The Top 14 Lingerie Types (And What You Need to Know About Them)

Whether you're looking for lingerie for your wedding night, honeymoon or just because, sexy intimates are a fun purchase. First things first, though: What is lingerie? To put it simply, "lingerie" means undergarments or sleepwear that are typically fancier than your everyday pieces. But there's a bunch of other lingerie lingo you should keep in mind while you're shopping. Chemise or camisole? Bustier or corset? What's the difference, anyhow?

We've got the lowdown on the most popular types of lingerie and how to wear each style for an unforgettable look—no matter the occasion. And to jumpstart your inspiration, we've included shoppable lingerie pieces—from sexy corsets and bustiers to sultry bralettes and camisoles—so you can snag your favorite looks.

In this article:

• Bikini Underwear
• Bodysuit
• Bra
• Bralette
• Bustier
• Camisole
• Chemise/Babydoll
• Corset
• Garter or Suspender Belt
• Hipster
• Robe
• Romper
• Tap Short
• Thong

Bikini Underwear

A sexy pair of underwear can stand alone or be paired with a matching cami or bra for a low-maintenance (but high-impact) look. A bikini is a classic cut style whose rise is low—but not too low—and offers coverage in the back while still looking cute and flirty.

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SKIMS Weightless Bikini

Photo: SKIMS

We're simply obsessed with how soft this classic 100% cotton gusset bikini feels on the skin. Why not go for the matching No Show Unlined Balconette Bra to tie the look together? Also, check out their wide range of nude hues and limited edition colors—you'll have a blast picking out your favorite styles.

Savage x Fenty Puff Daisy String Bikini

Photo: Savage x Fenty

Flirty textured puff-print daisies meets sexy sheer fabric on this mint pastel bikini from Savage X Fenty. Available in sizes XS to 4X, it boasts a mid-rise design with a sheer bow detail at the center front. For a coordinated lingerie ensemble, pair this piece with the matching bra or bustier.

Gifts Made For You Shop Lace Wedding Underwear in White

Celebrating your first night as newlyweds? Go for a pair of personalized panties customized with your new married name or another cute saying like "wifey." These flirty lace pieces are stretchy and fun, plus you can choose the color of the script from gold, rose gold, white or black.

Bodysuit

A bodysuit is basically a bra and underwear in one (and is sometimes referred to as a teddy). Although a bodysuit offers more coverage than two separate pieces, it's somehow sexier. Probably because it's a go-to "special occasion" style, making it a perfect pick for your wedding night, honeymoon, Valentine's Day or anniversary.

Cosabella Never Say Never Tie Me UpDeep V Bodysuit

You'll fall in love with all the dreamy details on this Cosabella floral lace bodysuit. It has a captivating plunge neckline with semi-sheer tricolor lace and a scalloped edge. Better yet, how feminine and romantic is the satin tie around the waist?

Lane Bryant Velvet-Trim Bodysuit

Photo: Lane Bryant

Looking for sexy lingerie with straps? This plus-size bodysuit features soft and luxurious velvet strap detailing with an alluring lace design. Bonus: It has enough coverage that it can easily be paired with jeans and a jacket for a sultry date night outfit.

For Love & Lemons Anika Teddy Bodysuit

Photo: From Love & Lemons

This one-piece lingerie teddy made in collaboration with Victoria's Secret combines two of our favorite things: red hot hues and rose floral details. This beautiful piece also includes a center-front keyhole, sexy g-string coverage, dainty back ties and a feminine ruffled trim for an effortlessly bridal lingerie piece.

Bra

Obviously, you know what a bra is—but a delicate bra and underwear set alone can make a sexy statement on the wedding night and every other day of the year. Bras come in a variety of styles, including triangle, push-up, demi, balconette and more, so you can really choose the fit that you love most. Look for a bra embellished with embroidery or lace to elevate it to special-occasion status.

Skims Unlined Balconette Bra

Skims

If you're just as obsessed with the Barbiecore aesthetic as we are, you're in luck. This ultra-cute lace bra comes in the most vibrant fuchsia shade. Whether you want to pair it with the matching bikini underwear or string thong, you won't regret having this colorful bra in your lingerie rotation.

Auden Women's Racerback Lace Push-Up Bra

Photo: Target

This lace bra was made for romantic nights together, thanks to the cups that are covered in a sultry lace pattern and the front closure for convenience. We're digging the dreamy lavender shade, but it also comes in a variety of hues, including black, white and teal blue.

