Don’t know your bustier from your babydoll then check out the  Plums Lingerie Gents’ Glossary.

Bras From brassiere comes the slang term for a supportive breast covering that ‘holds ‘em up’.  Bras have become a favourite undergarment for women to wear every day.  Here are several bra styles:

Balcony/Balconette: A bra with a less coverage that lifts the breasts up and out, such as a shelf.

Plunge: A plunge bra brings the breasts together for a deep cleavage effect. Often plunge bras are padded to give a little extra oomph.

Padded: If her boobs are smaller, then a padded bra will add support and cup size for a fuller appearance.

Push-up: Provide lift.  As the name suggests, this bra pushes the breasts up and out for a curvy look.

Full Cup: Big breasted women need a full cup to support those big guns.  The straps are usually wider and the bra features more hooks in the back.

Briefs: Basically, this is underwear. Here are several styles:

Bikini Briefs: These are conservative and cover up more of the front and backside.  To make them more exciting, find bikini briefs with lace, satin or bright prints.

G-String: This scandalous piece of cloth is just a string that barely covers up the front and has no more than a string in the back. Rarely the safest choice when gift buying.

Thong: Like the G-String, except it has a slightly wider stretch of cloth around the side and the back.

Shorts: Often called boy shorts, these little briefs sit low below her waist and look like mini men’s underwear, except sexier.

Basque: The French started this one. These are a combination between a bra and a corset, underwired to support the bust and boned down the torso. At the bottom there are attachments for stockings. IF you do buy one don’t forget to include a pair of stockings.

Bustier: Form-fitting like a basque, but shorter and without attachments for stockings.

Nightgowns: Come in a variety on styles and lengths.

Chemise: Quite simply, this is a one-piece ladies undergarment, often called a slip.

Babydoll: A short nightgown that is loose from under the bust and either has soft or underwire cups for the bust.

Negligee: A nightgown, which is a loose-fitting dress meant to be worn in the bedroom or generally prancing around like Rita Hayworth or some other Hollywood icon.

Gown: A full length nightgown usually more structured than a negligee. Available in everything from see-through to slinky.

Robe: Meant to be worn as a cover up over lingerie or nothing at all!

Dressing gown: This is generally a modest robe or longer gown meant to cover up with. All too frequently seen in towelling, please note anything in towelling can not be regarded as an appropriate gift for your gorgeous beloved.

If you need any more hints and tips just ask Miss Kitty.