Lingerie is a bold fashion statement, a confidence builder, an advertisement, and designed to make you feel empowered. Lingerie has become a universal symbol of women’s sexuality and love stories.
Buying lingerie can be a difficult task. There are many styles and sizes to choose from.
In this article, we will go through all the best styles, best brands, and what is in and what is out this year.
So let's get into it!
Today the choices in lingerie are endless, and those new to buying lingerie might be overwhelmed. Here’s a guide to some of the types of lingerie on offer.
What is Lingerie?
Lingerie is a category of woman's clothing that includes undergarments, underwear, sleepwear, and lightweight robes.
The word lingerie often implies that the garments are sexy, alluring, and/or fashionable. (1)
What does Lingerie mean?
The word lingerie is a French word meaning undergarments. In English, it means women's underwear or nightclothes. Lingerie as a word was first used to refer to underwear and bras in 1922.
Types To Choose From:
A short nightgown intended as nightwear for women. It is often worn with panties.
Chemises and Babydolls are produced by many lingerie brands nowadays and have a fitted bodice and a loose-fitting, high-waisted short skirt.
The difference between a chemise and a babydoll is a chemise will typically hit mid-thigh or lower thigh.
A babydoll usually falls notably shorter, sometimes just below the buttocks.
Babydolls sometimes come in a set with matching panties, because of the exposed buttocks.
Also known as a fishnet bodysuit, these sexy stretchy one-piece outfits are very comfortable. Body stockings may cover just the torso, or they may be worn over the thighs and abdomen as well.
They are usually very stretchy and as a result, sizing is not so important. They usually come in a 'one size fits all'.
A brassiere, commonly called a bra is a close-fitting garment that is worn to help lift and support a woman’s breasts.
Bras started off being functional undergarments that provide support to the breasts.
They have since become fashion statements and we at The Hot Spot believe in the stylish aspect of these sexy pieces.
We offer organic cotton bras that are not just well fitted and provide the right kind of support but are also elegant, sexy and make you look and feel happy, comfortable, and want to wear all day long. (2)
What is a bralette?
Bralettes are generally wire-free. What sets them apart from a basic wire-free bra is that there is also an element of fashion vs function.
A normally wire-free bra can be full coverage, a neutral colour, and smooth. It’s meant to be just like other basic, everyday bras, just without the wire.
A bralette may be made of a fashionable material like lace, microfiber, or mesh. It can have intricate details like embroidered patterns, pretty straps, or a high neck.
It may also be smooth and basic, but it’s generally less structured and more fashion trending than a basic bra.
A Bustier is a fitted garment used to push up the bust and shape the waist.
Its primary purpose is to push up the bust by tightening against the upper midriff torso on a woman and forcing the breasts up while gently shaping the waist.
A camisole or cami is a loose-fitting sleeveless piece that covers the top part of the body.
Camisoles are shorter than a chemise.
They are typically constructed of light materials and feature thin "spaghetti straps".
Normally they extend to the waist but are sometimes cropped to expose the midriff, or extended to cover the entire pelvic region.
A corset is a tight piece covering the body from the neck to the waist.
Corsets are often low cut in the front to reveal cleavage.
The back is often connected with laces or hooks.
Corsets may also be reinforced with steel or bone to provide greater breast support and alter the waistline.
A narrow piece of cloth or string that passes between the buttocks and is attached to a waistband.
Also know as a thong, this type of panty may be worn as a bikini bottom or as underwear.
The difference between a G-string and a thong is a G-string has less material between the buttocks. This makes it look like a string.
Garter belt
Also known as a suspender belt is used to keep stockings up. They are a piece of lingerie that goes around a woman's waist.
The garter belt uses clips or snaps to hold up pantyhose or stockings.
The garter belt was invented before elastic to hold up stockings.
Girdle
Historically, the girdle extended from the waist to the upper thigh. Modern styles more closely resemble a tight pair of athletic shorts.
Girdles are a form on lingerie that can hold in the tummy, abdomen and buttocks, giving you a more toned appearance.
Panties or Knickers
A generic term for underwear covering the genitals and sometimes buttocks. Available in many shapes, fabrics, styles and colours.
Panties are primarily worn by women and can be form-fitting or loose.
Typical pieces include an elastic around the waist, a crotch piece to cover the genitalia, and leg openings that are also made of elastic.
Buying panties and bras separately allows you to mix and match your underwear combinations.
These pieces are close-fitting, elastic garments that cover the feet and legs.
Stockings vary in colour, design, and transparency like most lingerie pieces. Stockings are normally worn for either fashion or to keep the legs warm.
They are usually worn with mid-length or short skirts.