Honeylove Lace Crossover Bra

Photo: Honeylove

What about a pretty lace bra that's as comfy to wear as your softest T-shirt bra while also providing you with the support you need? This style has a bonded cradle instead of the sometimes uncomfortable underwire, making it a bra you'll love to rewear—not just on sexy occasions.

Bralette

A bralette is a bra without an underwire or other structural elements, so it tends to offer less support. For some, that's a draw, but for others, it's a dealbreaker, so try it out for yourself. Note: Some bralettes don't have clasp closures and need to be removed over your head.

Only Hearts Joey Bralette

Photo: Revolve

We adore the clip-dot detailing on this sheer mesh scoop bralette. With adjustable straps and a convenient pullover style, you can wear this piece with the matching ruffled high-waisted briefs for a coordinated look that's sweet and sensual.

Maidenform Women's Casual Comfort Convertible Bralette in White

Shopping for lingerie on a budget? This convertible bralette is an affordable and versatile option that can also double as a going-out top. The convertible straps can be worn as a halter, criss-cross or traditional—so you can easily create three different looks with this one piece.

Savage x Fenty Romantic Corded Lace Front-Closure Bralette

Photo: Savage x Fenty

A deep V-neckline and stetch corded lace fabric make this triangle bralette something special. This unlined style also has a rose gold-tone X front closure with multicolored stone embellishment at the center front and adjustable elastic shoulder straps. Take this fit to the next level and pair it with the matching Brazilian panties or mesh cheeky.

Bustier

Want to add extra va-va-voom to the wedding night? Wear this lingerie style to accentuate your cleavage. A bustier is an extended bra top that usually covers all or most of the torso, though there are bustier bras that end well above the belly button. For an ultra-bridal look, go white and lacy. Or, if you're looking to pump up the sex appeal, go for a strappier style in black or red. Want something more extravagant? Buy one with attached garters so you can add thigh-high stockings.

Lovehoney Plus Size Seduce Me Push-Up Basque Set

Photo: Lovehoney

Guess what? This plus-size bustier set comes with a matching black G-string, so you don't have to worry about buying a separate pair. And who can get over the ruffled lace detailing and pink satin bows? Best of all, the transparent detailing and removable garters are the perfect way to help you go all out.

Bare Necessities Va Bien Lacy Strapless Bustier

Photo: Bare Necessities

Available in plus and standard sizes, the delicate lace details and transparent panels on this boned bustier are all seriously seductive touches. You'll also be pleased to know that it comes with removable garter straps to attach to the hem. And don't forget to add the matching thong to your cart before you checkout.

Anthropologie Giselle Lace Bustier

Photo: Anthropologie

If you prefer a bridal lingerie look that is sweet and simple, this white bustier might be the one for you. It still keeps things special, though, with understated lace detail on the center of the bodice. Oh, and did you check out the other six gorgeous colors it comes in? You won't regret purchasing this style.

Camisole

Think of a camisole (or cami) as your go-to versatile lingerie piece that can be worn in the bedroom or sometimes lounging around. It's often a sleeveless top with thin straps that can be worn with a pair of cute tap shorts for a sexy hint of feminine flair.

Adore Me Reign Plus Camisole Set

Photo: Adore Me

Spice up your pajama game with this plus-size lace cami and short set from Adore Me. The camisole has a comfy jersey knit front and sexy lace back, with a matching pair of allover lace shorts that make this type of lingerie equal parts comfortable and cute.

Journelle Celine Open Back Cami

Photo: Journelle

Crafted from 100% silk fabric, this beautiful cami is ideal for wearing again and again, but especially for those big nights, thanks to the romantic lace details. (Bonus: It also comes in six other colors, from a bridal white to something blue for your wedding night or honeymoon vacation.)

Abercrombie & Fitch Lace and Satin Sleep Cami

Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch

You can wear this two-piece satin cami and short set in the bedroom or around the house on lazy Sunday mornings. Our favorite part? The live edge contrast lace-trim details on the top and matching satin lounge shorts.

Chemise/Babydoll

A chemise is a short slip dress that you can literally slip into, and it can be paired with a matching bikini or thong. They're often confused with a babydoll, which is slightly shorter and typically falls just below the panties. Both will make you feel so beautiful and flirty—kind of like a wedding dress, only skimpier.

For Love & Lemons x Victoria's Secret Izzy Babydoll Slip Dress

Photo: Victoria's Secret

The effortlessly elegant silhouette of this babydoll slip is both flirty and super comfy. Made with sheer light blue fabric, a fuzzy dot ruffled hem and a flirty rhinestone bow accent, it's an unforgettable lingerie style, especially if you want a little something blue—from your wedding night to your honeymooon getaway.

