Lingerie, Shapewear, Swimwear & Clothing Glossary
This glossary explains some of the features of our lingerie, shapewear, swimwear and clothing collection.
Backs
Camisole-style
a rectangular shaped back.
Deeper
a lower style back.
Full
fully covers the back.
Leotard
a rounded back which tapers in lower down the back.
Racer
the straps of the bra join at the centre of the back.
Scoop
a deep, rounded back.
Stretch
allows freedom of movement and gives a comfortable fit.
V-back
straps meet in a v shape at the back.
Boning
Boning
This is usually incorporated into the vertical seam line of a bra in order to give support and structure. The bones are made of steel or plastic.
Clothing terms
Yoke
a section of fabric that enhances the fit over the shoulders.
Cotton gusset
a piece of cotton material used to strengthen or enlarge a garment.
Cups
Double-ply cotton undercups
the bottom section of the cup is double thickness to improve comfort and support.
Drop-cup
the cup unclasps, also known as a nursing cup.
Foam sling
a foam side piece which gives better shape.
Moulded
made from one piece of fabric.
Powernet lined
provides firmer control.
Sections
cups can be divided into two, three or four sections or may be non-sectioned with a dart. The more sections there are, the better the shape of the bust and the greater the support.
Fabrics
Anti-bacterial treatment
contains silver fibres which enhance the fabric with anti-odour and anti-bacterial properties.
Chlorine resistant
fabric is more likely to retain its colour when exposed to chlorine.
Cooling properties
transports sweat away from the body, dries fast and allows the skin to breathe.
Denier
a unit of weight used to measure how fine the yarn is that is used to make hosiery items. The lower the number, the finer the material.
Powernetting
provides firmer control.
Rouching
fabric is gathered in.
Stretch cotton
cotton fabric that contains lycra, offers support.
Stretch lace
lace fabric that contains lycra, offers support.
Thin crepe
a light soft fabric with a crinkled surface.
Necklines
Elasticated
holds the bra securely to the chest.
Heart-shaped
the neckline is cut into two semi-circular curves and so resembles a heart.
Round
semi-circular in shape.
V-neckline
neckline forms a v shape.
Other bra elements
Centre gore
connects the cups of a bra at the centre front.
Deep underband
a wider band under the cups which ensures good support, prevents the bra riding up.
Deeper wings
deeper side panels that help with comfort and provide a smooth outline.
Plush wire casing
gives support and improved comfort.
Powernet wings
provide firmer control.
Side panel
the side section of a bra in front of the arm. Gives improved shape.
Side sling
lends support and shape to the bra. Located inside the bra, in front of the arms.
Stretch sides
ensures optimum fit and comfort.
Underbust band
the band that runs horizontally around the bottom of a bra.
Straps
Adjustable
can be tightened or loosened as necessary.
Camisole
the straps are an extension of the cup which gives a smooth shoulder line.
Clear
made of thermo-plastic polyutherane.
Comfort
these straps are usually wider than normal, in order to more evenly distribute the weight of the breasts and therefore prevent shoulder pain.
Cushioned
give extra comfort on the shoulders.
Front-adjusting
straps which adjust from the front, difficult to find but we do have some bra styles with this type of adjuster.
Nickel free adjusters
for women with nickel allergies.
Padded
prevent the shoulders becoming sore.
Reduced stretch
offer more support.
Relief
ease strain on the shoulders.
Spaghetti
very thin straps.
Stay in place straps
straps are close to the neck to prevent them slipping, good for women with narrow shoulders.
Wide
wider straps that give better comfort around the shoulders as the weight of the breasts is more evenly distributed.
Woven
these straps will not stretch, however, some woven straps do contain a small amount of elastic for ease of wearing.
Support / control
Control
control garments create a slimmer look.
Control panel
provides support in a certain area, to flatten the tummy for example.
Petticoat support
light, concealed bust support in a swimsuit.
Support
can be light, medium or firm.
Swimsuit terms
Full corsage
a diagonal band of material down the front of the swimsuit.
Half corsage
a diagonal band of material just across the lower half of the swimsuit.
If you would like any help and advice about any of our lingerie, shapewear, swimwear & clothing collections then please give us a call on 01439 798388 or email Sally@amplebosom.com.