Teddies, bra sets, bodystockings, thigh highs — lingerie has its own language, and if you don't already speak it, even browsing a collection can feel more overwhelming than it should.
Here's what most guides get wrong: they lead with your body type. Measure your hips, determine your shape, match to a category. It's tidy in theory and almost no one finds it useful in practice. Knowing you have a "pear shape" doesn't tell you whether you want lace or satin, whether you're buying for a quiet Tuesday evening or a deliberate occasion, or what you'll actually feel comfortable in once you've put it on.
This guide approaches things differently. We'll help you choose lingerie by starting where every good purchase actually starts — with context. What's the occasion? What do you want to feel? From there, we'll walk through the main styles, explain fit properly, and point you towards the pieces worth trying first.
Start With the Occasion, Not the Style
Before you think about lace versus satin, straps or strapless, it's worth settling one question: what is this piece actually for? Lingerie chosen for a specific purpose almost always feels better — and gets worn more — than lingerie chosen in the abstract.
There are roughly four situations most buyers are shopping for:
- A deliberate occasion — a birthday, anniversary, or weekend away. Here you want something memorable. A little drama is fine; lingering discomfort isn't.
- Everyday-sexy — lingerie that feels special without requiring an event. A teddy worn on a Wednesday because you felt like it.
- As a gift — sizing matters enormously here. Look for pieces with adjustable elements, stretch fabric, or tie backs that give a little room for variation.
- For a photoshoot or boudoir session — visual impact takes priority over tactile comfort. Bold colours, high contrast, and graphic lace tend to photograph beautifully.
Settling this first — even loosely — narrows your choices considerably. It also stops you buying something genuinely lovely that lives in a drawer because it was never quite right for any real moment.
The Main Lingerie Styles — and When Each Shines
Lingerie has more vocabulary than it strictly needs. Here's what the main categories actually mean, and when each works best.
Teddies and bodysuits
A teddy is a one-piece that covers the torso and fastens at the crotch — similar in shape to a swimsuit, typically made from lace, stretch fabric, or a combination of both. It's one of the most forgiving styles for first-time buyers: the single piece removes any worry about tops and bottoms matching, and the fitted construction tends to suit a wide range of body shapes without requiring precise sizing.
The Leg Avenue Lace Teddy with Bow and Ruffles in white is a classic version of the style — soft stretch lace, adjustable tie backs, and a flutter ruffle at the hip that adds movement without overcomplicating things. Because it's all-over lace, it works equally well as a statement piece on its own or layered under a sheer shirt.
For something a little warmer in colour, the Leg Avenue Lace and Net Halter Teddy in pink layers floral lace over a net base with an adjustable tie-neck halter — a slightly more structured silhouette that photographs particularly well.
Bra sets and three-piece sets
A matching bra and knicker set — or the fuller three-piece with a garter belt — is the format most people picture when they think of lingerie. It's familiar, versatile, and more flexible than a one-piece because each component can be worn separately and styled in different combinations.
Babydolls and chemises
A babydoll is a short, loose-fitting top — typically with a fitted bust and a flared skirt falling to mid-thigh or above — usually worn with matching knickers. A chemise is similar but longer and without the flare. Both styles sit over the body without clinging, which makes them a popular choice if you prefer a softer silhouette or want a little more coverage while staying thoroughly in the lingerie category.
The Leg Avenue Red Lace Mini Dress sits somewhere between the two — an off-shoulder cut in intricate scalloped lace and net that creates an hourglass shape without any rigid structure. It's dramatic and genuinely wearable at the same time.
Hosiery: thigh highs and stockings
Thigh highs and stockings are often bought to complement another piece — paired with a garter belt, or worn on their own as a finishing detail. They add a layer of intention to any look. The Leg Avenue Stay Up Sheer Thigh Highs in white hold themselves up with a lace band and need no garter — a practical starting point if you're new to hosiery.
Getting the Fit Right
Fit is the single factor that separates lingerie that gets worn from lingerie that lives in a drawer. A piece can be objectively beautiful and feel miserable if the sizing is wrong — and conversely, a fairly simple piece in exactly the right size can feel made for you.
For bra-style pieces, the band is the most important measurement. UK bra sizing uses a number (the band, measured snugly around the ribcage) and a letter (the cup, measuring the difference between the bust and chest). A band that's too loose loses all its support; one that's too tight becomes uncomfortable within minutes. If you're between sizes, size up in the band first.
For teddies and bodystockings, most pieces use standard UK dress sizing — 8, 10, 12 and so on — with stretch allowance built in. Check the product description for how much give is in the fabric. If you're between sizes and the piece is primarily decorative rather than supportive, go up. You'll thank yourself for it.
