Glossary – Hosiery and Lingerie Terms

Our glossary explains the most important terms related to hosiery, lingerie and textiles. This guide will help you navigate our product range with confidence.

Babydoll: A short, loosely cut nightgown or negligee that typically ends just above the hips. Made from light, sheer fabrics such as chiffon or lace, often paired with matching knickers. Babydolls accentuate the bust while flowing loosely over the stomach.
Body / Bodysuit: A one-piece garment that combines top and knickers in one. Bodysuits come in many varieties: as elegant lace lingerie, shaping shapewear, or as everyday layering pieces. The crotch is typically fastened with press studs.
Catsuit: A skin-tight, full-body garment that covers the entire body from neck to feet. Catsuits are typically made from stretchy materials such as nylon or elastane and are worn both as lingerie and as a fashion statement.
Comfort Waistband: A wide, soft waistband at the top of tights that does not dig in and gently adapts to the body. The comfort waistband distributes pressure evenly and prevents rolling. Particularly recommended for all-day wearing comfort.
Corsage / Corset: A corsage is a close-fitting bodice with boning that shapes the waist and supports the bust. Unlike the historical corset with its extreme lacing, the modern corsage is more flexible and is often worn as lingerie or a formal top. Traditional lace-up corsets are now found mainly in burlesque and fetish fashion.
Cuban Heel: A reinforced heel on nylon tights or stockings featuring a distinctive, usually darker rectangular shape. Cuban heels are a classic design element from the era of fully fashioned stockings (1940s/50s) and lend the leg an elegant retro look.
Cup: The cup size of a bra or lingerie top. The cup size (A, B, C, D, etc.) indicates breast volume in relation to the underbust measurement. Cup A is the smallest; each subsequent letter represents a progressively larger cup size.
DEN / Denier: Unit of measurement for yarn thickness in hosiery. The higher the DEN value, the thicker and more opaque the fabric. Guide values: 5-15 DEN = ultra-sheer, 15-20 DEN = sheer (fine tights), 20-40 DEN = semi-sheer, 40-70 DEN = semi-opaque, 70+ DEN = opaque. Opaque tights are more durable and warmer.
Elastane / Lycra / Spandex: A highly elastic synthetic fibre that gives textiles stretch and shape retention. In hosiery, elastane (known under the brand names Lycra or Spandex) ensures a perfect fit and recovery. Typical proportion in tights: 10-30%. The higher the elastane content, the better the fit and durability.
Flat Seam: A particularly flat-processed seam that does not create bulk and is invisible under tight clothing. Flat seams are used primarily in the panty section and toe area of tights, significantly increasing wearing comfort as they neither press nor chafe.
French Knickers: Loosely cut, short ladies' underwear with wide leg openings. French knickers reach to mid-thigh, are often made from satin or lace, and offer a particularly comfortable and feminine look. They are a classic of lingerie fashion.
Hold-ups / Stay-ups: Thigh-length stockings worn without a suspender belt. A wide silicone band at the top keeps the stockings in place. Hold-ups offer the elegance of stockings with the convenience of easy handling. Important: the silicone band must fit snugly against the thigh.
Jeggings: A combination of jeans and leggings. Jeggings are skin-tight trousers made from stretchy material that look like jeans but fit as comfortably as leggings. They often have printed or sewn-on pockets and seams in jeans style but are made predominantly from stretch fabrics.
Knee-highs: Stockings that reach just below the knee. Knee-highs come in sheer versions (as fine pop socks for summer), opaque for winter, or as support versions with light compression for prolonged standing. A discreet top band prevents slipping. Size is determined by shoe size.
Compression Tights: Medical tights with a defined, graduated pressure profile. Compression is strongest at the ankle and decreases upwards. Compression tights improve circulation, prevent thrombosis and relieve heavy, tired legs. They are classified by compression classes (Class 1-4) and should ideally be prescribed by a doctor.
Leggings: Close-fitting trousers made from stretchy material such as cotton-elastane or polyamide. Leggings cover the entire leg and are opaque. They serve as everyday wear, sportswear, or as a warming layer under skirts and dresses. Unlike tights, leggings do not have an integrated foot section.
Lingerie: The internationally used French term for high-quality ladies' underwear and nightwear. Lingerie encompasses all types of elegant undergarments, from fine bras to nightgowns to suspender sets. The term emphasises the luxurious, aesthetic character of the garments.
