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BABYDOLL
A short, flowing empire nightgown, usually with a matching panty bottom. Originally often made of sheer fabric with short puffy sleeves, it now describes many styles of short, swingy (and often sexy) sleepwear. |
BALCONET/BALCONETTE
Pronounced bal-kuh-nay, it has wide-set straps and less coverage than a demi bra. The effect is uplift and fullness above the breasts, as if they were being served up on a tray or standing high on a balcony. |
BAMBOO
What it is: A natural fiber gaining popularity because of its sustainability and earth-friendliness. Bamboo grows quickly and does not require pesticides. Bamboo is an eco do! The lingerie connection: Very soft and cotton-like, bamboo fabric shares many of the properties of the bamboo plant. Antibacterial and moisture-wicking, it also absorbs dyes well, making it suited for a variety of end-uses, including camis, panties and sleepwear. Its insulating properties make clothing feel cooler or warmer depending on the weather, which is another advantage for intimate apparel worn close to the body. |
BANDEAU SLIP/STRAPLESS SLIP/BRA-SLIP
Essentially a slip with a fitted top, this hybrid became popular in the 1960s and has been worn ever since under strapless dresses. |
BANDEAU-STYLE FULL SLIP
Often made with a built-in underwire or molded bra that offers light support and the option of going braless, this garment offers light compression that smoothes and firms from midriff to thigh. Sometimes available in a strapless form that looks like a tube and slims from the bust to the knee. (And it’s great under strapless dresses.) |
BATHROBE
Usually made of terrycloth or waffle-weave cotton for throwing on after bathing. Think of a giant towel with sleeves. |
BED JACKET
A short jacket meant to be worn over a nightgown for warmth and coverage around the boudoir, in bed while recovering from an illness or, for the lucky ladies, while eating breakfast in bed. |
BIAS SLIP
A slip whose fabric is cut on the diagonal for a flattering fit (the hem is still parallel to the floor). The closer fit means the slip moves with you without binding or pulling. |
BIKINI (STRING)
A panty whose waistband rests below the belly button and on the hips. The legs are sometimes high-cut and the sides can vary from a narrow string to a thicker side panel. Back coverage depends on the style of the bikini. |
BODY BRIEFER
Looks like a one-piece bathing suit. Usually made of spandex power-net, it has a built-in bra and tummy control all in one. Perfect for whittling the waist and battling a bulging belly. |
BOYSHORT/BOY-LEG BRIEF
A panty style similar in shape to boys’ underwear—but much more attractive. Often low in the rise, it has wide sides that hug your hips. Very popular with teens and twenty-somethings because they flatter most youthful body types. Don’t fall for the myth that they are universally flattering—they can make legs look shorter and fatter than they actually are. Because of their full-coverage backs, boyshorts usually prevent VPL’s. They’re great under short skirts and low-slung pants. |
BRALET/BRALETTE
An often-unlined wireless bra that either pulls over the head or clasps in back. Lacking significant support features such as underwires, which offer form and additional support, this style is best for smaller busts, a more relaxed look, or for sleepwear. |
BRAZILIAN BACK
A panty style that covers more of the cheeks than a thong, but less than a traditional full-back panty. For a good idea of the cut, think of a Brazilian-style bikini revealing bronzed beach buns. Not recommended to be worn under thinner clothing, as VPL is guaranteed. |
BRIEF
A panty whose waistband rests at or just below the belly button, provides full back coverage and may, or may not, have a high-cut leg. The common connotation of briefs leans towards a conservative cut or granny pants, but many companies call their sassier boyshort styles “briefs.” |
BUST ENHANCERS
Anything that gives the illusion of a fuller bustline. These days enhancers can be built into bras themselves, creating a far better look than the falsies of yesteryear. |
BUST MINIMIZER
A bra that gives the appearance of a reduced cup size by either mashing down the bustline or lifting and redistributing the breast tissue to give the appearance of a trimmer figure. A style that does the latter is more flattering. |
BUSTIER/CORSET
An often strapless, fitted one-piece bodice that extends from bust to waist or hip, worn to support and sustain a given shape. Usually stiffened with flexible metal or plastic boning and closed in the front or back with hook-and-eyes or lacing. |
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