What Is Lingerie? Definition, Meaning & How to Wear It | Shinesty

Key Insights

• What is lingerie: French-derived intimate apparel (correctly spelled with final ""e"") encompassing everything from everyday undergarments to special occasion pieces designed for comfort, style, and sensuality.
• How to properly care for lingerie: Wash delicate lingerie in cold water, air dry to maintain elasticity, and handle gently to prevent damage to lace, mesh, and other fragile materials.
• Why lingerie sizing matters: Proper fit ensures both comfort and aesthetic appeal, with modern designs accommodating various body types through inclusive sizing and adaptable features.
• When to wear different lingerie styles: Wear everyday lingerie for comfort beneath clothing, special occasion pieces for intimate moments, and transitional pieces that function as both undergarments and fashion statements.
• How modern lingerie balances comfort and style: Contemporary designs incorporate breathable fabrics, strategic support, and flexible construction to create pieces that feel as good as they look.

Let’s define it. The word lingerie is a French word simply meaning “undergarments,” so by definition, lingerie is any underwear really. But modern society has taken the word and slapped lipstick and lace on it and made it even hotter. The word lingerie is used to specifically describe sexy undergarments.

Lingerie is usually characterized by the type of fabric used. Usually, lingerie is made from lightweight and flowy materials such as silk, lace, and satin. Although, in reality, lingerie can be made from any material. What makes an item lingerie rather than just another pair of underwear or a bra is the idea that this item of clothing can evoke erotic feelings, look especially alluring, and be downright sexy. Underwear is not always sexy, but lingerie is.

How to Spell Lingerie: Correct Spelling and Pronunciation

You got it. It’s spelled lingerie but it’s pronounced like “laan‑zhr‑ay.” It’s one of those sultry French words like croissant and putain. The word lingerie feels soft as butter rolling off the tongue, but, to be honest, the item of clothing itself may not be as comfy. A lot of the time, it’s a bit of a relief to get it off. Yes, I am speaking from personal experience. While lingerie itself may not always stress physical comfort, it should always promote emotional comfort and self‑love.

A lot of the time when we put on lingerie, it’s most likely for someone you’re attracted to to look at and promptly remove. But you know what makes you look even more beautiful in that lacy, strappy set that took 13 minutes to get on? If you feel beautiful in the mirror first. Lingerie can inspire body positivity and confidence that being in your birthday suit may not emulate. It accentuates those assets and makes everything feel just a little more flirty.

Damn, even just talking about it has me feelin’ myself right now! That's what lingerie should do for you too.

Types of Lingerie

So you've mastered saying ""lawn-zhuh-RAY"" without sounding like a confused tourist in Paris. High five! Now let's dive into the sexy sea of lingerie styles that'll make your underwear drawer go from ""meh"" to ""hell yeah"" in no time. Whether you're shopping to spice things up with your partner or just want to feel like the main character in your own Bridgerton-style fantasy (minus the corset-induced fainting), we've got you covered—or uncovered, depending on your preference.

Bras: Not Just Boob Hammocks

Bras are the OG lingerie piece that most of us have a love-hate relationship with. From push-ups that defy gravity to bralettes that actually let you breathe, there's a style for every set of twins:

• Push-up bras: Like a personal cheerleading squad for your boobs, these lift and separate better than Moses parting the Red Sea
• Balconette bras: The ""balcony"" for your girls to hang out on, showing just enough to make things interesting
• Bralettes: For when you want to feel cute but don't want underwires stabbing you like tiny revenge-seeking daggers

According to the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum, bras have evolved dramatically over the past century, from the flattening bandeau styles of the 1920s to the bullet bras of the 1950s that could literally take someone's eye out.

Panties: The Bottom Half of the Equation

Let's talk about the downstairs neighbors of the lingerie world. The technical term might be ""panties,"" but you can call them whatever the hell you want:

• Thongs: For those who enjoy the feeling of dental floss between their cheeks (no judgment here)
• Boyshorts: Comfy AF and cover your assets while still being cute
• Cheekies: The perfect middle ground when you want to show some booty without going full moon
• G-strings: Like thongs but with even less fabric, because sometimes less is more

As lingerie expert Cora Harrington puts it, “lingerie should make living in a body better, not worse” —and that includes finding the panty style that makes you feel like your best self.

Bodysuits: One-Piece Wonders

Think of bodysuits as the adult onesies of the lingerie world, except way sexier and with strategic snaps at the crotch (thank god). They smooth everything out while making you look like you stepped out of a music video. The best part? No more tucking in your shirt like you're back in third grade.

Chemises & Teddies: Slip Into Something Comfortable

Chemises are basically sexy nightgowns that say ""I might be going to sleep, or I might be going to rock your world."" Teddies are their slightly more complicated cousins—think of a bodysuit but make it sheer and add some lace. Both are perfect for when you want to look hot without the engineering degree required for some of the more complex lingerie options.

