The Bra Collective
This is where you will find all bras, underwear, and lingerie fit tips and advice. With decades of experience and expertise in designing bras, fitting bras, and selling bras, you can trust we know what we're doing.
The More You Know
Common terms and definitions about lingerie.
Want to learn more about bra styles? Click Here
Not sure how to measure yourself? Click Here
Babydoll
Babydoll - A short, loose-fitting nightgown or negligee often adorned with lace, bows, and ribbons.
Bralette
A soft, lightweight bra without underwire or molded cups, often more decorative than supportive.
Chemise
A form-fitting, sleeveless lingerie dress, typically made of lightweight fabric like silk or satin.
Corset
A tight-fitting, structured undergarment designed to shape and support the torso.
Garter Belt
A belt worn around the waist with attached garters to hold up stockings.
Negligee
A sheer, delicate, and often lacy nightgown or robe worn for lounging or intimate occasions.
Push-up Bra
A bra designed to lift and enhance the cleavage, often featuring padding and underwire.
Stockings
Hosiery that covers the legs and thighs, typically held up by a garter belt or elasticized band.
Teddy
A one-piece lingerie garment that combines a camisole or bodice with panties, usually made of lace or silk.
Thong
Underwear with a narrow strip of fabric in the back, leaving the buttocks mostly exposed.
The Small Print
Bras
- A Cup Bra:
- Adhesive Bra: Sticks directly to the skin, offering minimal coverage.
- B Cup Bra:
- Balconette Bra: A bra with a horizontal cut that creates a lifting effect.
- C Cup Bra
- Convertible Bra: Features straps that can be rearranged or removed.
- D-DD+ Bra: Definition here — DD+ Bras here
- Demi-Cup Bra: Covers half of the breast, creating a push-up effect.
- Full-Coverage Bra: Offers complete coverage of the breast.
- Plunge Bra: Designed with a deep V-neckline for wear with low-cut tops.
- T-Shirt Bra: Seamless and smooth for invisibility under tight clothing.
- Underwire Bra: Has a wire under the cup for added support.
- Wireless Bra: Lacks underwire, offering a more natural and comfortable fit.
- Sports Bra: Provides support during physical activities.
- Strapless Bra: Designed without shoulder straps, ideal for bare-shoulder outfits.
- Nursing Bra: Designed for breastfeeding, with cups that can be opened.
- No Wire Bra:
- Minimizer Bra: Reduces the projection of the wearer’s bust.
- Racerback Bra: Straps that come together between the shoulders.
- Maternity Bra: Designed to accommodate growing breasts during pregnancy.
- Sexy Bras:
- Side Support Bras:
- Bridal Bras:
Underwear
- Briefs: Traditional, offer full coverage.
- Cheeky:
- Hipsters: Sit on the hips with low-cut leg holes.
- Bikini: Moderate coverage with a lower rise than briefs.
- G-String: Similar to a thong but with even less rear coverage.
- High-waisted: Extends above the waist, providing a smooth silhouette.
- Seamless: Made without seams to be invisible under tight clothing.
- Sheer Panties:
- Mesh Panties
Lingerie
- Camisole: A loose-fitting sleeveless undergarment that covers the top part of the body.
- Garter Belt: Worn around the waist to hold up stockings.
- Stockings: Close-fitting, variously elastic garments covering the leg from the foot up to the knee or part or all of the thigh.
- Hosiery: General term for tight-fitting garments worn on the legs and/or feet.
- Robe: A loose-fitting outer garment, typically worn over pajamas or lingerie.
- Peignoir: A long outer garment for women that is frequently sheer and made of chiffon or another translucent fabric.
- Basque: A close-fitting bodice that extends to the waist or hips.
- Tanga: A type of panty featuring full back coverage, but with the waistband reduced to a narrow strip at the sides.
- Lounge Bra: A bra meant for ultimate comfort, offering light support.
- Bodice: A form-fitting garment that covers the body from the neck to the waist.
- Bodysuit: A one-piece form-fitting garment that covers the torso and the crotch.
- Slip: A garment worn beneath dresses or skirts to help them hang smoothly.