Lingerie is a category of primarily womens clothing that includes undergarments, sleepwear, and lightweight robes. The term "lingerie" is taken directly from the French language, meaning undergarments, and used exclusively for more lightweight items of female undergarments. Lingerie is made of lightweight, stretchy, smooth, sheer, or decorative fabrics such as silk, satin, Lycra, charmeuse, chiffon, or lace. The choice of the word "lingerie" is often motivated by an intention to imply that the garments are alluring, fashionable, or both.
There are different types of lingerie, including bikini underwear, bodysuits, bras, bralettes, bustiers, camisoles, chemises/babydolls, corsets, garter or suspender belts, hipsters, robes, rompers, and thongs. Lingerie can be worn for special occasions or everyday wear, depending on the design and function.
While lingerie is primarily designed for women, some manufacturers now design lingerie for men. The design of lingerie enhances its allure, strategically revealing, concealing, and highlighting the wearers form. The concept of lingerie as a visually appealing undergarment was developed during the late nineteenth century, with Lady Duff-Gordon of Lucile being a pioneer in developing lingerie that freed women from more restrictive corsets.
In summary, lingerie is a category of primarily womens clothing that includes undergarments, sleepwear, and lightweight robes. It is made of lightweight, stretchy, smooth, sheer, or decorative fabrics and is designed to be alluring and fashionable. There are different types of lingerie, and it can be worn for special occasions or everyday wear, depending on the design and function.