Styles with adjustable elements — tie backs, drawstrings, halter ties — are more forgiving across a size range and the safest choice when buying as a gift.
One rule that holds for almost every style: if anything pulls, pinches, or requires constant adjustment within the first few minutes, the size isn't right. Lingerie should feel secure and comfortable from the moment you put it on, not something you gradually settle into.
Choosing by Body Shape — Useful Signals, Not Rules
Body shape guidance can be genuinely helpful — as one reference point among several. The problem is when it becomes the entire conversation, because it tends to compress individual preference into a set of instructions that don't account for how you actually want to feel.
With that said, here are some signals worth knowing:
- Halter necks work on most body shapes and draw attention upward, towards the shoulders and décolletage. Teddies and sets with halter ties are a versatile starting point for this reason.
- High-leg cuts on teddies and knickers visually lengthen the leg — useful if that's the effect you're after, regardless of your specific proportions.
- Babydolls and chemises add movement and don't cling, which many people find more comfortable and more flattering than structured pieces.
- Bodystockings are inclusive by design. Because they stretch to fit and cover the full body in one piece, they tend to work across a wider size range than many other styles.
- Three-piece sets with a garter belt draw the eye to the waist, which can create definition in the middle where the silhouette doesn't naturally offer much contrast.
The more honest guide: try what interests you, not what a sizing chart tells you. Lingerie is one of the few categories where the supposed rules are genuinely optional — and where personal preference tends to produce better results than theory.
Looking After Your Lingerie
Delicate lingerie — particularly anything with lace, stretch lace, or net — benefits from a little more care than the rest of your wardrobe. Not complicated, but doing it right means a piece lasts considerably longer.
- Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent. Machine washing — even on a delicates cycle — puts repeated stress on lace and elasticated trims that shortens their life noticeably.
- Lay flat to dry rather than hanging, which can stretch the fabric and distort the shape over time.
- Store flat or loosely rolled, not crushed into a corner of a drawer. Hosiery benefits especially from being kept away from rough surfaces that can snag fine fabric.
- If you must machine wash, use a mesh laundry bag and the coldest setting available. Close any hooks first to prevent catching on other pieces in the load.
Our full lingerie and apparel collection has styles across every price point, all sent in plain, unmarked packaging. Free delivery on orders over £50.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a teddy and a bodystocking?
A teddy is a one-piece lingerie bodysuit that covers the torso and fastens at the crotch — similar in shape to a swimsuit, usually made from lace or stretch fabric, and ending at the upper thigh. A bodystocking extends further, covering the full body from neck to toe (or neck to upper thigh, depending on the style) in a single piece of sheer or lace fabric. Bodystockings are generally the more dramatic option; teddies tend to be more versatile and straightforward as an everyday choice.
How do I know my lingerie size in the UK?
For bra-style pieces, you'll need your UK bra size — a number (band, measured snugly around the ribcage) and a letter (cup, based on the difference between your bust and chest measurement). For teddies, bodysuits, and chemises, most pieces use standard UK dress sizing with a stretch allowance. If you're between sizes, sizing up is usually the safer bet — you'll have room to adjust, and the fit will feel more comfortable from the start. Pieces with adjustable ties or drawstrings are the most forgiving across a size range.
What lingerie is best for a curvy figure?
A few styles work consistently well: teddies with adjustable tie backs offer support and can be tailored to fit at the bust and waist; babydolls and chemises skim rather than cling, creating a soft silhouette without compression; and stretch-lace bodystockings are designed to accommodate a range of shapes in one piece. The most important factor is fit — specifically a style that feels secure without pulling, gaping, or requiring constant readjustment. Our full lingerie range includes adjustable styles across every category.
Is lingerie a good gift?
Yes, with a little care around sizing. If you're buying for someone else, choose styles with adjustable elements — halter ties, drawstrings, stretch lace — rather than a fixed structured size. Lean towards sizing up rather than down. A stretch-lace teddy is a kinder guess than a structured bra set with specific cup and band requirements. All orders from Naughty Nest arrive in plain, unmarked outer packaging with no product description on the outside — nothing to give the surprise away before it should.
How should lingerie fit?
Lingerie should feel comfortable and secure from the moment you put it on — not something you settle into after wearing for a while. For bra-style pieces, the band should lie flat without riding up, and straps should stay put without digging in. For teddies and one-pieces, the fabric should sit smooth without pulling or bunching. If anything leaves visible marks on the skin after a short wear, or needs constant adjustment to stay in place, it's not the right size — try the next size up, or look for a style with more built-in adjustability.
