering fit and captivating designs, often incorporating delicate lace trims, satin bows, and seductive details.

Corsets

Corsets are the epitome of versatility. A timeless and iconic lingerie style, corsets are meticulously designed to cinch your silhouette at the waist, while providing a boost at the bust.  Crafted from high-quality materials such as satin, lace, and boning, corsets ensure a comfortable yet secure fit. Whether used for intimate moments or as a fashion statement, 

Over the years, Frederick's of Hollywood's corsets have had an iconic impact on the world of lingerie. Available in countless moods and styles, corsets have been a staple in our extensive range of lingerie for decades. In fact, you can spot one of our corsets from Madonna's “Open Your Heart" music video. 

Teddies

These one-piece garments seamlessly combine the allure of a camisole and panties into a single, sensuous ensemble. With a form-fitting silhouette to hug your every curve, Frederick's teddies are one of our most intimate types of lingerie. Their designs often incorporate lace, strappy details, and cutouts, adding an element of sophistication to the overall look. Teddies are ideal for igniting passion, making them a symbol of romance, sensuality, and confidence.

Chemises

Chemises are the epitome of flirty intimate apparel. Often featuring a plunging neckline and a dramatically short hem, chemises are one-piece garments designed to drape and show off your curves. Perfect for a lavish night's sleep or a romantic night in, chemises are available in countless cuts, fabrics, and silhouettes. 

Gartered lingerie

While all types of lingerie offer their own exciting benefits, gartered lingerie brings seduction to new heights. Garters are small bands of fabric that hang down your thigh and attach to your favorite lingerie pieces (including panties, chemises, teddies, and more) and allow you to secure a pair of stockings. The cherry on top to any intricate intimate look, gartered lingerie is both functional and fabulous.