fibers are twisted or spun together to form the yarn. Polyester/cotton is an example of a typical blended yarn or fabric. , charmeuse , A lightweight silk or silk-like fabric. , chenille , A soft fuzzy fabric developed in France. The name means caterpillar in French. , chiffon , An extremely sheer, lightweight, soft fabric made of silk, polyester, rayon or other fibers. It is made of highly twisted filament yarns. , Combed Cotton , A cotton yarn that goes through an additional "combing," process so that only the longer fibers remain. This improves the softness and strength of the yarn. , cotton , A natural fiber that grows in the seedpod of the cotton plant. Fibers are typically 1/2 inch to 2 inches long. The longest staple fibers-- longer than 1 1/2 inch, including the Pima and Egyptian varieties-- produce the highest quality cotton fabrics. , denier , A system of measuring the weight of a continuous filament fiber, this measurement is used to number all manufactured fibers (both filament and staple), and silk, but excluding glass fiber. The lower the number, the finer the fiber and lighter the fabric; the higher the number, the heavier the fiber and thicker the fabric. Numerically, a denier is the equivalent to the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of continuous filament fiber. , double knit , A knit fabric in which two layers of loops are formed that cannot be separated. A double knit machine, which has two complete sets of needles, is required for this construction. , embroidery , An embellishment of a fabric or garment in which colored threads are sewn on to the fabric to create a design. Embroidery may be done either by hand or machine. , eyelet , A type of fabric with patterned cut-out designs, around which stitching or embroidery is applied in order to prevent the fabric from raveling. , faille , A glossy, soft, finely-ribbed silk-like woven fabric made from cotton, silk, or manufactured fibers. fiberfill Specially engineered manufactured fibers, which are used as filler material. , interlock , A rib stitch variation, interlock resembles two separate 1 x 1 ribbed fabrics that are interknitted. Interlock stitch fabrics are thicker, heavier, and more stable than single knit constructions. , Jacquard , Any fabric that has a pattern woven into the fabric rather than printed on it. The name comes from Joseph Marie Jacquard who designed a loom attachment capable of weaving patterns into fabric. This attachment provides versatility in designs and permits individual control of each of the warp yarns. Thus, fabrics of almost any type or complexity can be made. Brocade and damask are types of jacquard woven fabrics. , jacquard knit , A double knit fabric in which a Jacquard type of mechanism is used. This device individually controls needles or small groups of needles, and allows very complex and highly patterned knits to be created. , lamé , A woven fabric using flat silver or gold metal threads to create either the design or the background in the fabric. , linen , A fabric made from linen fibers obtained from inside the woody stem of the flax plant. Linen fibers are much stronger and more lustrous than cotton. Linen fabrics are very cool and absorbent, but wrinkle very easily, unless blended with manufactured fibers. Linen is one of the world's oldest textile fibers. , lining , The name given to material sewn into the inside of a garment to make it more opaque or more comfortable against the skin. Frequently lining is used in a bra to add structure or provide a pretty background to sheer and/or lacy fabrics. , Lycra® , A trademark of DuPont®, Lycra® is the spandex fiber produced by DuPont. It is lightweight and soft, but stronger and more durable than rubber. Lycra can be stretched over 500% without breaking, and can be stretched repeatedly and still recover its original length. It provides lightweight freedom of movement in foundation garments. , Micro Modal , Modal® Micro is a trademarked microfiber from an Austrian textile company, Lenzing. Micro Modal is a fabric made from spun beechwood cellulose. The fabric is delicate and light. The smooth surface of Micro Modal prevents deposits of lime and detergents. Even after numerous washings, fabrics made from Micro Modal remain soft and silky, the colors bright and shiny. Micro Modal is 50% more abosorbent than cotton thus allowing the skin to breathe and provides incredible comfort. , microfiber , The name given to both ultra-fine manufactured fibers and to the technology of developing these fibers. The fabrics made from these extra-fine fibers provide a superior hand, a gentle drape, and incredible softness. Comparatively, microfibers are two times finer than silk, three times finer than cotton, eight times finer than wool, and one hundred times finer than a human hair. , nylon , First produced in 1938, nylon was the first completely synthetic fiber ever developed. Known for its high strength and excellent resilience, nylon has superior abrasion resistance and high flexibility. , Opaque , When used in the lingerie industry, opaque means the body can not be seen through the garment. , panne , A velvet-like fabric that has been flattened to achieve a desired design or look. , Peau de Soie , A heavy twill-weave drapeable satin fabric, made of silk or a manufactured fiber. , piqué , A medium-weight