Microfibre: An extremely fine synthetic fabric (fibre diameter under 1 dtex) that feels particularly soft and silky. Microfibre tights are comfortable on the skin, opaque yet lightweight. The material is durable, quick-drying and resistant to pilling. Typical DEN range: 40-80 DEN.
Seam / Back Seam: A visible seam running along the back of the leg. Back seams are a defining style element of classic nylon stockings. Originally a manufacturing necessity (for fully fashioned stockings), back seams are now a popular retro design feature. Modern seamed stockings have a decorative applied seam.
Negligee: An elegant, usually semi-sheer nightgown or dressing gown made from flowing fabrics such as silk, satin or chiffon. The negligee is a classic of nightwear, characterised by feminine details such as lace trim, bows or embroidery.
Fishnet Tights: Tights made from net-like woven material with characteristic diamond patterns. Fishnet tights come in various mesh sizes: fine mesh appears subtle and office-appropriate, while large mesh creates a bold eye-catching look. Fishnets are surprisingly robust and resistant to laddering.
Nylon / Polyamide: The most commonly used fibre for hosiery. Nylon (chemically: polyamide) was developed by DuPont in 1938 and revolutionised the hosiery industry. Nylon is tear-resistant, elastic, lightweight and quick-drying. It forms the basis of most sheer tights and stockings. Common polyamide variants: Nylon 6, Nylon 6.6.
Overknees / Over-the-knee Stockings: Stockings that extend above the knee and cover part of the thigh. Overknees are a fashionable accessory that create a striking look, particularly when combined with short skirts or dresses. They are worn with a wide cuff or silicone band.
Provocative Lingerie: Particularly seductive lingerie designed primarily for erotic effect. Provocative lingerie is characterised by sheer fabrics, plunging necklines, daring cuts and alluring details such as bows, ribbons or openings.
RHT (Reinforced Heel and Toe): A term for reinforced heel and toe in tights and stockings. The reinforcement consists of a denser yarn material at the points subject to the greatest stress. RHT significantly increases durability and is a quality hallmark of premium hosiery.
Sheer Tights: Transparent tights with a low DEN count (typically 15-20 DEN). Sheer tights give the legs an even, silky appearance and are a classic for business and evening wear. They are more delicate than opaque styles and should be put on carefully.
Lace: A fine, patterned textile with an openwork design. Lace is used extensively in lingerie and hosiery: as the top band on hold-ups, as the panty section of tights, or as the complete material for bodies and bras. Common lace types include Jacquard lace, Chantilly lace and stretch lace.
String / Thong: Knickers with minimal fabric at the back. The string has a narrow strip, while the thong has a slightly wider triangle at the back. Both styles are invisible under tight clothing and avoid visible panty lines (VPL).
Suspenders / Suspender Belt: A hip belt with stocking clips to which sheer stockings are attached. The suspender belt is the classic method of wearing stockings. Suspender stockings have no silicone band and are often adorned with lace at the top. The suspender belt is worn over knickers for convenience.
Support Tights: Tights with light to medium compression that relieve tired, heavy legs. Support tights apply gentle pressure to the legs, promoting venous return. They are particularly suitable for occupations involving prolonged standing or sitting, and for travel. Unlike medical compression tights, they are available without prescription.
Tights / Pantyhose: A continuous garment that combines stockings and panty in one piece, covering the entire lower body from waist to toes. Tights come in countless varieties: sheer, opaque, patterned, with support function, or as warm winter variants. Size is determined by height and weight.
Treggings: A combination of trousers and leggings. Treggings look like fabric trousers with creases, pockets and belt loops but offer the stretch comfort of leggings. They are an elegant alternative to classic trousers and are ideal for the office.
Reinforcement: Additional material at particularly stressed areas of tights or stockings, typically at the heel, toe, panty section and gusset. Reinforcement increases durability and prevents premature tearing. Quality tights feature reinforced heel and toe (RHT) as standard.
Gusset: A diamond-shaped fabric insert in the crotch area of tights. The gusset ensures a better fit and greater wearing comfort. In quality tights, the gusset is made from cotton, which is skin-friendly and breathable. Hygienic tights feature a wide cotton gusset.