Lingerie

A lingerie set is any matched pair or trio meant to be worn together, usually a bra with a matching panty and sometimes a garter or a robe. Buying as a set is the shortcut, because matching separates across different brands is where most people give up.

What decides whether a piece gets worn twice is not the style, it is the fit at the band and the straps. Almost everything else can be adjusted or styled around.

Fit varies by brand far more than it does in regular clothing, and more than the size label suggests. Check the measurements on the individual product rather than buying to your usual size, and expect anything strappy or caged to need adjusting the first time out of the bag.

The collection is deep, so it splits into shapes you can shop directly:

• Bra and panty sets: matched pieces, already designed to go together. The easiest place to start and the thing that actually gets worn.
• Teddies: one piece, no matching required. Lace, mesh and sheer cuts.
• Babydolls and chemises: loose and flowing rather than fitted. The most forgiving thing here on sizing.
• Bodystockings: sheer from shoulder to toe, patterned or plain, often crotchless.
• Corsets and bustiers: structured and boned. No stretch, so size carefully.
• Bondage lingerie: strapping, cage bras and harness sets. Lingerie built on kink hardware.
• Plus size lingerie: cut for extended sizes rather than graded up from a small.

Separates and finishing pieces sit in panties, stockings, legwear, garter belts and robes. For pieces that also work at a festival, see rave and dancewear.