An undergarment that resembles the shape of a one-piece bathing suit. It is typically sleeveless, and sometimes strapless.
A teddy, also known as a camiknicker, is a garment which covers the torso and crotch in the one garment.
They are similar in style to a one-piece swimsuit but is typically looser and more see-through.
To put on a teddy you need to step into the leg holes and pull the piece up over torso and breasts and complete by putting your arms through the arm straps.
What lingerie is best for me?
That comes down to your budget and the style of lingerie that suits your need. Try and pay less attention to things like lingerie brands and more attention to what works for you. You need to ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I feel most comfortable wearing? You want a piece that makes you feel sexy and confident.
- Does my partner find this style sexy? You need some idea of what type of lingerie your partner finds sexy before you make a significant purchase.
- Does this fit my budget? If you are on a budget, don't buy something that you are only going to wear once.
- Does this piece match the occasion? (eg: special occasions, my skin tone, etc.)
Top 5 Lingerie Trends this year:
1. Bodysuits
Bodysuits are making a comeback for 2023. They are a great way to dress up and dress down all at the same time – you can throw a blazer on over your bodysuit to look put together for your next Zoom meeting, or feel comfortable yet sexy in a one-piece-wonder while lounging at home. They are very versatile and fun to wear.
2. Ouverts
Some French pieces are inspiring this year in a major way. A big trend in 2020, leading into this year is the rise of sexy backless or crotchless panty, typically called ouvert (which is the French word for open).
The ouvert style of panties is a great way to spice things up in the bedroom.
Now more than ever, women want to feel sexy. The style of these bottoms leaves little to the imagination - allowing you to show off your curves.
3. Red Hot!
Fashion experts say that the colour red is trending in a big way this year. Want something to brighten up our day? What is brighter and sexier than the varying shades of red.
Red is a bold way to feel confident in your own skin no matter what you have planned for the day. This power colour is back in a big way.
4. Comfort
With the huge range of lingerie available to women today, there is no need to settle for discomfort and ill-fitting pieces.
Women are demanding that their bras fit like a second skin. Not only are they looking for sexy eye-catching pieces, but also a comfortable fit.
This will continue to be a wardrobe must!
5. Lace
Delicate lace is a big trend this year. When you’re wearing a lacy piece you ooze sex. Women feel sexy, and men drool for a soft, succulent lacy piece.
Best Lingerie Brands
The best lingerie brand in 2020 / 20201 in our opinion is Fantasy Lingerie. They are producing a vast array of high-quality luxury lingerie styles and costumes at affordable prices, guaranteed to get your hanky panky on! (3)
How To Store Lingerie
Storing your lingerie properly can ensure that your lingerie stays snag-free and keeping its designed shape for years.
Different styles of lingerie require different types of storage.
Bras and undies
Bras, undies and lingerie sets, and shirt bras should be kept in a box in your clothes drawer. You can buy special boxes that are designed specifically for storing bras or you can just use old shoe boxes. The soft cardboard ensures your pieces don't get caught on the wooded or metal pieces of your drawers.
Fold one bra cup over the top of the other cup. Then take the straps and twist them several times before tucking them into the cups. Place the bra into the box. If you like to have matching sets of bras and panties, then fold the underwear and place each pair behind its bra match.
Corsets and bustiers
Corsets and bustiers are best folded and stored in a drawer, the same way you do with your bras. Some special bustiers are best to be stored in acid-free tissue paper inside a large box.
If they have inside hanging straps, you can hang them with the rest of you hanging clothes. Pay attention and make sure the bustier doesn’t lose its shape when hanging.
Teddies, gowns and babydolls
Many of us store our sexy teddies and babydolls in drawers along with our bras and panties, but in most cases, this is a mistake.
The problem can be wrinkling. When you get them out ready to wear on a nice occasion they can come out wrinkled, and won't give you the sexy look you are after.
Padded hangers are a much better option and made just for this purpose. These hangers are soft and often have a little knob so the straps of the delicate lingerie don’t slide off.
Hanging works for most teddies and babydolls but some designs are difficult to hang. If this is the case, you can fold the lingerie in tissue paper or wax paper and store in your drawers.
When you’re ready to wear then you can unfold them from the tissue paper and let sit so that any loose wrinkles can fall away.
Take care of your best lingerie pieces and you’ll have your special sexy intimates for years to come.
The History of Lingerie
When did it all start? Did you know that the first lingerie styles were so bulky and heavy that women who wore them could hardly walk?
The definition of “sexiness” has changed over time and so has lingerie. Let’s take a look at the history of lingerie! (4)
Our story begins in the 1700s in France, where monarchy reigned supreme. At that time, the ideal figure for a woman consisted of pushed-up breasts and tiny waist.
