The iDear Guide to Lingerie Styles
If you find yourself puzzled by basques or perplexed by corsets, don't worry. iDear's straightforward lingerie guide is here to demystify it all for you.
We’ve organized this guide into two main sections: structured lingerie, which includes basques, corsets, and other body-sculpting pieces that enhance your shape, and unstructured lingerie, featuring playful, feminine, and cozy options like babydolls, chemises, and camisole sets. Whether you’re in the mood for something bold or prefer a more relaxed style, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, we delve into the world of panties, thongs, and G-strings, as well as the ultimate leg-enhancing hosiery options, from stockings and garters to bodystockings and pantyhose.
Structured Lingerie: Stylish & Seductive
Corsets are designed to cinch your waist and lift your bust, creating an irresistibly alluring silhouette. When laced up snugly, they can be a major turn-on. Some corsets cover the entire upper body, while others, like underbust corsets, leave the chest fully exposed, adding an extra layer of boldness to your look.
Structured lingerie, with its figure-hugging and body-sculpting benefits, is the ultimate way to achieve a classic and seductive style while subtly enhancing your natural curves.
Corsets
Corsets are crafted to cinch the waist, lift the bust, and create an alluring hourglass shape. When worn snugly, they exude an undeniable charm. While traditional corsets cover the upper body, underbust corsets leave the breasts exposed, adding a bold and daring touch to your look.
iDear recommends: Cottelli Black Brocade Lace-Up Corset
Bustier
Bustiers resemble an elongated bra and sit higher on the body compared to basques or corsets. Some styles come with boning to sculpt your figure, while others are softer and more flexible. Either way, they’re perfect for enhancing the upper part of your torso, offering a subtle yet effective way to shape your curves.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Peek-A-Boo Merry Widow Black Bustier Set
Basque
A basque is similar to a corset or bustier in appearance, but it features cups and is often crafted from more delicate, lace-like fabrics. You can think of it as an extended version of a bra, designed to enhance your upper body. While it may include plastic boning to provide additional shaping, it’s not meant to cinch your waist. Instead, it focuses on adding a touch of elegance and allure to your silhouette.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Plus Size Boudoir Belle Cherry Push-Up Basque Set
Merry Widow
A merry widow is a type of lingerie that resembles a basque, featuring built-in suspender straps that extend from the hemline. It’s a timeless and elegant choice, especially when worn with stockings and high heels.
iDear recommends: Exposed Liquid Onyx Cupless Merry Widow Bustier Set
Catsuit
Channel your inner Catwoman with a sleek and seductive catsuit! These full-body, form-fitting suits are designed to hug your curves and make a bold statement. Typically, they come with a front zipper for easy wear, and some even have a playful crotchless design for added intrigue.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Fierce Wet Look Zip-Around Catsuit
Mini Dress
A mini dress is exactly what it sounds like—a dress with a hemline that sits higher than usual. Usually form-fitting, a sleek mini dress can seamlessly transition from a night out on the town to a cozy evening in.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Black Halterneck Mini Dress
Shop all Plus Size Mini Dresses
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Unstructured Lingerie: Flirty & Feminine
Want to flaunt your curves and feel effortlessly chic? A babydoll is the ultimate pick. With its supportive cups and flirty, full skirt, it checks all the boxes. The beautiful, flowy material flares out from under the bust, drawing attention to your best features while subtly distracting from the midriff area. And let’s not forget—it’s so comfy you can easily catch some shut eye in it!
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Late Night Liaison Blue Lace Babydoll Set
If you prefer a lingerie style that’s less restrictive and more playful, choose something light and floaty. This way, you can roll around the bed (or kitchen counter) without any restrictions and still feel utterly fabulous.
