Lingerie comes in many shapes, fabrics and levels of coverage, which can make choosing the right style feel more complicated than it needs to be. Understanding the different types of lingerie makes it easier to find pieces that match your personal style, the way you want them to fit and the occasion you have in mind.

Some lingerie styles are defined by their silhouette, such as babydolls, teddies and chemises. Others are distinguished more by their design, using lace, mesh, embroidery or strappy details.

This guide explains the most common lingerie styles and how they differ, so you can decide which ones feel right for you.

What Are the Different Types of Lingerie?

There is no single way to categorize lingerie. A piece can belong to more than one category at the same time.

For example, a babydoll may also be lace, sheer or embroidered. A teddy can feature mesh panels or strappy detailing.

The easiest way to understand different types of lingerie is to look first at the garment's silhouette and then at its fabric and design.

Babydoll Lingerie

A babydoll is a short, loose-fitting lingerie style that normally falls away from the body below the bust.

Unlike close-fitting lingerie, the lower portion of a babydoll is designed to move more freely around the body. Depending on the design, it may feature lace cups, sheer fabric, adjustable straps or matching underwear.

Babydolls are especially useful for anyone who prefers a softer silhouette rather than an entirely body-hugging fit.

Internal link: Babydoll Lingerie Collection

Teddy Lingerie

A teddy is a one-piece lingerie garment that combines the upper and lower sections into one continuous silhouette.

Teddies can range from relatively simple designs to highly detailed lace, mesh or strappy pieces. Because they follow the body more closely than a babydoll, they create a very different overall shape.

The distinction can be easy to miss when shopping online, which is why we will also have a dedicated guide comparing teddy vs babydoll lingerie.

Internal link: future Teddy vs Babydoll article

Chemise

A chemise is a short slip-style garment that generally falls closer to the body than a babydoll.

While babydolls usually flare below the bust, chemises tend to follow a straighter silhouette. Depending on the fabric and design, a chemise may sit somewhere between lingerie and sleepwear.

Because the two styles are often confused, we will cover the differences separately in our Chemise vs Babydoll guide.

Internal link: future Chemise vs Babydoll article / relevant Sleepwear Collection

Bra and Panty Sets

Bra and panty sets are among the most familiar lingerie styles because the upper and lower pieces are designed to coordinate.

The exact appearance can vary considerably. A set might use delicate lace, sheer mesh, embroidery or minimalist fabric, and the bra itself may be underwired, wireless, padded or unlined.

For shopping purposes, the fit and construction of the bra are generally more important than simply choosing by appearance.

Bodysuits

A lingerie bodysuit is a fitted one-piece garment covering the torso.

Unlike a teddy, which is primarily associated with lingerie, some bodysuits can also be styled as clothing depending on their fabric, coverage and construction.

Lingerie bodysuits often use lace, mesh, sheer panels or decorative details to create a more intimate appearance.

Corsets and Bustiers

Corsets and bustiers create a more structured silhouette than softer lingerie styles.

Although the two terms are sometimes used loosely in fashion, their construction can differ considerably. Some designs emphasize shaping and structure, while others mainly borrow the visual appearance of traditional corsetry.

For everyday shopping, it is better to look at the actual construction of the garment rather than assuming every corset-style piece provides the same level of support or shaping.

Bralettes

A bralette is generally a lighter, softer alternative to a more structured bra.

Many bralettes are wireless and place more emphasis on comfort, fabric and appearance than heavy structure. Lace bralettes are particularly common in lingerie collections because they can work both as everyday intimates and as part of a coordinated set.

The amount of support varies by design, so the garment's construction and size guide should always be checked individually.

Garter Lingerie

Garter styles include garter belts and lingerie designed with attached or coordinating suspender straps.

They are frequently combined with stockings and may form part of a multi-piece lingerie set.

Some designs make garter details the main visual feature, while others use them as a small decorative addition.

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Lingerie Styles by Fabric and Design

The garment shape is only one part of the picture. Many popular lingerie styles are categorized according to their material or detailing.

This is also where categories such as lace, mesh, strappy and embroidered lingerie fit.

Lace Lingerie

Lace is one of the most recognizable lingerie materials.

It can be used as an all-over fabric or as a detail on bras, panties, babydolls, bodysuits and other pieces. Different lace constructions can produce very different appearances, from delicate floral patterns to more graphic designs.

Because lace can be delicate, always follow the individual garment's care label rather than assuming every lace piece should be washed in the same way.

Internal link: Lace Lingerie Collection
Internal link: future How to Wash Lingerie article

Mesh Lingerie

Mesh lingerie uses lightweight, open or semi-transparent fabric to create a lighter visual effect.

Mesh can be used across an entire garment or placed selectively alongside opaque fabric, embroidery or lace.

Because mesh is a fabric rather than a particular garment shape, you can find mesh bras, bodysuits, babydolls and lingerie sets.

Internal link: Mesh Lingerie Collection

Sheer Lingerie

Sheer lingerie refers more broadly to pieces made with transparent or semi-transparent materials.

Mesh is one way of creating a sheer effect, but not every sheer garment uses the same fabric.

The amount of transparency can vary significantly from one design to another, so product photographs and descriptions are more useful than relying on the word “sheer” alone.

Strappy Lingerie

Strappy lingerie uses decorative straps as part of the overall design.

These straps may appear around the neckline, waist, hips or other areas of the garment. Some are functional, while others are primarily decorative.

Strappy designs can appear across many different types of women's lingerie, including sets, bodysuits and teddies.

Internal link: Strappy Lingerie Collection

Embroidered Lingerie

Embroidered lingerie uses stitched decorative patterns on fabric, mesh or other materials.

Embroidery can create more detailed motifs than plain fabric alone and is often combined with sheer sections or structured lingerie designs.

Depending on the garment, the embroidery may be subtle or become the main design element.

Internal link: Embroidered Lingerie Collection

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How to Choose Between Different Lingerie Styles

There is no single lingerie type that works for everyone.

A useful starting point is to think about four things: fit, coverage, fabric and occasion.

If you prefer a flowing silhouette, a babydoll may appeal more than a fitted teddy. If you prefer close-fitting one-piece designs, a teddy or bodysuit may be more suitable. If fabric and visual detail matter most, you might start with lace, mesh or embroidery and then choose the garment shape.

Sizing also matters. Two pieces that look similar in photographs can fit very differently depending on their construction.

That is why CALYPHIA recommends checking the individual size information for each product rather than assuming all lingerie styles fit the same way.

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Lingerie Type vs Lingerie Style: What's the Difference?

The terms are often used interchangeably.

In this guide, we use type mainly to describe the shape of the garment—for example, a babydoll, teddy or chemise.

We use style more broadly to describe its appearance, such as lace, mesh, sheer, embroidered or strappy lingerie.

That means one garment can belong to several categories at once.

A lace babydoll, for example, is a babydoll by garment type and lace lingerie by design.

Which Type of Lingerie Should You Choose?

The best choice depends less on rules and more on what you want from the garment.

Some people prioritize softness and comfort. Others prefer structured pieces, sheer fabrics or more decorative designs. Your preferred level of coverage, fit and fabric can help narrow the options quickly.

Once you understand the main types of lingerie, shopping becomes less about choosing the “correct” style and more about identifying the silhouettes and materials that suit your preferences.

Explore CALYPHIA's lingerie collections to compare different styles, fabrics and designs.

Internal link: All Lingerie Collection