Lingerie

What is erotic lingerie?

It is underwear and bedroom wear made to make you feel good and to play with what is shown and what is covered. Some pieces are discreet, to wear under your clothes day to day, and others are designed for a particular moment. They are also a way to try cuts and materials you would not normally wear, with no commitment beyond taking them off. They come in materials such as French lace, satin, silk, vinyl, wet-look, fishnet and faux leather, and each one gives the piece a different feel. The brands with the most models here are Leg Avenue, Chilirose, Passion, Subblime and Music Legs. For sizes, the most common are double sizes (S/M or L/XL), one size and, for pieces sold in separate sizes, S to XL; XS and sizes from XXL up, which go as far as 4XL, appear in only a few models, and each manufacturer has its own chart.

Types of lingerie

Lingerie is sorted by garment. If you already know what you are looking for, go straight to its section.

• Bodysuits: one-piece garment, fitted like a swimsuit; in lace, sheer or with an opening at the crotch.
• Knickers and thongs: the bottom half on its own, in thong, knicker or open styles.
• Accessories: details to finish off the set, such as headbands and embellishments.
• Sets: matching bra and knickers, sometimes with a garter belt or with a top and trousers.
• Corsets and bustiers: they cinch the waist and lift the bust.
• Briefs: knickers with more fabric, covering more of the hip.
• Costumes: sexy costumes to slip into a role, such as the schoolgirl.
• Skirts: short skirts to pair with stockings, garter belts or a top.
• Gloves: long or short, to complete a set.
• Body jewellery: chains and adornments worn on the skin.
• Leggings: fitted trousers in stretch, shiny or fishnet fabric.
• Garters and garter belts: they hold up stockings from the waist or are worn on the thigh.
• Tights and bodystockings: stretch or fishnet garments that fit close to the body.
• Men's lingerie: briefs, thongs and other pieces designed for men.
• Stockings: thigh-high, hold-ups or for wearing with a garter belt, plain, seamed or fishnet.
• Tights: one-piece hosiery that reaches up to the waist.
• Babydolls: short nightdress with a flared skirt falling from the bust.
• Adhesive bras and lingerie accessories: adhesive bras, bust lifts with a clear strap and other accessories that help clothes sit well.
• Dresses: short, fitted dresses in lace, fishnet or faux leather.
• Catsuits: fitted full-body suit, often in fishnet or with openings.
• Teddies: similar to the bodysuit, with a lower neckline, openings and decorative details.
• Fetish / leather: leather and vinyl pieces and harnesses with a fetish look; play accessories are in BDSM.
• Bikinis: daring bikinis and adjustable micro bikinis.
• Plus size: styles cut for fuller sizes.
• Nipple covers: decorative pasties, usually stuck to the skin.
• Nightdresses: longer than the babydoll, for sleeping or lounging at home.
• Robes and kimonos: to put on over your lingerie.
• Masks: eye masks and masks to add a touch of mystery.

Care and washing

Lace, silk and satin last for years if washed properly, and what damages them most is heat and friction: so it is best to wash them gently and not use a tumble dryer. Vinyl and wet-look should not go in water. Each piece may carry different instructions depending on its composition, so check the label or the product page before washing.

How to choose

• Material: lace suits everyday and romantic wear, satin has a soft feel without being explicit, vinyl and wet-look get straight to the point with a fetish look, and fishnet covers without hiding anything.
• Size: measure your bust, waist and hips and compare them with the manufacturer's chart on the product page; sizes vary between brands.
• Stretch: if the composition includes elastane or spandex, the piece adapts better to the body; leather and vinyl give very little.
• Cut: fitted (bodysuit, corset, catsuit) if you want to show off your figure, loose (babydoll, nightdress) if you want comfort.
• Fastenings and openings: check whether it fastens with hooks, a zip or a tie, and whether it is open at the crotch.
• Washing: the product page or the label says whether it is hand wash, machine wash or damp cloth only.

Lingerie: frequently asked questions

Which erotic lingerie suits each body type best?

Corsets and bustiers suit all shapes because they shape the waist; bodysuits define the whole figure, flared babydolls skim over the stomach and hold-up stockings lengthen the legs. What counts most is getting the size right: if it is too small it digs in, and if it is too big it does not hold.

Can you wear erotic lingerie every day?

Yes. A lace bodysuit works as a top under a blazer, hold-up stockings go under trousers without anyone knowing and microfibre sets are as comfortable as regular underwear. There is no need to save it for special occasions.

How do you wash erotic lingerie without damaging it?

By hand in cold water with a mild soap, or in the washing machine inside a mesh bag at 30°C on a delicate cycle, and never in a tumble dryer. Vinyl and wet-look are cleaned with a damp cloth, without submerging them.

What is the difference between a bodysuit, a teddy and a babydoll?

The bodysuit is fitted from top to bottom, like a swimsuit. The teddy is similar but with a lower neckline, openings and decorative details, and it is not worn under clothes. The babydoll has a flared skirt from the bust and falls loose over the stomach, so it is the most comfortable of the three.

Which lingerie should I give as a gift if I don't know the exact size?

A babydoll. Its loose cut forgives a difference of 1-2 sizes and suits all shapes, so it is the safest choice as a gift.

What is the difference between a corset and a bustier?

The corset usually has boning and is adjusted with laces or hooks to cinch the waist; the bustier is lighter and fits the bust and torso without shaping as much. Both are in Corsets and bustiers.

Browse by brand

• LEG AVENUE
• PASSION WOMAN
• Music Legs
• SUBBLIME
• MAGIC SILK