The main shapes, actually explained
- Teddy. A one-piece garment combining a top and bottom in a single silhouette, similar in construction to a bodysuit, usually with a snap or clip closure at the base for practicality. It's the most common single style searched for in this category, and the shape most people picture by default.
- Chemise. A loose, slip-style piece that hangs from the shoulders without a fitted bottom — closer to a short nightgown than to a teddy's fitted construction. Generally more comfortable for longer wear since nothing is fitted at the waist or hips.
- Babydoll. Similar to a chemise but typically shorter and paired with a separate bottom piece, with an empire-waist cut that flares out from just under the bust.
- Corset. A structured, boned piece built to shape the waist, worn either as its own top or layered over other pieces. Structure and boning quality vary enormously by price point — see the sizing section below before buying.
- Bodysuit. A fitted one-piece, snapped at the base like a teddy but generally less sheer and closer in spirit to shapewear or a going-out top than to sleepwear.
- Bra-and-panty set. Two separate coordinated pieces rather than one garment — the most flexible option since each piece can be sized independently.
Materials, and what they actually mean for wear and care
- Lace. The most common decorative material in this category — stretch lace (with spandex blended in) moves with the body and is more comfortable for extended wear than rigid lace, which is closer to a trim or accent than a wearable base fabric on its own.
- Satin and silk-look synthetics. Smooth and less breathable than lace or mesh, generally better suited to shorter wear than an all-night garment.
- Mesh and sheer fabrics. Lightweight and breathable, but generally less durable under repeated wear and wash than lace or satin — hand-washing extends life significantly.
- Leather and faux leather. A structural, higher-commitment material usually reserved for harnesses and corset-style pieces rather than everyday lingerie — see our harness and kink-style lingerie guide for that category specifically.
Sizing, especially for plus-size
Sizing runs meaningfully inconsistent between lingerie brands, more so than in most apparel categories — checking a specific brand's size chart rather than assuming a standard size translates directly is worth the extra minute. For plus-size specifically, well-made pieces typically use reinforced seams, wider adjustable straps, and boning or structural panels placed for a curvier frame, not a straight-size pattern simply scaled up — a brand's dedicated plus-size line is generally a safer bet than an extended size range on a straight-size design.
Who each style suits
Chemises and babydolls suit people who want comfort over structure, especially for longer wear. Teddies and bodysuits suit a fitted, going-out-appropriate silhouette. Corsets suit anyone specifically wanting waist definition or structure, with the tradeoff of less all-night comfort than an unstructured piece. If you're shopping for a first piece and unsure where to start, a chemise or bra-and-panty set is the lowest-commitment entry point in the category.