Yandy Plus Size Natasha Babydoll Set

Yandy

For those who prefer an edgier kind of lingerie, this plus-size babydoll is impressive in the style and comfort department. An empire-waist silhouette, lace bodice and adjustable straps work together to create this incredible piece of lingerie. And it comes with a matching G-string that can be worn underneath—all for the price of $31.96.

Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Foxie Chemise

Photo: Cosabella

An all-over lace chemise? Sign us up. This curvy piece is specially designed for fuller busts with smaller bands (DD cups+). It's covered in ultra-soft scalloped lace that lays flat, creating a body-hugging appearance that will keep your partner wanting more.

Corset

In the past, corsets tangibly cinched the waist and had grommets and ties that would be pulled tight, squeezing the midsection. Today, some corsets are still worn as shapewear that can help smooth the appearance of the torso. But a wedding night corset isn't about slimming anything—it's worn just for fashion's sake. Some may have boning in them for style and support, but avoid any corset styles with painful squeezing! For your special day, look for a corset with details such as lace, grommets, satin straps or attached garters.

Adore Me Vira Set in Black

Available in standard and plus sizes, this semi-sheer black corset set from Adore Me is seriously decadent. It's completed with a lace-trimmed straight neckline, tulle details, a lace-up back and adjustable shoulder and garter straps. What's not to love?

Bare Necessities Va Bien Longline Convertible Bustier

Photo: Bare Necessities

Guess what? You could wear this lace corset as bridal shapewear under your wedding gown or sport it completely on its own. Either way, it's a guaranteed showstopper that deserves a spot as a staple in your lingerie collection.

LoveHoney Plus Size Treasure Me Red Push-Up Basque Set

LoveHoney

We're all for something fiery and vibrant. The bright red satin corset with romantic lace details offers full coverage while still being undeniably hot. It will accentuate all of your natural curves, thanks to the structured boning and three-piece cup construction.

Garter or Suspender Belt

A garter belt (aka suspender belt) has clips that allow it to hold up thigh-high stockings. Plus, you can add it to almost any type of lingerie. Match it with a coordinating bra and panty to take it from ordinary to super sultry.

Fleur du Mal Lily Embriodery Garter Belt

Photo: Fleur du Mal

Available in over 12 colors, this garter belt has delicate embroidery with mesh paneling that really pops with the matching bra and panty. We love the black hue for sexy wedding night or honeymoon vibes, but the white is, of course, captivating for a true bridal look.

Torrid Lace Garter Belt in Black

Pair this flirty garter belt with your other favorite styles of black lace lingerie. It features a two-gate hook-and-eye back closure with four adjustable garter straps attached. Incorporating this alluring piece into your lingerie rotation will be a breeze.

Adore Me Enny Garter Plus in Pink

Add a splash of color to your spicy outfit with this pretty-in-pink playful suspender belt topped with satin bows. All you need to add is a sheer pair of stockings to the adjustable straps.

Hipster

This underwear cut sits low on the hips and covers the back side with a little extra length on the bottom (but it's not as long as a boy short). Instead, it has more coverage and lends a more youthful and trendy look than traditional cuts, like the bikini.

Soma Intimates Wildflower-Embroidered Cheeky Hipster

Soma

With a floral lace back and a solid paneled front, this lacy pair of hipsters comes in three beautiful hues, including a red hot shade, a vibrant purple and a sultry black to suit every to-be-wed vibe. Best of all, these cheeky bottoms come in sizes XS to XXL.

Body by Victoria Lace-Inset Hiphugger Panty

Photo: Victoria's Secret

There are so many details to love about these floral hipster panties, from the embroidered botanical details to the dainty bow detail in the front center. Plus, the smooth back that shows off your curves makes them simply irresistible. Pair them with the matching demi bra for a memorable ensemble.

Skims Cotton Rib Mid-Rise Brief in Bone

If you'd rather go for a more subtle lingerie look, try this hipster brief from Skims. The ribbed cotton material is breathable and comfortable on the skin, while the soft elastic waistband and mid-rise silhouette will show off your curves. And look at all those size options? Choose from XXS to 4X.

Robe

A sumptuous bridal robe can be worn prewedding while you're getting ready. Afterward, in the honeymoon suite, open it to reveal the underthings of your choice—or nothing at all. Skip the typical terrycloth bathrobe and treat yourself to a more luxurious fabric.

