Shopping for your lingerie is fun — if you know what you’re looking for.

It’s personal, after all. Whether you prefer an ultra-feminine and lacy chemise or lean towards racier, leather-look lingerie, it’s all about you.

So it certainly helps if you know exactly which style best suits your taste, preference, and body type.

Can you distinguish a corset from a bustier? Do you know the difference between panties from boy shorts? How about a camisole versus a chemise?

Don’t worry, our research shows you’re in good company! But we’re more than happy to help you learn your lingerie in this post. Check out our guide below:

1. Panties

Let’s start with the basics – panties.

Panties can run the gamut of styles – from sensible, cotton basics, to delicate, sexy pairs. Cuts can also vary, with the bikini being considered a classic. It features a regular rise that’s not too low, with ample coverage in the back, and shows enough leg to be comfortable.

Some of the more common cuts include the boy shorts, which feature longer leg cuts and typically rest at the hip; and thongs, which definitely raise the bar of sexy with their high leg and barely any coverage at the back.

Cuts, styles, and fabric for panties are often mixed and matched to create the right type of your lingerie that you need.

For example, boy shorts in cotton are usually the go-to choice for women who want to relax and unwind. But they can definitely take the fancy, flirty route as well, like this high-waisted, lacy number.

The high waist, ribbon tie and keyhole cut-out are both feminine and attention-demanding.

Thongs in a seamless fabric are preferred by those who want no-show underwear; while barely-there, lacy styles are the top choice when they’re going for something flirty and fun.

2. Camisoles

Camisoles are delicate pieces of your lingerie with thin straps, typically made from materials like silk, satin, or soft cotton, sometimes embellished with lace or velvet.

While camisoles offer full torso coverage, they tend to be cut low, with a looser, comfortable fit, which makes them perfect for a wide range of body types.

While normally worn as undergarments, camisoles are now definitely enjoying a fashion moment with women choosing to wear them under jackets and blazers as a fashion statement. This is a testament to how versatile this particular piece of lingerie can be.

My top pick is this two-piece lace and satin camisole set that’s equal parts casual and sexy.

3. Bodysuit

A bodysuit is a bra and panty combo in one. Think of a one-piece swimsuit made from more delicate materials.

While it typically offers more coverage than the traditional bra and panty set, it does tend to hug the body more and use materials like sheer lace as accents. Given this, most women tend to choose the bodysuit for date nights and do so with the intent to dress to impress.

Try this effortlessly chic full-cupped bra with lace cutouts with a semi-sheer bodice, or this leather-trimmed lace bodysuit with a deep-v. This is a definitely must-add to your lingerie collections…

4. Bra

Like panties, the bra is a lingerie staple available in a variety of styles. There’s no doubt that everyone knows exactly what a bra is, but the sheer number of fabrics, cuts, and styles available can make choosing one a little overwhelming.

Bras can come in triangle cups, which give minimal support but are often chosen for being cute and casual. The push-up is meant to emphasize your cleavage using underwire or padding. Demi-cups or balconettes, which are half cups that provide great support but show a little more (or a lot more) decolletage!

Demi-cups or balconettes, which are half cups that provide great support but show a little more (or a lot more) decolletage!

as well as the more traditional styles and strapless cuts.

5. Bralettes

While technically the same as a bra, a bralette gets its own category because bralettes are made without the traditional bra’s structural elements such as underwires, cup support or clasps. Bralettes are usually worn by slipping them over your head like a sweater. Bralettes also offer less support, which can be a deal-breaker for some but a preferred feature for others. It really depends on how well the style fits you.

This gorgeous matching lace bralette set features delicate lace detail and comes in both sultry black and dainty white.

6. Bustier

Among all your lingerie styles, bustiers are best known for their ability to accentuate your cleavage. Built to be an extended bra top that covers almost your entire torso, bustiers gently cinch at the waist and help push your cleavage up, which definitely pumps up the sex appeal.

This black lace three-piece bustier set features a wired, full cup bustier with built-in boning and a matching panty and garter set. This is an absolutely must-add to your lingerie closet…

7. Chemise

A chemise or a slip is a short shift dress that was historically worn as undergarments. Today, they’re worn under dresses or over matching bras and panties. It’s also typically made using thin, delicate fabrics that hang straight from the shoulders and is worn by dropping it over the head.

Available in various combinations of styles and fabrics, our favourites include this satin and lace-trimmed cotton sleep chemise; or this ultra-dainty fusion of lace and satin cotton…

8. Corsets

Often confused with bustiers, corsets were historically designed as shapewear meant to visibly cinch the waist using a system of grommets and ties that are adjusted to squeeze the midsection.

Modern corsets are now rarely used for slimming, and instead are worn to make a sexy fashion statement and amp up the flirty fun.

Traditional structural details, such as the grommets and straps, are often still featured in corsets, although mostly for design and aesthetics instead of function. Usual features such as lace and attached garters are also added as accents. Why not add these stunning corsets to your lingerie wardrobe… Try this Enchanting satin corset…

9. Garter Belts

Garter belts or suspender belts are meant to hold up thigh-high stockings using clips.

Historically, garter belts were necessary to hold stockings up and keep them in place. But as fabric technology evolved and improved through the years, this was a piece of lingerie that again transformed to become more for aesthetics and style than function.

Today, garter belts are worn with a matching bra and pantry, and are meant to make the traditional matching set into something incredibly sultry. Try to add this faux leather teddy set to your lingerie closet, this comes with an accent collar and garters for a playful evening. Or for a daintier option, this chiffon number with a suspender belt is available in a soft, blush shade.

10. Robes

Your lingerie robes function much in the same way as your traditional dressing gown. However, instead of the usual cotton, flannel, or terry cloth, your lingerie robes use more luxurious fabrics such as silk, satin, lace, chiffon, or a combination of these.

For options, check out this gorgeous Satin kimono robe with fur edging or channel old Hollywood glam with this Sheer, floor-length robe with luxurious marabou edging. This will certainly fit your lingerie pieces from your wardrobe…

11. Romper

A romper is essentially a one-piece with attached boy shorts. Aesthetically, it looks more casual and playful. But in the lingerie world, the same cut is recreated using delicate fabrics like mesh, lace, or tulle with luxurious accents.

In terms of fit, your lingerie rompers tend to hug the body more, even if it does offer a bit more coverage.

12. Bodystockings

A bodystocking is a one-piece, skintight lingerie piece that covers your torso, the full length of your legs, and sometimes your arms. It’s usually made from stretchy, sheer fabrics used in hosiery such as stockings or pantyhose.

Check out this gorgeous bodystocking with delicate prints featuring three-quarter sleeves; or if you want something a little racier, try this fishnet style.

Which lingerie styles are at the top of your wish list? Be sure to check out your options over at My Secret Drawer.