Lingerie Language

2-part cup: 2-part cups are made with 2 panels of fabric sewn together to provide lift and support.

3-part cup: A 3-part cup is made with 3 panels of fabric sewn together to create seams. This construction is usually found in full-figured bras since the seams work together to lift, shape, and support the heavier breast tissue.

4 part cup: A 4-part cup is made up of 4 panels of fabric sewn together to create seams that are often offered in larger cup sizes since they provide additional cup depth. One of the panels is sewn along the outer sides of the cup to help center and contain the breast tissue.

Adhesive Bra: Made with an adhesive cup, this "bra" sticks to you, providing a solution to wear underneath backless or plunging styles. These products are designed for short-term wear.

Babydoll: A babydoll is a short, sleeveless nightgown that cinches below the bust with an attached loose-fitting skirt. Babydolls typically have more cup space, so women who are bustier will have more success with this style.

Back-Closure: A term used to describe how a bra closes. Traditionally, this means that the bra will have rows of hook-and-eye closures. The amount will depend on the size and brand of the bra.

Backless Bra: Also referred to as an adhesive bra, they provide a solution for women who are looking for an option that will not show with their backless clothes.

Balconette Bra: Balconette styles have a more open neckline that cuts horizontally across the top of the breasts. While very similar to demi bras, a balconette will typically have wider-set straps and provide a pushed-up, high, and rounded look, while a demi’s end result is more squared.

Balcony Bra: A balcony bra will have a more revealing neckline than a full-coverage style but will have more coverage than a balconette style. The straps are wide-set, and the center gore is typically taller and wider like a balconette, with balcony cups typically providing a rounder, sweetheart shape.

Bandeau Bra: This strapless style, which is usually wireless, wraps around the bust and body with no hooks. They’re generally made with stretch material that pulls on over the head and offers minimal support and shaping.

Banded: Also referred to as a comfort band, banded bras have an additional piece of fabric attached under the underwire to assist with support and prevent the bra from putting pressure on the ribs and sternum.

Bandless: Unlike banded bras, bandless bras don’t have an additional piece of fabric under the wire and end at the underwire. Bandless styles are great options for women with shorter torsos.

Basque: A basque is a size-specific, longline bra that extends to the hips and typically features garter hooks attached along the lower edge. They're similar to a corset, but basques are not intended to cinch the waist.

Body Shape: The overall shape of your body that’s used to determine which bra styles may work best for you.

Bodysuit: A form-fitting, one-piece garment that extends down the midsection and typically hooks or snaps in the crotch. Bodysuits can be lingerie items but may also have long sleeves and legs to be used for shapewear purposes.

Boning: Usually sewn into a vertical seam line, boning is added in order to give more support and structure to a garment. Originally made of bone, it is now typically made of steel, metal spirals, or plastic.

Bra Extender: Detachable bra closures similar to the hook-and-eye closures of most bras Extenders attach to your bra at the closures to extend the length of the band.

Bralette: Bralettes are a less structured option; they are typically wireless and made without padding, making them a more comfortable, laid-back alternative to your daily underwire bras. They are often made with lace and are meant to be seen.

Breast Shape: Used to help determine which bra styles will work the best, this is the overall shape of your breast tissue.

Bump Pad: Padding that’s built into the bottom of the cup, meant to push the breast up and out to create a more popped-up look.

Bustier: Typically shorter than a corset, bustiers usually end at or just above the waistline and feature built-in bras. A bustier can be made with or without straps. Most include flexible boning throughout for shaping purposes.

Camisole/Cami: A sleeveless top that has straps and pullover styling. Camisoles may be worn as a solo piece or layered under sheer tops for modesty. The necklines of camisoles vary, and some may be seamless while others are decorated with lace. Some camisoles have built-in underwire or padding to support the chest without requiring a bra.

Center Gore: The piece of fabric that connects the cups of a bra and contributes to the shape and support of the bra. The center gore should always lie flat against your sternum. A narrow center gore, where the underwires touch in the middle, will be most comfortable for those with little to no space between their breasts. A wider center gore is perfect for women who have side-set breasts. An arched or bandless center gore works well if you have a short torso, since it has more space between the cups.

Chemise: A loose-fitting lingerie piece that typically fits snugly and skims the body, hitting around the mid-thigh.

Cleavage: A term used to describe the vertical line created between a woman’s breasts when fitted into a bra designed to provide this desired effect. Padded push-up and plunge bras generally result in a lot of cleavage.

