Below you will find definitions of common terms used on this site. Click the first letter of the term you would like information for.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Adjustable back
the back closure of a garment with more than one setting to allow for a range of sizes. Often it is multiple rows of hook and eyes.
Adjustable garter
a strap that extends from a garterbelt or other garment and attaches to stockings to hold them up.
Adjustable strap
shoulder strap that can be shortened or lengthened to provide the best fit.
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Babydoll IMAGE
a short gown that flares at the bottom. Often with underwire cups
Backseam
a pantyhose or stocking with seam running up the back of the leg.
Boa
long scarf/shawl made of feathers.
Bodice
the portion of a woman's garment that covers the chest, breasts, and often, the waist.
Bodystocking
hosiery that covers the body;often from the wrists to the toes
Bodysuit
hosiery covers the upper part of the body and sometimes arms.
Boning
metal or rigid plastic strips sewn into garments to give structure, support, and waist contour.
Boyshort /Boyleg IMAGE
A panty with lower cut leg holes and lower riding waistline. Leg openings usually rest just above or at the buttock-thigh crease, with the waist on or below the hip. SEE CHEEKY SHORT
Bra
garment that supports the breasts.
Brocade
A heavy fabric interwoven with a rich, raised design.
Burnout
a type of weave with alternating patterns of sheer and opaque fabric.
Bustier (boos-tee-AY)
a tight-fitting, often strapless bra worn as a brassiere or outer garment. Usually extending to the waist
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Camisole/Cami
short and sleeveless shirt often worn to sleep in or under a blouse.
Charmeuse (shar-MOOZ)
an opaque, satin weave fabric with a lustrous to semi-lustrous finish. SEE: Satin
Cheeky Short / Pant IMAGE
A panty with lower cut leg holes in the front and higher in the back to expose buttocks (cheek) just above the thigh crease. SEE BOYSHORT
Chemise (shuh-MEEZ) IMAGE
a short gown similar to a babydoll, but is cut closer to the body with no flare at the hem. Usually with underwire cups.
Chiffon (shi-FON)
a light, thin and sheer fabric usually made of nylon, rayon or silk with a matte finish
Cincher
similar to a corset, but only covering the waist area.
Corset
a tight-fitting, body-shaping garment, often with boning, that covers the bust to the hip. Used to create an hour glass-shaped figure.
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Demi Bra/Cup
a style of bra that exposes the top part of the breast and sometimes the nipple. Also known as a half cup.
Denier (DEN-yer)
a measure of density of the weave in hosiery, defining the opacity. The higher the number, the less sheer the weave. (e.g.: pantyhose: 5-40 denier, tights/leotards: 40+ denier)
Dupioni (doo-pee-OH-nee)
An irregular, textured silk fabric with thick fibres, often woven in two different colors to give an iridescent quality.
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Embossed
a fabric with a raised pattern created by pressure or embroidery ie:brocade satin, chiffon burnout
Embroidery
raised, decorative patterns on fabric made from needlework.
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Fishnet
open fabric woven in a small, diamond shaped pattern
Flocked Mesh
a type of weave with alternating patterns of mesh and raised velvet-like fabric.
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G-string IMAGE
a panty with a very thin string of fabric in the back and sides. Similar to a thong.
Georgette
a sheer, strong silk or silklike clothing fabric with a dull, creped finish
Godet (GOH-det or GO-day)
A triangular piece of fabric usually set into the hem of a garment to add fullness.
Gusset
piece of fabric, usually cotton, lining in the crotch area of the panty.
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Halter
a garment style where the fabric wraps behind and around the neck for support. Halters can be tied, clasped or be an solid piece of fabric that slides over the head.
Hook & Eye
closure used to secure garment;often multiple rows to allow for adjustability. It fastener includes a small hook secured to one side of the garment that grasps a small partial oval secured to the other side.
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Jacquard (jahk-ARD)
type of fabric weave that creates the effect of a 'shadow' pattern or print. Similar to brocade, but the pattern is not raised.
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Leather
fabric made from the dressed or tanned hide of an animal. Usually cow or pig hide
Loungewear
unrestrictive garments suitable for lounging/relaxing, such as pajamas, camisoles/camis, robes etc.
Lycra
a brand trademark of DuPont for the fabric spandex. A very elastic, synthetic fabric made from polyurethane.
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Matte
type of fabric finish with a flat non-lustre, non-shiny look (chiffon)
Microfibre / Microfiber
a very soft-feeling, synthetic fiber (10X finer than silk) with the texture and drape of natural-fiber cloth but with enhanced stretch, washability, breathability and water repellency.
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Nylon
a light, wrinkle-resistant, synthetic fiber
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Opaque (oh-PAKE)
fabric which is cannot be seen through. Opposite of sheer.
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Peignoir (peyn-WAR)
a loose-fitting, often sheer dressing gown that can be long or short and usually includes a matching robe.
Pleather
combination of the words 'plastic' & 'leather'. A synthetic fabric with the texture and finish of leather.
Polyester
class of synthetic fabrics known for their wrinkle resistance and washability
Ponte di Roma
A double jersey knit, medium-heavy weight fabric with a beautiful drape. Ideal for jackets, suitng, skirts and dresses.
P.V.C. / PVC
acronym for polyvinyl chloride. Usually a patent, shiny finish. SEE VINYL
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Satin
a type of weave of synthetic or natural fibre with a shiny, lustre finish
Sheer
a thin, fine, transparent fabric. Opposite of opaque
Spandex
synthetic stretch fabric or fiber made from polyurethane. Brand name Lycra
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Tanga IMAGE
a panty style that has thin straps across the hips. Similar to a thong but with slightly more coverage in the back
Teddiette
A teddy with attached garters to hold stockings up
Teddy
garment that combines a camisole or bra with a panty and covers the torso. Similar cut to a bodysuit.
Tencel® (Lyocell)
A 100% natural cloth made from the cellulose found in wood pulp which is woven into a silk-like, delicate fabric with luxurious drape.
Thong IMAGE
style of panty with a thin fabric back that rests between the buttocks
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Underwire
a strip of flatted steel wire or sturdy plastic sewn into the underside of each cup of a garment, used for support and shape.
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Velvet
fabric weave with a dense, soft and usually lustrous nap. Also Velour
Venice Trim
a heavily embroidered, ornate lace trim
Vinyl
polyvinyl chloride synthetic material flowed onto a woven, knitted, or non-woven base cloth. Medium to heavy weight fabric which may have a patent, shiny finish or matte grain to imitate leather. SEE P.V.C.
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