Corsets: Not Just for Victorian Ladies Anymore

Modern corsets have shed their reputation as bone-crushing contraptions and instead offer both style and comfort. As Vogue Business explains, “Once symbols of constraint and oppression, forcing unrealistic beauty standards onto women, corsets today have been revisited and designed to offer greater movability while enhancing and flattering natural curves, to empower the wearer and boost their confidence.”

Garters & Stockings: The Cherry on Top

Nothing says ""I put in effort"" quite like a garter belt with stockings. They're like the lingerie equivalent of using fancy napkins instead of paper towels. Plus, the whole process of putting them on can be its own kind of foreplay—or a slapstick comedy routine if you're like most of us trying to figure out which strap goes where.

Remember, lingerie should make YOU feel good. If you're comfortable in it, you'll rock it—whether you're wearing it under your work clothes like a sexy secret agent or prancing around your bedroom wearing nothing but a smile and some strategically placed lace.

Lingerie Materials and Fabrics

Let's talk about what's actually touching your precious lady bits (or man bits, we don't discriminate here). The fabric of your underthings matters almost as much as finding the right style—because nobody's feeling sexy when they're dealing with a synthetic-induced swamp situation downstairs. Trust me.

Silk: The OG Luxury Fabric

Silk is basically the Rolls Royce of lingerie fabrics. It's smooth as hell, temperature-regulating, and makes you feel like royalty even if you're just lounging around eating Cheetos in bed. The downside? It's expensive as fuck, high-maintenance (dry clean only? in this economy?), and about as forgiving as your ex when you drunk-texted them at 3 AM. But damn if it doesn't feel amazing against your skin.

Lace: For When You Want to Feel Fancy AF

Lace is lingerie’s ultimate power move—the fabric equivalent of flipping your hair and saying “I woke up like this.” It’s long been the go-to for adding elegance with a hint of naughtiness. As explained by Byrdie, “Originally a 16th-century symbol of status among European aristocracy… lace has continually evolved—from Victorian mourning attire to punk and gothic statements,” and now it’s making a comeback with romantic, runway-ready flair.

But heads up—cheap lace can feel like you're wearing a cheese grater on your nipples. Quality matters, babes.

Cotton: The Reliable Wingman

Cotton is the fabric equivalent of your best friend—reliable, breathable, and won't let you down when shit gets real. Perfect for everyday wear and sleeping, cotton lets your bits breathe while providing maximum comfort. It's not trying to be the sexiest option at the party, but it's definitely the one you'll appreciate most during your period or when you're bloated from eating an entire pizza by yourself. No judgment here.

Modal & MicroModal: The Future Is Now

If cotton and silk somehow had a genius lovechild, that’d be Modal—naturally soft, breathable, and drapey as hell. Then there’s MicroModal, which cranks that luxury up another notch. According to Eureka via PatSnap, “MicroModal is softer and more breathable than cotton, more eco‑friendly than polyester, and easier to care for than silk.” That’s not hype—it’s fabric wizardry.

Microfiber: Smooth Operator

Microfiber is like that friend who somehow never seems to sweat—even in July. It's thin, lightweight, ultra-smooth, and dries faster than your bank account on payday. Perfect for seamless styles when you don't want panty lines announcing your underwear choice to the entire office.

Mesh: For When You Want to Be Naked But Not Really

Mesh is basically socially acceptable nakedness—sheer, sassy, and breezy enough to let the goods breathe while still technically being covered. As Seamwork explains, it’s “a lightweight, breathable fabric with a net‑like structure… perfect for creating soft, flexible panels or overlays” in lingerie. Whether used as sheer accents or functional layers, mesh brings both airflow and visual spice.

The bottom line? The material between your thighs matters almost as much as what goes between them. Choose wisely, friends. Your bits will thank you.

Lingerie Sizing and Measurement Guide

Let's face it: lingerie sizing is about as straightforward as trying to assemble IKEA furniture while blindfolded after three tequila shots. But unlike that wobbly bookshelf that's one sneeze away from collapse, ill-fitting lingerie can straight-up ruin your sexy time vibes. Nothing kills the mood faster than constantly adjusting a wayward bra strap or fishing a thong out of places it wasn't meant to explore.

Measuring Your Magnificent Self

Before you start throwing around terms like ""34C"" or ""medium,"" let's get you properly measured. And no, eyeballing it while standing in front of a mirror flexing isn't going to cut it.

Bra Measurements

1. Band Size: Wrap that measuring tape around your ribcage, right under your boobs. Keep it snug but not ""can't breathe"" tight. Round to the nearest even number. If you get an odd number, round up if you prefer a looser fit or down if you like your band to hug you like your clingy ex.

2. Cup Size: Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, then measure your band (underbust) size— voilà, cup size magic. As The Lingerie Addict puts it, “for every inch larger your bust is from your rib cage, you go up one letter from A.” So a two-inch difference = B-cup, three inches = C

3. Reality Check: Your boobs might be two different sizes. Hell, that's normal! Size for the larger one unless you want one boob looking like it's trying to escape while the other's swimming in fabric.