Comfort (Padded) Straps: Comfort straps are typically wider and have an additional piece of fabric or padding to prevent the straps from digging into the shoulders.

Compression: Items with compression fit tightly to the body and actively press in upon it. They can be used for sports, support, or post-surgery.

Contour: Contour bras have seamless, pre-formed cups that are always padded or lined to help retain shape. These bras are designed to mimic the natural shape of a woman's body. They can be wired or wireless, and they tend to be more structured than a molded bra. Contour cups hold their shape even while off the body.

Convertible: A bra that has detachable straps with the option to place them in different configurations to work under different necklines. Some convertible bras have completely detachable straps, making the garment a strapless option.

Cookie: Removable pads of varying shape, generally used in push-up bras and designed to create dramatic, adjustable uplift. Cookies are a great way to increase your bra size without surgery.

Core/Basics/Ongoing: A term used to categorize products that Breakout Bras carries that will be continuously stocked. These are items that the manufacturer will continue to carry and ship to us.

Cradle: The cradle refers to the front of the bra where the cups are sewn.

Cut & Sewn: Named for the way the panels of fabric are cut and sewn together to ensure the best shape and superior support, the more seams a bra has in the cups, the greater the support, depth, and shaping. May also be referred to as a seamed cup bra or a multi-part bra.

Dart: A dart is a type of seam that starts at the bottom of the cup and runs straight up to the center, creating a rounded silhouette. This construction is usually found on full-figured or full-busted bras, as it provides exceptional comfort and support.

Demi (Half Cup) Bra: Demi is a French prefix meaning "half." A demi-cup covers half to ¾ of the breasts and is intended to cover the nipple but leave the upper bust exposed. Similar to a balconnete bra, demi bras will often be padded and seamed for structure in order to push the upper part of the breast up to create more volume.

Embroidery: A sewing technique, either done by hand or machine, in which colored threads are sewn into the fabric to create a design.

Encapsulation: Used in defining the construction of a bra where the cup, underwire, or a combination of both completely surrounds each breast for support while maintaining the breast shape and eliminating the uni-boob look.

Fashion/Limited Edition: A term used to categorize products that Breakout Bras carries that will not be restocked. These are items that the manufacturer will only keep for a season or only cut once.

Foam Cups: Made from a single piece of foam, this pre-formed cup gives a rounded breast shape and creates a smooth look under clothing.

Front Closure Bra: Front closure means that the bra will either hook or zip in the front between the cups. This type of closure works well for women who have limited mobility or difficulty hooking their bras in the back.

Full Cup Bra: Describes a style that covers and contains most of the bust with a center gore that is taller than most other styles.

Full Figure: Full figure refers to a woman with a curvier bust and/or hips. Full figure doesn’t necessarily mean that you're full in the body, but instead is a descriptor of bust fullness in relation to the rest of your frame.

Fully Adjustable Straps: Straps where the adjuster on a bra can be adjusted across the entire length of the strap. This strap style is great for women with shorter torsos.

High Impact: High Impact refers to the highest level of support you will get, typically in reference to a sports bra. High impact will allow the least amount of movement or bounce and tend to work well for high-intensity exercises.

Hook and eye: A type of bra closure where the hooks slide into a loop referred to as the eye. This closure is used on most back-closure bras, though the number of rows and hooks can vary based on the style.

Inner Sling (Side Sling): The inner sling is a support panel made of fabric that is incorporated into the cup and follows the curve of the bra. It may surround the entire breast circumference, or just be the panels on the sides. Inner slings can be flexible to help with shaping, but they may also be rigid and fully center the breast in the cup.

Jacquard: Describes any fabric where the pattern is woven into it rather than printed on it.

J-Hook: A J-hook is a convertible feature found on the straps of some bra styles. It can either be a separate set of hooks or part of the adjusters on the bra. Using the J-shaped hook, you can bring your straps together with the O-ring hardware on the opposite strap to turn your bra into a racerback. This gives you the versatility to have both types of straps in one bra.

Keyhole: A design feature that creates an arched or circular opening in the center back or center front panel of a garment.

Knit: A type of fabric made from interlocking loops of wool or other yarn with knitting needles or on a machine.

Lace: Typically made of cotton or silk, lace is made by looping, twisting, or knitting thread in patterns and is used in bra construction to contain and support breast tissue.

Leisure Bra: A leisure bra is a non-wire style that provides minimal support to give women a more comfortable option during leisure activities or downtime.

