Frequently Asked Questions

“I’m not a lingerie expert – what does this word mean?”

Have a look at our helpful Glossary below, which explains some of the terms used to describe different types of lingerie.

“How do I know whether this item will fit me?”

Don’t worry, our no-quibble returns policy lets you try on your purchases at home and return them to us if you’re anything other than delighted! We stock a range of sizes and styles to suit your figure.

“Help! I have a question that isn’t answered here.”

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Glossary

Balconette:
A bra with minimal coverage over the upper part of the breast, ideal for wearing with low-cut or square necklines.
Basque:
A type of longline bra, basques resemble corsets but are less rigid in structure.
Boning:
Strips of plastic, whalebone or steel sewn into the vertical seams of some lingerie (typically bras or corsetry) to help shape the figure.
Boy shorts:
Low-waisted knickers with legs cut to sit straight across the upper thigh, thus avoiding “visible panty lines”.
Busk:
The rigid boning at the centre front of a corset, often made of steel with closure hooks and eyes attached.
Bustier:
A cross between a bra and a vest. Unlike corsets and basques, bustiers are typically unboned and often have shoulder straps.
Camisole:
A fitted, slim-strapped vest made from lingerie fabrics.
Chemise:
A loose-fitting, slim-strapped shift dress made from lingerie fabrics.
Corselette:
A cross between a longline bra and a girdle, shaping the figure from bust to upper thigh.
Corset:
A boned, rigidly structured hip length garment that typically has both hooks and lace-up closures. Corsets are usually strapless, may cover the breasts or stop just below the bust, and can reduce the waist by several inches if laced tightly.
French knickers/Cami knickers:
Loose-fitting shorts made from lingerie fabrics; often worn with a matching camisole.
“Fully fashioned” stockings:
Vintage style stockings made from non-stretch fabric, featuring a seam at the back with a finishing loop at the top.
Garter:
An elasticised ring of ribbon or lace worn around the upper thigh, these were originally used to hold stockings in place but are now purely decorative items.
Girdle:
A bodyshaping garment with elastic, boning, or both, extending from the waist to the upper thigh like a tight miniskirt.
“Hold Up” stockings:
Normal stockings require suspenders to keep them in place, but “hold ups” have a band around the top that prevents them slipping down.
Multiway/convertible bra:
A bra with detachable straps that can be worn in several different configurations, for example strapless, crossover back, halterneck or with a strap on only one shoulder.
Suspender belt/Garter belt:
A belt worn around the waist and/or hips, with suspenders attached to the lower edge. Different styles have a different number of suspenders, from four strap to 12 strap or more!
Suspenders:
Slender straps or ribbons that clip on to the top of stockings to prevent them slipping down the leg. Suspenders can be detachable or fixed, and are found on many items of lingerie and shapewear. Metal clasps are the classic design, while some modern suspenders have plastic or rubber clasps.
Waist cincher/Waspie:
Resembling a very wide belt or a short underbust corset, cinchers are boned and can be laced tightly to reduce the waist.