To get this ideal figure, women had to wear a type of bulky and uncomfortable undergarment that went by the name of “stays”, or otherwise known as a whalebone corset.
Because a whalebone corset is a rather sophisticated piece of work, only wealthy, or “proper” ladies at that time wore this lingerie.
At this point in time corsets were not purely undergarments, but they also had ritualistic undertones as well. As noted in Colleen Hill’s book, Exposed: A history of lingerie, the French routinely performed a toilette ritual in which ladies dressed and undressed before the court. This ritual also involved putting on a stay, so it is safe to say that stays were a part of the upper-class lifestyle in this era.
Corsets really took off during the Victorian era in Britain with the advent of S-curve corsets, which pushed the breasts forward and bring out the hips by arching the back.
In spite of their beautiful and intricate design, these corsets were not healthy for a woman’s body. They caused several cases of crushed ribs, organ deformation, and even miscarriages. However, as it was important to be beautiful, especially for wealthy bachelorettes, many would still pay for a good corset to bring out their figure.
The First Bra's
A breakthrough in the history of lingerie came in the 1910s when the first lightweight bra was invented and patented by Mary Phelps Jacob. Although corsets had gradually become smaller and less bulky in the late 19th century, it was this invention that brought bras to the general public.
This transition from bulky corsets to lightweight bras was accelerated by the First World War.
The Great War claimed the lives of many men, and women were forced to take up roles that had been traditionally given to men.
It was hard to perform manual labour wearing bulky corsets, and the newer and lighter bras became the norm.
The Sex Revolution
A huge breakthrough was achieved in the 1950s when lingerie gradually became synonymous with the term “sexy”. Lingerie was considered taboo, and exposing yourself in your lingerie was considered a heinous act.
With the advent of pin-up girls in the 50‘s, images with ladies in underwear slowly became more acceptable and widespread.
The corselets, girdles, and bustiers all emphasized and celebrate the natural curves of a woman.
Sexy and Comfortable
Lingerie designs in the 70s returned to its one-piece design, with looser fabrics and more comfortable designs.
The era also saw the debut of Victoria’s Secret, the famous fashion brand which made sexy lingerie available to middle-class women.
Lingerie in the 80s was very sexy, to begin with. The trend returned to thongs, g-strings, bodysuits, and most specifically the famous teddies, which had gone out of style in the 60s.
These teddies were particularly famous with businesswomen who wore them beneath suits inspired by menswear as a means to celebrate their femininity.
In the 90s, the Wonderbra was made famous.
It had been around as a brand has been around since the mid-20th century, but the push-up bra as we commonly know it wasn't popularized until the '80s and '90s.
The effect was attention-grabbing. This is a great example of Eva Herzigova with her own plumped up cleavage in this 1994 billboard ad for Wonderbra.
The Modern Woman
Modern lingerie has focused on liberating women of all shapes and sizes.
The stereotypical ultra-skinny lingerie models are disappearing and advertising is more focused on what the majority of women look like.
There is a growing movement to promote plus size lingerie to cater to for more curvy ladies out there.
Today women are free to be themselves, to have careers, to be independent and be wanted.
The choice of lingerie reflects this, with styles that flatter all body shapes, express their personalities, and build confidence.
Throughout the ages, lingerie has been more than just pieces of clothing.
From a reminder of an impossible beauty standard to the tool which helps women achieve sexual freedom, lingerie reflects women’s long fight to regain their voices, a long journey that has yet to end. Though styles may change, one thing doesn’t: lingerie will always be a lady’s best friend and her best tool.
Author: Erica Cuff
Erica Cuff has been involved in the sex toy industry since 2000. Working behind the motto “Sex Toys should be fun”, Erica provides useful tips & advice from years of hands on experience and research with adult products.
Happily married since 2005, she knows first-hand how our sex lives can become repetitive if we don't give them the time and effort they deserve. If you're looking to spice things up in the bedroom, then Erica is your gal! She lives to cover topics that empower men, women and couples needing inspiration to keep lovemaking exciting and fun.
Her other focus is teaching women how to properly master the “bald man in the boat” to achieve the best orgasms ever (partner or no partner!) Her informative and unique tips, techniques and advice is up there with certified sex therapists and Sexologists, but with the added advantage of her expereince in the adult toy business.
Erica Cuff's Linkedin profile highlights her professional background, experience and training.
References
(1) https://origins.osu.edu/review/where-s-sexy-history-under-there
(2) https://amhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/collection/object.asp?ID=813
(3) https://fantasylingerie.net/
(4) http://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/exhibitions/exposed-history-of-lingerie.php
2 Comment(s)
Thanks for the ideas!
Awesome ideas for Valentine's day.
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