Leotard Back (U Back): This is a back that is wider on the sides and scoops down in the middle to help prevent the straps from sliding off the shoulders. This seamless back style hugs the body more closely than traditional square back designs and is helpful for fuller-figured women who need the extra support. Also called a U-Back or a ballet back.

Lined Cups: Cups that contain an additional layer of fabric in order to provide additional shaping and coverage.

Longline Bra: A bra with a band that extends down the midriff that is used for shaping and/or aesthetic purposes.

Low Impact: Low Impact refers to the lighter level of structure, typically in reference to a sports bra. Low-impact styles would be best used for lower-intensity activities such as walking or yoga.

Lycra: Lycra is a lightweight and soft material that is more durable than rubber. It provides lightweight freedom of movement while also being quick to dry.

Mastectomy Bra: A type of bra that you wear after having a single or double mastectomy that is equipped with features that help make you more comfortable. Most mastectomy bras have a pocket added that allows the wearer to slide a breast form into the bra without worrying about movement.

Maternity Bra: Also referred to as a transitional bra, they are specifically designed to provide extra comfort and support for pregnant women. The cups are typically stretchy to accommodate tender, swelling breasts and made of softer fabrics to prevent irritation. Some maternity bras double as nursing bras.

Merino Wool: This specific type of wool comes from the Merino sheep. When it's hot outside, the fibers will absorb moisture and evaporate it outside of the bra, keeping you cool. It adapts to colder temperatures as well, locking in the heat and keeping you warm.

Mesh: A type of woven fabric that produces a net or sheer-like effect.

Microfiber: Made of extremely fine filaments, microfiber fabrics are lightweight, soft, and prevent moisture from passing through while maintaining air flow.

Minimizer: A bra designed to hold the breasts close to the body and gently redistribute breast tissue to the sides. This reduces the appearance of the bust. Minimizer bras are helpful for women who experience gapping between shirt buttons or women who have difficulty finding blouses that fit.

Modal: Modal fabric is around 50% more water-absorbent than cotton, is super soft, has good drape, and is said to breathe even better than cotton. Items made with modal have anti-crease properties and are generally easier to care for.

Moderate Impact: Moderate Impact refers to a moderate level of support you will receive, typically in reference to a sports bra. Moderate-impact bras will keep you contained and in place with less support than a high-impact bra but more support than a low-impact one.

Moisture Wicking: Moisture-wicking fabric draws moisture away from the skin to reduce sweating. Often made from synthetic materials like polyester blends, moisture-wicking fabric is a great asset to look for in a sports bra.

Molded Cups: Molded cups are machine molded from a single piece of fabric or foam into a shape the manufacturer feels is the preferred natural breast shape. They are made without any seams from a fabric that is typically flexible. Molded cups can be either wireless or underwired, as well as padded or non-padded.

Multiway: A multiway bra has detachable straps that can be positioned in a variety of ways. Also referred to as a convertible bra.

Nipple Covers (Petals): Nipple covers are small, circular, and typically silicone patches that are used to cover the nipples. A lot of women will use these with backless or strapless styles or as a layer of additional coverage under their bra.

Nursing Bra: A bra specifically designed for breastfeeding women to aid in the process. Nursing bras provide increased support and feature detachable clips on the top of each cup that can be opened with one hand to allow easy breastfeeding access. Often made of stretchy material, they are designed to accommodate size fluctuations after childbirth. Most nursing styles are constructed with full-coverage cups and breathable fabrics to provide support and comfort at a time when breasts are sensitive and heavy.

Padded Cup Bra: Bras with cups that are padded or lined. Some padded bras are designed to enhance cleavage and increase bust size, while others are just padded to provide extra shaping and coverage.

Partially Adjustable Straps: Straps that don’t allow the strap adjuster to be moved across the entire length of the strap. Typically, these straps can only be adjusted up to half or 3/4 the length of the strap.

Plunge Bra: A bra with a V-shaped (plunging) neckline, angled cups, and a narrow center gore that creates the appearance of enhanced cleavage. Plunge styles should have good coverage but still work well for low-cut tops. The difference between a plunge bra and a push-up bra is that a push-up bra achieves lift through additional padding in the cup, while a plunge bra’s cups are cut to reveal more of the breast to show off your natural cleavage without sacrificing the lift, shape, and support of the bra.

Plus-Size Bra: Plus-size bras are designed to flatter women with all breast sizes but who have a fuller body size. These bras typically have wider bands with more coverage and may have thicker comfort straps. Plus-sized bras work well for women who need a smaller cup size but still need a bigger band.

