While shopping for intimate apparel like lingerie, do you also get confused with the different terms used to call them? Sometimes it can even get overwhelming so you end up backing out and not buying anything at all.
If this situation sounds familiar to you, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between panties and lingerie so you know what to get for each occasion.
Answering the age-old question: What is Lingerie?
Before deep-diving into the difference between bras and panties, let’s first understand what lingerie is and when it is commonly used.
Lingerie is used to refer to women’s undergarments. It came from the Latin word “lineus”, which means “made from linen.” From that description, it’s not wrong to conclude that all women’s intimate apparel is called lingerie. But how about bras, panties, or shapewear?
The simple answer is no. Look at it this way: lingerie can be underwear but not all underwear is lingerie. Bras and panties are considered underwear because they serve a function. Meanwhile, lingerie isn’t typically used every day and is reserved for special occasions.
Read further to get a deeper understanding of this elegant and sensual underclothing.
Is lingerie just fancy underwear?
When you hear about lingerie, the first words you associate with it are probably sexiness and luxury. Women wear it to enhance their figure and to appear more attractive or sexually appealing in the bedroom. However, that wasn’t always the case.
An exhibition organized in the Museum at FIT showed the colorful evolution of lingerie throughout history. Lingeries before the 18th century were used to add an extra layer of insulation for hygiene and modesty purposes.
In the 18th century, French courtesans started noticing the appeal of undergarments to excite viewers. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that companies began to manufacture lingerie as a tool for seduction and beauty.. Then, it was in the 1980s that the concept of underwear-as-outerwear came to light.
Nowadays, lingerie has developed enough to provide options for every woman, from seductive to comfortable, classic slips and camisoles to fashion-forward corsets and panty sets.
A good point to remember when differentiating lingerie from your usual underwear is that designers take a more artistic approach with the former. They opt for silky, lacey, and drapey materials to capture that seductive, intriguing, high-fashion look as opposed to the function-centric style of underwear.
With these in mind, lingerie isn’t exactly your best undergarment choice for everyday wear. However, since lingerie designs are continuously evolving, it’s not impossible to see them in your daily routine soon.
Why should you start wearing lingerie?
Aside from making women look and feel sexy, you’d be surprised to know that wearing lingerie also has psychological benefits. Some of them are:
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Confidence boost
By wearing lingerie that fits well, you can enhance your natural figure, which improves your body image and self-esteem. When you’re confident with the way your body looks, it translates into other areas of your life.
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Feeling empowered
The simple act of choosing and wearing lingerie in your daily routine can feel empowering. For some people, it can be a form of self-expression or a way to embrace their sensuality. You can also think of it as simply celebrating your unique beauty by selecting intimate apparel that you feel great in.
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Improving intimacy and connection
Since you feel attractive and confident in lingerie, you’re more likely to feel comfortable and enjoy romantic situations. The little ego boost that wearing this undergarment provides can do wonders for your overall relationship satisfaction.
Choosing the right type of lingerie
Now that the meaning of lingerie has been clearly defined, it’s time to discover more lingo about it! Knowing the different types of lingerie can help you make informed decisions when you’re shopping on your own.
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Chemise
This type of lingerie is similar to a long, flowing nightgown that you can easily slip into. It is typically made of delicate, sheer fabrics like silk and satin and can be paired with a matching bikini or thong.
What we recommend: The Wacoal Premium Lingerie, 814322, chemise with romantic scroll lace and seamed cups floats over your body creating a perfect silhouette that makes every woman feel sexier.
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Bra/Bralette
A bra is probably your most used lingerie. It is responsible for providing support and shape to your breasts throughout the day. Bras come in various styles including push-up, sports, demi, and balconette.
What we recommend: The Push Up Bra, BTJ476, has intricate floral lace details on the cup that brings out the sexiness in you while also providing ample support to your breast.
Meanwhile, a bralette is a bra minus the underwire, so it offers less support. Although that can be a dealbreaker to others, some prefer it for its more lightweight design. Wacoal offers a wide variety of bras based on your preferences and needs.
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Babydoll
Although often likened to chemise, a babydoll is a shorter, flowing nightgown with a fitted bodice and a flowy skirt. This sleepwear design is popular for women who want to prioritize comfort without sacrificing sexiness during bedtime.
What we recommend: The Wacoal Lingerie, STJ273, is made of satin material that lets you achieve your perfect silhouette, accentuated with a unique lace design in front up to the back to bring out the sexiness in you.
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Corset
Before, corsets were mainly used to cinch the waist through grommets and ties that were pulled tight to create an hourglass shape. In recent years, women preferred more comfortable shapewear options like girdles to smoothen the appearance of the torso.
Corsets are now mostly worn for fashion with the emergence of corset-like tops and dresses. It’s also famous as lingerie because of its intricate lace patterns, satin straps, and form-fitting design.
What we recommend: The Wacoal Corset, LB7021, gives full body support and lifts the bust while trimming the waist. It even has detachable straps to firmly secure the body.
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Bustier
If you want that glamorous look with added cleavage, a bustier is the perfect choice. It is an extended bra top that covers most of the torso. It sometimes comes with attached garters that you can clip on thigh-high stockings for that extra sexiness boost.
No matter what purpose you have with wearing lingerie, it’s also important to understand your body age to find the perfect options for you. Each woman has a distinct body shape that deserves attention especially when choosing underwear. Give your unique body the intimates it deserves as it evolves.
At Wacoal, we put importance in helping you find undergarments that are comfortable to wear and will make you feel your best self as you face the world every day.
We offer a wide variety of intimate apparel that suits every style, body age, and size. Wacoal also aims to provide undergarment options for you to flaunt your unique features with.
If you have any other questions about our collection, message us via our Facebook and Instagram.