Flora Nikrooz Rosa Lace-Trimmed Kimono

Photo: Anthropologie

This eye-catching bridal robe from Anthropologie is sure to look great in your getting-ready photos for your big day, especially with the added blush floral lace trim. You'll also enjoy the luxurious and lightweight feel, as well as the tie-sash belt that can be easily removed.

Homebodii Georgina Long Lace Robe in White

A floor-length lace robe is a daring move that's sure to pay off. This one is crafted from the most beautiful lace fabric with eyelash trim. It's even embroidered with floral accents throughout the long silhouette. Swoon.

Birdy Grey Claudine Lace Robe in Satin Sage

From the bridal suite to the bedroom, you'll get tons of use out of this lace robe from Birdy Grey (and we guarantee that you'll wear it for other special occasions, too). Another bonus? This robe comes in 16 different colors, so you can perfectly coordinate it with your Birdy Grey bridesmaid dresses.

Romper

In the lingerie world, a romper is basically a cami and tap shorts in one (or a one-piece with short shorts attached). Rompers tend to have a playful vibe and may be made of cotton or other comfy materials that are cozy enough to lounge around the house. Others are made of mesh, tulle and lace, while some are completely see-through—so choose the style that makes you feel your best.

For Love and Lemons Blakely Slip Romper

Photo: For Love and Lemons

This stunning piece is made for the bedroom only. From the rose and bow-embriodered lace bodice to the sheer shorts with lace trim, this flirty and seductive piece of lingerie is bound to impress in every way.

Lulus Be My Love White Satin Lace Lounge Romper

Photo: Lulus

This budget-friendly romper from Lulus comes in a bridal-worthy ivory shade. You'll love the look of the eyelash-lace-trimmed V-neckline and the soft satin fabric. Trust us: You won't want to take this effortlessly sexy romper off.

Cosabella Brielle Romper

Photo: Cosabella

Lingerie that doubles as cozy sleepwear? We're so in. The super-soft and oh-so-cozy viscose romper is elevated by the delicate lace trim that lines the neckline and back.

Tap Short

Think of tap shorts as the love child of shorts and lingerie, with a playful and flirty design that's perfect for lounging or sleepwear. They're usually made from silky or lacy materials and have a loose fit, making them super comfy while still looking cute and chic.

Only Hearts Coucou Lola Tap Shorts

Photo: Revolve

These adorable tap shorts, available in a lovely creme color, are perfect for lounging and feeling cute. Made with lightweight mesh fabric and an elastic waistband, they're not only comfortable but also perfect for the bedroom. Pair them with the matching bralette to complete the look.

Journelle Charlotte Tap Short

Photo: Journelle

These tap shorts are designed with a luxurious silk fabric and adorned with delicate eyelash lace inserts, giving them a glamorous and feminine touch. With their elastic waistband and scalloped eyelash edging, these shorts not only look beautiful but also provide a comfortable fit for lounging or sleepwear.

Savage x Fenty Heavenly Satin Sleep Short

Photo: Savage x Fenty

Made from silky satin fabric, these satin shorts feel incredibly luxurious and comfortable against the skin. Plus, they feature a playful jacquard pattern, an elasticized waist with a drawstring tie and sexy cut-out detail slits at the front seams. Trust me, you'll be counting down the minutes until you can slip these shorties on.

Thong

Thong underwear is one of the most revealing types of lingerie, with only a small strip of fabric in the back to show off your backside. For the big night, you can pair your thong with a cami, chemise, bustier, corset and/or a garter belt and thigh-highs—or nothing at all.

SKIMS Fits Everybody Dipped Front Thong

Photo: SKIMS

Equal parts naughty and nice, the SKIMS Fits Everybody thong is always a good choice to keep in your lingerie drawer. Available in sizes XXS to 4X, it has buttery fabric that has a no-cut design that gives a second skin feel.

Cosabella Never Say Never Tie Me Up Brazilian Thong

Photo: Cosabella

Talk about a bow-ment! You'll feel confident and beautiful in this Brazilian thong from Cosabella, thanks to the eye-catching double satin bow detail on the sides and the detailed floral lace. Complete the look with the matching bra, which also has a flirty bow on the back.

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Velvet Floral Embroidered Thong Panty

Photo: Victoria's Secret

Velvet thongs are hard to come by, but we're so impressed by this pair from Victoria's Secret. The low-rise panty is made with floral embroidery and fishnet insets for a sumptuous option that can be paired with the matching velvet bra.