Post-Op Bra: A type of bra to assist in the recovery after different kinds of breast surgery. There are many different styles of post-op bras, but most offer some level of compression that will support the breasts, help reduce swelling, and prevent blood and other fluids from pooling.

Projected: Projected means that your breasts are forward-facing and stand out further from the body.

Pushup Bra: A bra that accentuates cleavage using angled cups and a variety of padding types. Most push-ups have an underwire, and some include removable cookies for extra volume.

Quad-boob: The effect of your bra pressing into the top of your breast tissue and causing a four-boob look. This is typically due to a cup size that is too small.

Racerback: A bra with straps that form a "V" shape in the center of the back, designed for a no-show fit under tops with a T, Y, or X back. All convertible bras and bras with a J-hook can be made racerback. This is a high-functioning design ideal for sports and T-shirt bras.

Removable Pads: Pads that can be left in the bra cup to give you the option of additional coverage or taken out for a lighter feel.

Rigid Straps: Non-stretch straps, usually adjustable, that offer more support than stretch straps. Rigid straps are helpful for fuller-figured women who require a little extra support for heavier breasts.

Root: The base of the breast, where it attaches to the torso. The width, height, and shape of your roots play a major role in determining what kind of bra works best for you. Not necessarily correlated with breast size.

Ruching: A strip of folded or gathered fabric used as a flattering design element.

Seamed Cups: A cup that has seams where different panels of fabric have been sewn together to provide increased cup depth, superior support, and shaping. Seamed cups can hold more weight than seamless cups due to the placement of these seams. They are also referred to as multi-part bras or cut and sew bras.

Seamless Cup Bras: Cups made with a single piece of fabric or foam that have been molded into a permanent shape and fit. This bra gives a smooth look under clothing.

Shallow: This is in reference to women whose breast tissue is not as full at the top or root of the breast.

Shapewear: A type of garment worn under clothing that is typically made with firmer fabric in order to shape and smooth your natural figure.

Silicone Gripper: A small strip of silicone that’s attached to the inside of a garment to help keep it from slipping down or out of place. They’re most commonly used along the sides and top of strapless bras to keep them from slipping, as well as in shapewear garments to keep them from rolling down.

Sleep Bra: A sleep bra is a non-wire style that provides just enough lift and support for women who want a comfortable option to wear to bed.

Spacer Cups: Spacer fabric cups are made with a knit that has both a top and bottom layer, with filaments in between. The filaments between the layers create air pockets, making this a lightweight, breathable alternative to traditional foam used in contour bras. Spacer cups typically hug the top of the breasts better, making this a great option for women who don’t fill up the upper cup in traditional molded styles. The single piece of fabric also provides a smooth look under your tops.

Sports Bra: Bras designed to offer additional support and reduce bounce during exercise and physical activity. Sports bras are sturdier than regular bras and are designed to minimize breast movement to protect chest ligaments from damage. With support levels ranging from high impact to low impact, you can choose the amount of control you need.

Strap Slider (Strap Adjustment): Metal piece along the bra straps that allows you to make them tighter or looser.

Strapless Bra: A bra constructed with wider sides and silicone grippers to ensure it stays in place without the attached straps over the shoulders. A strapless bra may be constructed in many ways, with the lack of straps being the commonality between styles.

Stretch Lace: Stretch lace is an elastic fabric typically sewn into the upper cup to help with containment and shaping. Bras with stretch lace upper cups conform to your individual shape and are better at accommodating size differences and soft tissue.

Stretch Straps: Bra straps that have more give and are not as firm. Most straps have some stretch, but the level varies.

Support Panel: Also referred to as an inner sling, the support panel is sewn inside a bra’s cups, following the natural curve of the bra in order to pull the breasts in or lift them up.

Sweetheart Neckline: The shape created at the top of a bra that looks like the top of a heart.

Training Bra: Training bras are just XS-XL-sized leisure-style bras that are marketed to the general public as training bras. At Breakout Bras, young girls get a proper bra fitting in a size and style that work best for their shape. From the smallest size to those that may be growing faster, we will ensure that they get the appropriate coverage, shaping, and support and leave with a style that makes them feel comfortable.

Triangle Bra: A bra with a triangular cup that is typically padded or lined in lieu of underwire. Narrow straps, gores, and back wings are characteristic of this style, making them ideal for petite figures.