Babydoll
A babydoll, with its supportive cups and flirty, full skirt, is a charming and alluring piece of lingerie. It accentuates the bust while playfully revealing the legs. Thanks to its flared design that widens from under the bust, a babydoll is perfect for shifting focus away from the tummy area, making it a confidence-boosting choice for any occasion.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Plus Size Bombshell Red Lace Babydoll Set
Flyaway
If you’re a fan of babydolls but also want to flaunt your midriff, a flyaway style is the perfect solution. It combines all the playful charm of a babydoll with a tantalizing twist—literally. With a split front, back, or both, it reveals just enough to keep things interesting while still maintaining that signature babydoll allure.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Unwrap Me Red Lace Babydoll
Chemise
Chemises strike the perfect balance between practicality and sexiness. They can effortlessly transition from nightwear to loungewear, making them incredibly versatile. With a relaxed fit that gently nips in at the waist and skims the hips, chemises offer a sleek and flattering look. Suitable for all body shapes, they make an ideal gift choice.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Treasure Me Black Plunge Chemise Set
Body
A body is like a more form-fitting version of a teddy. Shaped like a classic one-piece swimsuit, it combines a vest top with bikini-style briefs into a single piece. Unlike a teddy, a body shows off more of your legs, making it an ideal choice for those who want to flaunt their curves in a snug, all-in-one garment that feels both cozy and confident.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Late Night Liaison Blue Crotchless Lace Body
Cut-Out Body
This style of body takes the classic one-piece to a bolder level. Sleek and minimalist, it features daring cut-outs and open sections that reveal just the right amount of skin. It’s a fearless and stylish alternative to a traditional bra and panties set, and it’s especially flattering for those with an athletic build, creating jaw-dropping curves and a look that exudes confidence.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Seduce Me Red Push-Up Crotchless Cut-Out Body
Teddy
A teddy, also known as a playsuit, is a versatile piece of lingerie that blends the comfort of a bodysuit with the allure of a stylish outfit. It combines a tank top with short bottoms into one seamless piece, making it incredibly flattering for a variety of body types, whether you have an athletic build or curvy figure. Teddies come in a range of styles, from more modest and body-covering designs (perfect for those who want a little extra confidence) to super-revealing options for a bold and seductive look.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Plus Size Empress Red Satin and Lace Body
Panties
Revamping your underwear drawer doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh pair of panties to make you feel extra confident and sexy. Opt for full-coverage briefs if you prefer a bit more support, or go for something more daring and revealing to show off your assets.
Briefs & Shorts
With terms like briefs, French knickers, booty shorts, and hot pants, it’s easy to get lost in translation! But don’t worry—they all refer to panties that offer a full front coverage and a covered rear. Think of them as the perfect blend of modesty and allure, giving you a subtly sexy look.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Crotchless Cutout Lace Back Panties
Thong
The thong is a modern staple that playfully reveals just enough to keep things interesting. It’s designed to eliminate any visible panty lines (VPL), making it a practical choice for everyday wear while also adding a touch of allure. Whether you’re dressing up for a special night in or simply want to feel confident in your everyday outfit, a thong is a versatile and highly flattering option.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Crotchless Pearl Thong
G-String
The key distinction between a thong and a G-string lies in the minimalism of the fabric that sits between the buttocks. In a G-string, this strip is so narrow it’s almost nonexistent. This ultra-revealing design creates an even more daring and provocative look, making it a bold choice for those who want to amp up the allure in the bedroom.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Crotchless Lace G-String
Hosiery & Stockings
Stockings are the ultimate finishing touch for a complete and head-to-toe alluring look. From sheer and delicate to bold fishnet, fencenet, or classic back-seamed styles, there’s a hosiery option to suit every mood. They not only enhance your legs but also add a touch of sophistication and allure to your overall appearance.
Hold Ups
Hold-up stockings and thigh-highs are designed with elasticated tops or silicone grips that keep them securely in place—no suspender belt required. Unlike tights, these styles highlight their decorative tops, which can be trimmed with lace, ribbon, or PVC, adding a touch of flair and style to your look.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Sheer Lace Top Hold Up Stockings
Stockings
Stockings require a suspender belt or straps from your lingerie to stay in place; otherwise, they might just end up around your ankles. Coordinating your suspender stockings with your lingerie is a true fashion statement. When done right, the impact is simply stunning.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Sheer Lace Top Thigh High Stockings
Garter Belt
A garter belt, also known as a suspender belt, is a stylish accessory that wraps around the waist and features straps to hold up suspender stockings. Typically, these belts come with four straps, but some vintage-inspired designs offer even more for an extra touch of retro flair.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Love Me Lace Suspender Belt
Bodystocking
Bodystockings are versatile, stretchy, full-body garments crafted from the same smooth materials as tights. They serve as an excellent foundation for any outfit and also double as a sleek, all-in-one lingerie option. Despite covering most of the body, their sleek fabrics and often crotchless designs ensure they remain stylish and playful, perfect for adding a touch of allure to any occasion.
iDear recommends: Lovehoney Mindful ECONYL® Fishnet Crotchless Bodystocking
Tights
Tights are more than just a wardrobe staple; their smoothing and shaping properties make them perfect for creating a sleek and sexy silhouette. While many people find tights incredibly alluring, they’re often reserved for everyday outfits rather than being paired with lingerie. If you’re looking for something more playful and versatile, consider a crotchless design. It offers the same coverage and style but adds a touch of intrigue, making it a great option for both everyday wear and more intimate settings.
iDear recommends: Cottelli Crotchless Black Tights
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