fabric, either knit or woven, with raised dobby designs including cords, wales, waffles, or patterns. Woven versions have cords running lengthwise, or in the warp direction. Knitted versions are double-knit fabric constructions, created on multi-feed circular knitting machines. , Polyamide , The basic fiber-forming substance for nylon fiber. It is also the European term for nylon. , polyester , This is both the name of a fabric and a fiber. A manufactured fiber introduced in the early 1950s, it is second only to cotton in worldwide use. Its ability to stretch and resist wrinkling makes it a popular fabric for lingerie. Polyester has high strength (although somewhat lower than nylon), excellent resiliency, and high abrasion resistance. Low absorbency allows the fiber to dry quickly. , rayon , A silk-like fabric made from wood pulp, cotton linters, or other vegetable matter. It is a comfortable fabric against the skin and absorbs moisture. It is not a strong fabric. , ringspun cotton , A method of spinning cotton yarn to give it strength while keeping the hand of the fabric smooth and soft. , satin , A woven type of fabric with the characteristic of being highly lustrous on one side, and matte on the other. Can be made in a variety of fibers. Typical examples of satin weave fabrics include: slipper satin, crepe-back satin, faille satin, bridal satin, moleskin, and antique satin. , scallop , A decorative border on fabric or lace made up of a series of half circles. , sheer , A term used to describe garments that are transparent and allow the body to be seen. , shirring , A decorative effect created by material being gathered into lines. , silk , A natural filament fiber produced by the silkworm in the construction of its cocoon. Most silk is collected from cultivated worms; Tussah silk, or wild silk, is a thicker, shorter fiber produced by worms in their natural habitat. Most silk comes from Asia, primarily China. , spandex , A manufactured elastomeric fiber that can be repeatedly stretched over 500% without breaking, and will still recover to its original length. , Supplex® , Supplex® nylon is made by DuPont®. It is a cottony soft nylon that offers the performance benefits of a man-made fabric with the look of cotton. It is lightweight, quick drying and durable. , Tactel® , Tactel® nylon is made by DuPont®. It is a silkier softer nylon with a crinkle finish. It is lightweight and quick drying. , tricot , This word comes from the French word "tricoter" which means to knit. Tricot is a finely knit fabric that is knit in such a way that it has no elasticity. It was developed especially for the underwear industry and can be made from nylon, wool, rayon, silk, cotton or other fibers. , Viscose , The European term for rayon. , Bali backless , bandeaus , base-layer , bike-shorts-style , body-shapers , bodysuit-underwear , bodysuits , boy-cut , bra slip , bra-top , bridal , briefs , bullet-proof , bustiers , camisoles , capri , clear straps , comfort , comfort strap , contour , control , control-top , convertible , corsets , cotton , demicup , full figure , full-coverage , garter , girdles , halter , high waist , high-cut brief , lace , leisure bra , leotard back , lightweight , lined , long leg , long line , microfiber , minimizer , molded , no-lace , no-wire , novelty , nylon , padded , padded - Light , Padded - Medium , padded brief , panties-general , pantliner , post surgery , push-up Amoena , Aubade , Aviana , Bali , Barely There , Low Cut , lycra , mastectomy , mercerized-cotton , merrywidows , mesh , microfiber , minimizer , molded , no-lace , no-wire , novelty , nursing , nylon , Oprah Favorite , padded , padded - Heavy , padded - Light , Padded - Medium , Padded - Removable , Plunge , Pockets , polyester , polyester-blend , post surgery , print , push-up , Push-up - No Padding , Push-up - Padded , racerback , rayon , ruffled , running , satin Aubade , Bali , Barely There , Body Wrap , Calvin Klein , Chantelle , Cosabella , Donna Karan , Elita , 31 39 - 41 10 - 14 C - D Leather & Latex Clothing Size Chart, Size Bras & Corsets Waist Dress Size , Small 32 26 3 - 5 , Medium 34 28 7 - 8 , Large 36 30 9 - 10 , X-Large 38 32 11 - 12 , 1X 40 34 13 - 14 , 2X 42 38 15 - 16 , 3X 44 40 18 - 20 Women's Stocking & Nylon Size Chart , Size Shoe Size Height Weight (lbs.) , A (Petite) 3 - 5 4' 11" - 5' 3" 95 - 115 , B (Average) 5 - 7 5' 3" - 5' 7" 115 - 135 , C (Tall) 7 - 10 5' 7" - 6' 0" 135 - 168 , One Size 4 - 9 5' 2" - 5' 8" 90 - 160 , 1X/2X 10 - 12 5' 0" - 5' 6" 135 - 210 , 3X/4X 12 - 14 5' 5" - 5' 11" 155 - 225 , One Size Plus 10 - 14 5' 2" -velvety fiber. , flounce A piece of material gathered and attached at one side, such as a large ruffle. , flutter A panty style with a strip of fabric around the sides that is elastic on top, but loose on the bottom. , fly A convenience opening in the front of shorts or pants. Can be closed with a zipper, buttons or velcro, or it might just be an overlapping flap. , french cut Pantyhose with sewn in decorative panty. , french net Very coarse, six sided open mesh fabric. , fringe Decorative thin strips or strings, usually hanging from the hem line. , full cups Cups which completely cradle and support the breasts as opposed to other cup styles which offer less coverage and support. , Garter An elastic leg band originally designed to