Handy Dictionary & Fashion Glossary for Lingerie and Apparel...
Small to Plus Size, Leather to Lace, Conservative to Sizzling.

Fashion Terms Defined -  A-B

(Click on pictures to see a larger, full-size image)

American Back

This refers to the amount of "rear" coverage offered by the swimsuit bottom, teddy, panty, etc.   An American bottom has a coverage area more than a Brazil bottom, but less than a Full bottom.

Animal Print

Fabric that has a printed pattern similar to the fur pattern of some familiar wild animals.   Common Animal Prints are Tiger, Leopard, Zebra and Cheetah.

Baby Doll

The essence of sexy innocence, this short mini gown usually has a hem that terminates just below the hip.   Most of the time, Baby Dolls come with matching panties, making a complete outfit.   A Baby Doll is longer than a crop top, but shorter than a chemise.

Bellbottoms

This 1970's retro style is back this season in the form of some very sexy pants.   Bellbottom pants are trousers flared or "belled out" at the ankles...styled after the traditional sailor's trousers.     Wear these and even Austin Powers will be under your spell...yah, baby!

Bike Shorts

Similar to boxer shorts but instead of being loose fitting, Bike Shorts (sometimes called Boxer Briefs) are close fitting.    Women voted this as their favorite men's underwear.

Bikini Panty

Bikinis give full coverage in the front and the back.   The sides are often cut high on the hip.

Bodystocking

Close-fitting body covering that is usually sheer or sheer with pattern.   Bodystockings usually cover feet, legs and torso.

Bodysuit

This is a garment that hugs the torso, it does not extend to the legs like the Cat Suit.   The Bodysuit can be either long sleeve, short sleeve or no sleeve.   The neckline can be high cut or plunging.   To put on a Bodysuit, you step into it like a one piece swimsuit, unzipping or unhooking the back and/or crotch.   Bodysuits made of very stretchy fabric often do not have the usual snap closure at the crotch.    The main benefit of a Bodysuit is that it will not blouse or pull out of the waistband of your skirt or pants, it remains form fitting but with freedom of movement.    Try wearing your Bodysuit with a jacket or suit.

Bolero Top

This is a long sleeve Crop Top with tassels sewn under the bustline and around the cuffs.   Inspired by the short jackets Spanish bullfighters wear.

Boning

Used to give a garment (usually a Bustier or Corset) support and body contouring.   Once actually constructed of bone, today's Boning is usually plastic strips slipped into sheaths sewn into the garment (see black vertical lines of fabric sewn into blue corset in picture).  

Boxer Briefs

Similar to boxer shorts but instead of being loose fitting, Boxer Briefs (Sometimes called Biker Shorts) are close fitting.    Women voted this as their favorite men's underwear.

Boxer Shorts

Loose fitting men's underwear.   Named after shorts worn by competitors in boxing matches.

Brazil Back

This refers to the amount of "rear" coverage offered by the swimsuit bottom, teddy, panty, etc.   A Brazil back has a coverage area more than a Thong bottom, but less than an American bottom.    (Some Brazil Backs are even less coverage than the picture on the right.)

Burn-out

Fabric with an alternating solid and sheer design, often in a vertical stripe format (like picture to the right) but sometimes in a pattern design like a floral or animal print.

Bustier

A Bustier (pronounced boo-stree-AY) is a bra with fitted sides that extend down to the waist.   Partially thanks to the singer Madonna, this sophisticated and seductive garment has realized a renued popularity in th '90's.   It is designed to shape and enhance the bust line, thus the French name Bustier.   Bustiers usually come with Garters (sometimes detachable) and matching Panties.   Add Stockings, long Gloves and a pair of high heels and he will be under your spell.

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