Lingerie isn't one thing. It's a whole language — and once you know the words, choosing the right piece (for yourself or as a gift for her) gets a lot easier. Whether you're buying your first set, planning a honeymoon surprise, or simply curious about the difference between a teddy and a chemise, this guide walks you through every major type of lingerie, what makes each one special, and who it tends to suit best.
At Sinderella, we've shipped over 2 lakh orders across India — discreetly, in plain packaging, with free shipping over ₹999 and cash on delivery available nationwide. Along the way we've learned exactly which styles people reach for, and why. Here's the full map.
A quick word before we begin
There's no "right" or "wrong" lingerie — only what makes you (or her) feel confident. Some pieces are built for everyday comfort, some for a special night, and some purely to celebrate the body. Sizes at Sinderella run from petite right through to plus size, and prices start as low as ₹349, so there's genuinely something for every body and every budget. Now, let's meet the family.
1. Bra & Panty Sets
The classic. A matching bra and panty set is where most lingerie journeys begin — and for good reason. It's versatile, flattering, and instantly makes an ordinary day feel a little more intentional. Sets range from soft everyday cotton and lace to more dramatic styles with garter belts, bustier tops, and sheer detailing for a special evening.
A coordinated set is also the safest, most-loved gift choice if you're shopping for your wife or girlfriend — it feels considered without being overwhelming. If you know her size, you almost can't go wrong. (Not sure of her measurements? Our lingerie size guide for India makes it simple.)
Best for: first-time buyers, everyday confidence, gifting.
Shop the style: Bra, Bustier & Garter Sets.
2. Babydoll
A babydoll is a short, flowy nightdress that floats from the bust and usually ends at the upper thigh, often paired with a matching thong or panty. The loose cut skims over the tummy and hips, which is why it's such a universally flattering, comfortable choice — it celebrates the figure without clinging to it.
Babydolls strike that perfect balance: playful and romantic, but never over the top. They're a beautiful "I want tonight to feel special" piece, and a brilliant gift for someone who's a little shy about lingerie, because they're as comfortable as they are pretty.
Best for: romantic nights in, gifting to someone new to lingerie, all body types.
Shop the style: Babydolls, Chemises & Slips.
3. Chemise & Slip
A chemise (and its close cousin, the slip) is a sleek, single-piece slip dress that drapes loosely from the shoulders down to mid-thigh or knee. Where a babydoll is flouncy and flirty, a chemise is smooth, elegant, and a touch more grown-up — think satin, silk, or fine lace falling in a clean line.
It's the piece that works equally well as something special to slip into or simply as gorgeous nightwear you'll actually want to wear to bed. Quietly luxurious, effortlessly elegant.
Best for: elegant nightwear, satin lovers, an understated special-occasion look.
Shop the style: Babydolls, Chemises & Slips.
4. Teddy & Bodysuit
A teddy is a one-piece that combines a top and panty into a single sleek silhouette — like a swimsuit, but designed to seduce. A bodysuit follows the same idea with a more structured, fitted feel. Both hug the curves and elongate the figure, making them a favourite for anyone who wants a put-together, confident look in one easy step.
Teddies and bodysuits come in everything from delicate lace to bold strappy and sheer designs. There's nothing to coordinate and nothing to slip — just step in and feel incredible. Love the lace look? See our guide to lace lingerie styles and care.
Best for: a confident one-and-done look, lovers of strappy/lace detailing.
Shop the style: explore our full intimate lingerie range.
5. Bodystocking
A bodystocking is a sheer, head-to-toe (or shoulder-to-thigh) piece knitted in fine net, lace, or mesh that hugs the entire body like a second skin. It's one of the most striking styles in lingerie — dramatic, daring, and surprisingly comfortable, because the stretchy fabric moulds to any shape.
Most bodystockings are free-size and one-piece, which makes them refreshingly easy to buy and to gift — no fiddly sizing, just slip in. They're an underrated gem in India: real demand, but few brands do them well. We do. New to them? Read how to wear and style a bodystocking.
Best for: making a statement, free-size convenience, the adventurous.
Shop the style: Body Stockings & Tights.
6. Corset & Bustier
A corset is the showpiece of the lingerie world — a structured, laced bodice that cinches the waist and lifts everything beautifully, creating that timeless hourglass shape. A bustier is its softer, shorter sister: the same flattering, supportive structure, usually ending at the waist and often sold as part of a set.
Both deliver instant drama and serious confidence. A corset says "tonight is an occasion," and the sculpted shape it creates flatters every figure. Pair it with a skirt or stockings to complete the look.
Best for: waist definition, occasion dressing, lovers of bold, structured pieces.