hold up stockings but now just used for added sex appeal. , Garter belt A belt worn around the waist with straps, called garters, that clasp onto stockings to keep them from falling down. Usually the back of the garter is adjustable to fit different waist sizes and the garter straps can be adjusted for length. , Gartini A combination garter belt and panty. , georgette Sheer crepe woven from hard-twisted yarns/threads to produce a dull pebbly surface. , Gown A long dress usually extending to the ankles. , G-string A panty consisting of a triangular patch of fabric connected with thin, elastic straps in back and around the waist completely exposing the buttocks. , g-string back Only a thin piece of elastic is used in the back and around the waist, exposing all of the buttocks. , halter neck Garment wraps around the neck for support and, optionally, may be tied behind the neck (halter tie) or include a clasp (halter closure). , Halter top A short top held up at the neck usually exposing the shoulders and upper back. , his and hers Item includes something to wear for both the man and the woman. , hook closure Garment closes with one or more hooks. , inner cap A lining inside of a wig that prevents tangling and if adjustable, allows the wig to fit virtually any size head. , inner tie A hidden tie on the inside of a garment (usually a robe) to help keep it closed. , iridescent Fabric which appears to change color or sparkle as it moves 5' 10" 145 - 215 , Women's Plus Size Lingerie & Clothing Size Chart, , Size Bust Waist Hips Dress Size Cup Size , 1X 39 - 42 31 - 34 41 - 44 14 - 16 C , 2X 42 - 45 34 - 37 44 - 47 18 - 20 C , 3X 45 - 48 37 - 40 47 - 50 22 - 24 D , 4X 48 - 51 40 - 43 50 - 53 26 - 28 D - DD , One Size 41 - 46 32 - 38 42 - 48 14 - 24 C - D , We would love to help guide you now that you have chosen lingerie as a gift for that special person in your life. We all love the feel of luxurious silk lingerie and we are here to help you find just the right item for her (and you)! Please take a quick look at our Helpful Hints below. Know Her Sizes Refer to our Size Charts for full details If you aren't sure, ask her. You don't need to tell her what it is for, just let her know it's a surprise that she is going to love it. Leave her intrigued - tease her! Ask her close friend or mother who can snoop without arousing suspicion -they'll enjoy keeping the secret. Investigate - its rather fun - there is a little detective in all of us! Peek in the wardrobe and through her lingerie drawer. Find her most comfortable everyday bra(s) and look in the back for the size. What colors does she prefer, pastels, rich fashion colors or sleek black? Color - Generally, white bras are worn to work, black bras in the evening and skin tone under fitted or see-through tops as it's the most invisible color. Fashion colors are normally chosen for special occasions or just for fun! Has she recently given birth? Allow more room! Remember Who's Going To Wear It Size and comfort will be important factors if you want her to wear it again and again! Don't choose something too revealing. Tasteful coverage will leave something to the imagination. Remember most women are conscious of their bodies. Happy Shopping! Back to Top Below is a Lingerie Glossary Body Suits - A one piece form fitting garment which combines the panties and the top. It can be worn with a skirt or slacks as well as in the bedroom all by itself. It comes in sizes small, medium or large. Bustier - A bra that extends to the waist. It often has detachable garters and sometimes has no shoulder straps. It's purpose is to provide bust support (sexy) and shape to the waist (sexy). Sizes are based on the women's bra size. Camisole - A dainty and it covers the area from the bust to the hip/waist Area. It can be worn under see-through blouses or in place of a blouse. A camisole is a great gift since there is no sizing difficulty associated with it since it can be worn in many different ways. (tight, loose etc.) Chemise - A gown used as night/bed wear. It extends down to a woman's thigh in length. Panties and a robe are common matching items that are found with a chemise. It comes in small, medium or large and is a great gift. Gown - Is like a chemise but varies in length from thigh, to ankle length. Variations do exist in the owners expectations of how they want to please themselves along with their loved one. Gowns may be worn as Lounge wear or for the bedroom. Full length gowns can be too long for very short women so it should be remembered when ordering small, medium or large. Baby Dolls - A short night gown with matching panties. Negligee - A light sheer robe. Teddy - A one piece item that combines a camisole and panties. There is two main variations of Teddies found: Teddiette - A teddy with detachable garters. Sleep Teddy - A loose fitting Teddy patent bra/g-string, One Size, $39.95 , , 2 pce bra/pant, One Size, $11.95 , , patent bra/g-string, One Size, $16.95 , , adjustable bra, B-D Cups, $18.95 , , lace underwire demi-bra, A-D Cups, $21.95 , , stretch lace shelf bra, A-D Cups, $33.95 , chopper bar shelf bra, A-C Cups, $28.95 , , open top bra, B-C, $24.95 , , low back/boned/strapless bra, A-C Cups, $45.95 , , "get-real" bra, A-C Cups, $39.95 , , 3/4 push up pad, A-B-C-D.,include padding, wider shoulder straps and triple hook and eye