Trousseau: Panties, hosiery, special occasion lingerie, or other belongings collected by a bride for her marriage.

T-shirt Bra: Seamless, contoured bras usually with a thin piece of foam designed to be invisible under t-shirts and tighter tops.

Tulle: Tulle is a form of netting typically used to add volume or stiffness to dresses.

Underwire Bra: A bra made with a thin, flexible wire that offers additional support to bra cups. Underwires are intended to lift, separate, and shape breasts.

Uniboob: Used to describe the look of your breasts when there is no separation between them. Typically caused as the result of an incorrect fit, the uniboob look is where your breasts look like they have merged into one.

Waist Cincher/Trainer: A type of shapewear undergarment that is designed to target the waist, typically made of elastic and/or compressive material with boning for extra support. Waist cinchers/trainers typically hook in the front and are used to "train" your waist by increasing sweating.

Wings: The strips of fabric extending from the outer base of the cups to the back closure. Important aspects of the back wings are stretch vs. non-stretch, the measurement at the widest point (usually at the base of the cups), the measurement at the closure, and the type of closure, including the number of hook-and-eye clasps.

Wireless (non-wire) Bra: Any bra that doesn’t contain underwires. Wireless bras can be molded, non-molded, seamless, or seamed. If sized correctly, wireless bras can have the same support of an underwire style, with the main difference being the shaping and separation.

Panties

Bikini: A bikini panty has a waistband that rests below the navel on the hips with slightly higher-cut sides. They typically provide medium rear coverage that is between a brief and a thong.

Boyleg: A boyleg is a type of fitted panty where the legs typically go to the top of the thigh. The waistline sits lower on the hips. This is a fuller-coverage style that is designed to help shape and smooth.

Boyshort: A panty that has wider sides to provide extra hip coverage. The shape resembles a short with better rear coverage than a bikini or a thong.

Brazilian: A Brazilian panty is full coverage in the front, with the back cut to follow the curve of your bottom in a V-shape. This style has more rear coverage than a thong but less than a bikini and generally rests higher on the hips.

Brief: A panty with a classic cut that offers full coverage and is higher rise in the front. Briefs are one of the most modest types of panties and can come with added control.

Cheeky: Named for its coverage, cheeky underwear features a smaller band of fabric across your backside, accentuating the booty and showing a little butt cheek. It has less coverage than a bikini cut but provides more coverage than a thong.

Control: This is a reference to the firmness of the fabric that a panty is made of. If the panty is made of firmer fabric, then it’s going to have more control and provide more shaping to your midsection.

Coulottes: Knee-length trousers cut with wide legs to resemble a skirt.

French Cut: French cut is a type of panty that’s cut high for less coverage on the legs and sides while still offering fuller coverage in the back. It’s similar to a Brazilian Cut, but with more rear coverage.

Garter: A narrow band of fabric that goes around the thigh, typically worn by brides on their wedding day.

Garter Belt: A piece of lingerie that goes around someone's waist and uses clips or snaps to hold up pantyhose or stockings.

Girdle: A piece of shapewear that extends from the waist to below the hips and is often boned and elasticized.

Girlshort: A panty where the legs run to the mid-thigh on most women, with a waistband that sits at or just below the navel.

G-string: This style offers the least coverage out of any panty. The front of a G-String resembles a thong, but the back band is just a string coming off a thin, often stringy waistband.

Gusset: A piece of fabric in a diamond or triangle shape that’s inserted in a garment to allow for more space and greater movement. Usually found in the inseam of panties, the gusset is typically made with cotton for comfort, breathability, and hygiene.

Hanky Panky Daily Lace: A lace made by the brand Hanky Panky that features a multi-floral-patterned nylon/spandex fabric. This stretch lace is soft, stretches to move with your body, and doesn’t cut in, though it is slightly firmer than their iconic Signature Lace. Launched in 2022, Daily Lace is the first lace used by Hanky Panky since the release of their signature lace over four decades earlier.

Hanky Panky Low Rise: Hanky Panky’s soft thong design features a flattering V-front and V-back waistband that fits lower on the hips.

Hanky Panky Original Rise: Hanky Panky’s soft thong design features a flattering V-front and V-back waistband and sits higher on the hips. This is their best-selling style overall.

Hanky Panky Retro Thong: A high-waist thong designed with an extra-wide band of lace that hugs your midsection.

Hanky Panky Retro V-kini: Featuring a V-front and V-back waistband, the V-kini sits low on the hips and provides full back coverage.