Panty/Bottom Sizing

Grab that measuring tape again and wrap it around the fullest part of your hips and booty. According to NIST standards, your hip measurement is the primary determinant for underwear sizing, though your waist measurement helps refine the fit [^1]. Unlike those jeans you've been squeezing into since college, lingerie sizes are designed to accommodate your actual measurements, not your ego.

The Holy Grail Size Chart

Sizing reality check: Bodies don’t read charts. ISO says “standard” sizes are just a baseline, and brands basically do their own thing (ISO, Sizebay). Translation? Lingerie sizing is the Wild West—rules are more like suggestions, so trust what feels good over the number on the tag.

Common Fitting Issues (Or: Why Your Lingerie Is Being a Dick)

Problem: Bra cups runneth over
Solution: Size up in the cup, not the band. You want containment, not spillage (unless that's your thing – we don't judge).

Problem: Band riding up your back like it's training for rodeo
Solution: Your band is too loose, partner. Size down in the band, but up in the cup to maintain volume.

Problem: Panties giving you a wedgie from hell
Solution: Either size up or try a different cut. Your ass deserves better than being flossed against its will.

Problem: Muffin top situation
Solution: Higher-waisted styles or simply sizing up. Remember, lingerie is supposed to make you feel like a goddamn snack, not like you're being slowly cut in half.
Remember: lingerie sizing is like dating – sometimes you have to try on a few duds before finding The One. But when you find that perfect fit? Shit gets magical real fast.

How to Wear Lingerie

This is a loaded question, my queens. Some lingerie may be simple like a lacy padded bra and tiny panties while others can be filled with straps, lace, pleather, buckles, and elastic. The easiest way to understand how to put on your new lingerie is to take a peek at the model wearing the item. If you buy the piece online, this should be super easy. If you are buying a piece in person, consider asking a sales associate to explain the outfit to you. Don’t you dare be embarrassed.

You’re on a fun and exciting journey and they can be your guru.

Lingerie can be worn on its own when it’s time to have some fun in the bedroom. It can also be worn underneath your clothes for a spicy surprise when the bedroom rodeo kicks off.

How to Wash Lingerie

As always, your holy grail lies on the tag of your garment. Take a peek and follow instructions accordingly. If you don’t have a tag, listen here: lingerie is usually made from more delicate materials and therefore will benefit from a gentle hand wash. When in doubt, follow these instructions on how to hand wash your underwear and learn other neat tricks too like how to get period stains out of underwear

What Men Think About Lingerie

It’s no secret that men are visual creatures. They do have a tendency to stare at something that draws their attention. You can absolutely wear lingerie for your man. BUT, please remember, first and foremost, that you should wear lingerie if YOU want to. If you try it out and you don’t feel that boost of confidence in the mirror, scrap it!

Lingerie should make you feel like an icon—Aphrodite in the mirror, a gorgeous queen staring back at you. So remember: first, make sure you feel comfortable, confident, and sexy. Once you feel assured, then you can share your hotness with someone else.

Additionally, everyone has their own preferences! If you try out lingerie for a partner or prospective partner and they aren’t immediately enraptured by your body, don’t panic. Some people like whipped cream on their sundae, some don’t, and that’s okay.

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Comfortable Lingerie Options: Combining Style with Comfort

GIRL do I have an idea for YOU. Being comfortable and sexy is always attainable, especially when you have the right pairs of underwear. You’ve come to the perfect place to find booty bliss. Shinesty women’s underwear not only feels like a cozy hug from a plushy cloud, it’s also covered in fun and flirty designs or simple and cute colors. If you don’t love your first pair, they’re free. Not sure which style is right for you? Let’s walk through the different underwear types here.

Now that you are knowledgeable in the French art of lingerie, get out there and make things sexy.

Find Your Perfect Lingerie Style

Let's be real—lingerie isn't just for Valentine's Day or sketchy burlesque clubs. It's for Tuesday mornings, Netflix binges, and any damn time you feel like embracing your sexiest self. Whether you're rocking a lacy teddy or just some ridiculously comfortable undies, the right lingerie is like a secret superpower that makes you feel confident as hell no matter what you're wearing on top. Ready to upgrade your underwear drawer from sad beige to bold and brilliant? Browse Shinesty's comfortable & bold lingerie collection and find pieces that'll make your body look good while actually feeling good too. Because life's too short for uncomfortable underwire and wedgies.

Stay Weird & Wear What Makes You Feel Good

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do you properly pronounce lingerie?

Answer: Lingerie is pronounced ""lawn-zhuh-RAY"" (not ""lin-jer-ee""). It's a French word that literally means ""things made of linen"" but now describes intimate apparel.

Question: What's the difference between lingerie and regular underwear?

Answer: Lingerie typically refers to intimate apparel designed with aesthetics, sensuality, and special occasions in mind, while regular underwear focuses primarily on comfort and daily wear functionality.

Question: How often should I replace my lingerie?

Answer: Replace bras every 6-12 months with regular wear, and panties when they lose elasticity, develop holes, or no longer fit properly. High-quality pieces with proper care can last longer.