Shop the style: Bra, Bustier & Garter Sets.
7. Bridal & Honeymoon Lingerie
Some nights deserve something unforgettable, and the wedding night tops the list. Bridal and honeymoon lingerie leans into soft whites, ivories, blush tones, delicate lace, and romantic detailing — pieces designed to make a new bride feel radiant and adored.
This is also a thoughtful, much-loved gift for a partner ahead of the big day or the honeymoon. From dreamy babydolls to elegant sets and first-night specials, it's about marking a milestone with something beautiful. (In India, this is also where you'll find suhaag raat and first-night styles, designed exactly for the occasion.) For the full checklist, see our complete guide to bridal lingerie in India and our first-night lingerie checklist for brides.
Best for: brides, honeymoons, milestone gifting.
Shop the style: Bridal & Honeymoon Lingerie and our First Night styles.
8. Roleplay & Costume Lingerie
For couples who like to bring a little fun and fantasy into the bedroom, roleplay and costume lingerie turns an evening into a playful adventure. Think themed outfits and character-inspired sets that swap the everyday for the imaginative — a light-hearted way to keep things exciting and spark a few laughs along the way.
It's confident, cheeky, and entirely about enjoying each other. If you want to surprise your partner with something memorable and a bit daring, this is the category to explore. Brand new to it? Our beginner's guide to roleplay lingerie for couples is the perfect starting point.
Best for: couples wanting playful variety, special-occasion fun.
Shop the style: First Night & Roleplay Lingerie.
How to choose the right type of lingerie
Still deciding? A few simple pointers:
- Buying your first piece? Start with a bra & panty set or a babydoll — comfortable, flattering, and easy to love.
- Shopping as a gift? Sets and babydolls are the safest crowd-pleasers; if you know her size, you're golden. Free-size bodystockings are a smart pick when you're unsure of sizing.
- Want elegance over flash? A chemise or satin slip is quietly luxurious.
- Celebrating an occasion? Look at corsets, teddies, or bridal pieces.
- Feeling adventurous? Bodystockings and roleplay styles bring the drama.
- Prefer all-black? There's a whole mood there — see our complete guide to black lingerie.
Whatever you choose, comfort and confidence come first. The best piece of lingerie is simply the one that makes you feel wonderful when you put it on.
Why shop lingerie at Sinderella
- 100% discreet packaging — plain, unmarked parcels, every single time. Nobody knows but you.
- Free shipping over ₹999 and cash on delivery available across India.
- Sizes for every body, from petite to plus size, starting at just ₹349.
- 2 lakh+ orders shipped and counting — trusted by customers all over the country.
Ready to find yours? Explore the full range of intimate lingerie and discover the style that feels made for you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of lingerie?
The most popular types of lingerie are bra & panty sets, babydolls, chemises and slips, teddies and bodysuits, bodystockings, corsets and bustiers, and bridal or honeymoon lingerie. There are also roleplay and costume styles for couples who enjoy a little playful variety. Each type suits a different mood, occasion, and body type — so most people end up owning a few favourites.
What is the difference between a babydoll and a chemise?
A babydoll is a short, flowy nightdress that floats out from the bust and usually comes with a matching panty, giving a playful, romantic look. A chemise is a sleeker, single-piece slip dress that drapes smoothly from the shoulders for a more elegant, grown-up feel. In short: babydolls are flirty and flouncy, chemises are smooth and understated.
Which type of lingerie is best as a gift?
For gifting, a matching bra & panty set or a babydoll is the safest and most-loved choice — both feel thoughtful and flatter most body types. If you're unsure of her exact size, a free-size bodystocking is a clever pick. At Sinderella every order ships in 100% discreet, plain packaging, so the surprise stays a surprise.
What lingerie is most comfortable for everyday wear?
Soft bra & panty sets in cotton or stretch lace, and lightweight babydolls or chemises, are the most comfortable for regular wear. Bodystockings are also surprisingly comfortable thanks to their stretchy, free-size fabric. Comfort really comes down to fit, so choose your true size and a breathable fabric.
What lingerie should I wear for my wedding night or honeymoon?
Bridal and honeymoon lingerie is designed exactly for this — think soft whites, ivories, and delicate lace in babydolls, sets, and first-night styles. Pick something that makes you feel radiant and confident rather than what looks "right" online. Explore Sinderella's bridal and first-night collections for pieces made for the occasion.
Is lingerie shopping in India discreet?
Yes. At Sinderella, every order is delivered in 100% plain, unmarked packaging with no mention of the contents — so it's completely private. We offer cash on delivery and free shipping over ₹999 across India, and we've shipped over 2 lakh discreet orders nationwide.