Hanky Panky Signature Lace: The iconic, copyrighted lace that the brand Hanky Panky launched decades ago that revolutionized the panty industry. Made of nylon stretch fabric, the lace is soft, stretches to move with your body, and doesn’t cut in.

High Leg: A type of panty with a higher cut on the legs. This exposes more of the leg and provides larger leg openings, which makes them a more comfortable option for those with a fuller bottom or thighs. These also make your legs look longer.

High Rise: High-rise bottoms come above the navel and provide the most midsection coverage.

High Waist: A type of panty that comes above the navel and provides moderate midsection coverage.

Hipster: A mid-coverage panty that has a shorter rise, wider sides, and moderate to cheeky bottom coverage, depending on the brand.

Low Rise: Low-rise panties hit below the navel and provide the least midsection coverage.

Mid-Rise: Mid-rise bottoms hit at the navel, providing some coverage to the lower midsection.

Shaper: Shaper panties allow for some control and shaping without having to wear full shapewear. They typically help to shape and smooth the midsection and bottom.

Tanga: A tanga panty has fuller coverage in the front while having a narrower back that provides less coverage than a bikini but more coverage than a thong.

Thong: A thong is a panty style with a narrow strip of fabric in the back that begins as a "V" shape at the waistband and then tapers to a thin strip. This panty style provides no rear coverage and is a great option if you don’t want VPL (visible panty lines).

VPL: VPL stands for visible panty lines.

Swimwear

1 Piece Swimsuit: A one-piece generally covers your entire midsection and provides varying degrees of coverage for your upper body and lower body.

Adjustable Side: An adjustable side has ties on either side of the leg allowing you to adjust the leg and bottom coverage. These can be found on one-pieces or bikini bottoms.

Bandeau: strapless one-piece or bikini top offering bare shoulders for no tan lines. Due to having less support they're best suited for cup sizes A - C. Some have strings you can use or tuck away 

Board Short: casual and loose-fitting bathing suit option for the swimming pool or the beach. These breathable shorts sometimes come with inner mesh linings.

Brazilian: A Brazilian bikini bottom is full coverage in the front with the back cut to follow the curve of your bottom in a V-shape. This style has more rear coverage than a thong, but less than a bikini and generally rests higher on the hips.

Brief: A bikini bottom with a classic cut that offers the fullest coverage and is higher rise in front. A brief is one of the most modest types of swim bottoms and can come with added control.

Concealed Wire: A flexible wire in swimwear that is not noticeable to the eye and is generally more comfortable.

Control: This is reference to the firmness of the fabric that the panty is made of. If the panty is made of firmer fabric, then it’s going to have more control and provide more shaping to your midsection.

Cover-up: Used to throw on over your swimwear, cover-ups are usually made from loose, flowy fabric that is breathable and nonabsorbent.

Flounce: An additional piece of fabric added on the outside of the bikini top to provide a design element or additional coverage.

Halter neck: The top of swimsuit that goes up and ties around the back of the neck.

High Leg: The bottom of the one-piece or bikini bottom will cut higher up on the legs. This exposes more of the leg and provides larger leg openings, which makes them a more comfortable option for those with a fuller bottom or thighs.

High Waist: A type of bottom that comes above the navel and provides moderate midsection coverage.

Hipster: A mid-coverage bottom that has a shorter rise, wider sides, and moderate to cheeky bottom coverage depending on the brand.

Reversible: This means that the swim top, bottom, or both will have two different patterns on the inside and out allowing you to wear it both ways.

Ruching: A strip of folded or gathered fabric used as a flattering design element. A one-piece or botto with ruching is an excellent option to camouflage the midsection.

Scoop Neck: The front of the top scoops down in a round neckline that has been specifically designed to give minimal tan lines.

Shelf Bra: A built-in bra found in swimwear, that provides light support without needing a bra. They may have underwire, or padding incorporated for more support.

Sweetheart: The shape of the top of a bikini or one-piece that looks like the top of a heart.

Swim Shorts: Swim shorts can be varying rises, but the legs come down and provide complete bottom coverage.

Swim Skirt (Skirted Brief): A swim skirt is a type of swim bottom that has a built-in brief with a skirt covering it. They are generally full coverage.

Tankini: A bikini top with fabric that extends down to the waist. Like the look of a tank top, a tankini completely covers the midsection.

Tie-Side: A tie-side bottom can be varying coverages but meets on the side with two strings that tie together. This is a great option if you like adjustability in your swim bottoms.