Types of Lingerie: Every Style Explained for Men, Crossdressers and Femboys

The main types of lingerie are babydolls, chemises and slips, teddies and bodysuits, bra and panty sets or bralettes, garter belts, suspender tights, stockings and sheer or fishnet dresses. They differ mainly in how much of the body they cover and how they hang: loose and flowing from the bust (babydoll), straight to the hips (chemise), or close-fitting in one piece (bodysuit). For a male frame, the best first piece is usually one that is forgiving at the shoulders and torso, such as a chemise or stretch bodysuit.

If you have ever scrolled a lingerie shop and wondered what separates a babydoll from a chemise, or why one piece is called a teddy and another a bodysuit, this guide is for you. We go through the different types of lingerie one by one, with honest fit notes for broader shoulders, longer torsos and narrower hips.

A quick overview of lingerie names

Lingerie names can feel like a secret language, but most styles fall into four simple families:

• Nightwear styles that hang loosely: babydolls, chemises, slips and nightdresses.
• One-piece styles that fit close: teddies and bodysuits.
• Two-piece styles: bra and panty sets, bralettes and cami tops.
• Legwear and the pieces that hold it up: garter belts, suspender tights and stockings.

On top of that come sheer and fishnet dresses, which sit somewhere between lingerie and going-out wear. Our men’s lingerie collection covers all of these types of lingerie, but it helps to know what each style actually does first.

Babydoll vs chemise vs slip

Babydoll

A babydoll is a short nightie with a fitted bust and a loose, flared skirt that starts just under the chest. It usually ends at the upper thigh. Because the skirt floats away from the body, a babydoll hides the waist and hips completely, which makes it very forgiving if you have a straighter figure.

Fit tip: the bust band is the only part that really has to fit. Look for adjustable straps and stretch lace, like this lace bust babydoll with a sheer skirt.

Chemise

A chemise is a slightly longer, straighter piece that falls from the bust to the hips or mid-thigh without a big flare. It follows the body more closely than a babydoll. On a male frame a chemise gives a clean, long line and suits longer torsos well.

Fit tip: check the hip measurement, because a chemise has less room there than a babydoll.

Slip and nightdress

A slip or slip nightdress is a simple dress with thin straps, often in satin, cut on a straight or bias line. It is longer than a chemise and feels more like sleepwear or a light dress. Satin slips are a gentle first step if you want something elegant rather than sheer. You will find all three in our babydolls and chemises category.

Teddy vs bodysuit

A teddy and a bodysuit are both one-piece garments that cover the torso and close between the legs, but they are not quite the same thing.

• A teddy is looser and lighter, closer to a camisole joined to shorts or panties. It is mainly worn as lingerie or sleepwear.
• A bodysuit is close-fitting and usually stretchy. It can be worn as lingerie, but also under a skirt or with jeans as a top.

For a male frame, torso length matters most. A bodysuit that is too short will pull at the shoulders and crotch. Choose stretch lace or mesh, and halter necklines, which put less strain on broad shoulders. A good example is this pink lace halter bodysuit with a satin bow. See all options in bodysuits and teddies.

Bra and panty sets, bralettes and cami tops

A matching bra and panty set is the classic two-piece lingerie look. A bralette is a soft bra without underwire or padding, usually made of lace, which makes it much easier to wear on a flat chest. A cami crop top goes one step further and works almost like a short top.

Fit tip: bralettes and cami tops are the friendliest choice here, because they do not need a cup shape to fill. Measure under your chest for the band size and look for stretch. Browse bras, tops and lingerie sets.

Garter belts and suspender tights

Garter belt

A garter belt (also called a suspender belt) sits around the waist or hips and has straps that clip onto stockings to hold them up. Some are designed as a short skirt with straps underneath. Our garter belts and suspender skirts include both. For more detail, read our guide to the garter belt for men.

Fit tip: wear the belt at your natural waist or just below, and adjust the strap length to your leg length so the stockings do not slip.

Suspender (garter) tights

Suspender tights look like a garter belt and stockings, but everything is one piece. There are no clips to fasten and nothing to slide down, which makes them ideal for beginners. Try these sheer glossy garter tights with a lace waist belt, or see all garter tights and suspender pantyhose.

Stockings

Stockings are separate leg pieces that end at the thigh. They are either held up by a garter belt or by a silicone band at the top (thigh highs). Stockings are not the same as tights or pantyhose, which cover the hips as well. If that difference is unclear, our article on stockings vs tights vs pantyhose explains it.

Fit tip: longer legs and larger thighs need a stretchy top band. Check the length before ordering. You can browse thigh high socks and stockings.

Fishnet and sheer dresses, and body-stockings

Fishnet and sheer dresses are stretchy mini dresses made of net or mesh. They are often worn over a bodysuit or set, or on their own for a party look. Because they stretch in every direction, they adapt well to a male frame. Find them under fishnet and sheer dresses.

A body-stocking is a one-piece net or sheer garment that covers the torso and legs, sometimes the arms too. It is a well-known lingerie style, but we do not stock it, so if you want the same effect, a fishnet dress with garter tights comes close.

Comparison table: types of lingerie at a glance

How to choose your first piece of lingerie

If you are new to all these kinds of lingerie, start with comfort, not with the most dramatic piece:

• Choose a forgiving shape: a chemise, satin slip or stretch bodysuit.
• Measure chest, waist, hips and torso length before you order.
• Remember that our sizes are Asian sizing, usually one size smaller than EU sizes, so check the size guide on each product.
• Add one accessory later, such as suspender tights, once you know what you like.

Our shop ships from Bulgaria with free shipping across Europe. Orders take about 3 days to process and 4 to 10 days to arrive, and you can return items within 14 days at your own cost.