Lingerie is a term for women's fashion undergarments. It derives from the French word 'lin' for linen. While the term in the French language applies to all undergarments for either sex, in English it is applied only to those women's undergarments designed to be visually appealing or erotic, typically incorporating materials such as Lycra, nylon (nylon tricot), polyester, satin, lace and/or silk and not applied to functional cotton undergarments.

    The concept of lingerie being visually appealing is relatively recent. Up through the first half of the 20th century women selected underwear for three major purposes: to alter their shape (first with corsets and later with girdles or bras), for reasons of hygiene, or for modesty. Women's underwear was often very large and bulky. As the 20th century progressed underwear became smaller and more form fitting. In the 1960s 'controversial' lingerie manufacturers such as Frederick's of Hollywood begin to glamorize lingerie and the idea of lingerie having a sexual appeal slowly developed.

Typology

Babydoll, a short nightgown or negligee intended as nightwear for women.
Basque, a tight, form-fitting bodice or coat
Bedjacket, worn over a nightgown or negligee for warmth and modesty.
Blanket sleeper
Bloomers, underpants with short legs.
Bodystocking, a unitard.
Bodysuit, a leotard-like undergarment, usually skintight or formfitting.
Bodice, covers the body from the neck to the waist.
Boy shorts, a style of panties, so named for their resemblance to male shorts.

Brassiere
Bustier
Camisole, sleeveless and tight fitting, covering the top part of the body
Camiknickers, camisole and knickers joined as one garment
Cami Shorts
Chemise
Corset by bone, a bodice worn to mold and shape the torso.
Corselet = Brassiere + Girdle
Corsage by elastic, covering the body from the neck to the waist, similar to a corset.