Sexy Lingerie Guide: Types, Sizing & How to Choose
Buying lingerie should feel exciting — not confusing. With babydolls, basques, bodysuits, teddies, chemises and fantasy costumes all competing for attention, it is easy to not know where to start. This guide breaks every style down clearly: what it looks like, who it suits, and what to look for — with picks across every budget.
Quick pick: what are you looking for?
Bra sets & matching sets
A matching bra and knicker set is the most versatile lingerie you can own. Wear it as standalone bedroom lingerie, under clothes for a confidence boost, or as the starting point for a full look with stockings and suspenders. Sets range from simple lace bralettes to full bondage-inspired open-cup designs.
Who it suits: Everyone — it is the most universally flattering style because the bra provides its own support, unlike bodysuits or chemises.
Bodysuits & teddies
A bodysuit (or teddy) is a one-piece garment that covers the torso and fastens at the crotch with poppers or is simply open. They create a smooth, seamless silhouette and look incredible on every body type. Styles range from sheer fishnet and lace through to structured satin and bold wet-look finishes.
Who it suits: Anyone who wants a sleek, put-together look. Bodysuits elongate the torso and work beautifully with stockings. Open-cup and crotchless designs add an extra dimension for bedroom wear.
Open cup, strappy detailing, striking purple. Best-value teddy.
£19.99 — Shop
Crotchless Garter Bodystocking
Full-length, built-in garters. Dramatic head-to-toe look.
£29.99 — Shop
Premium Noir brand. Sheer and wet-look panels, statement piece.
£99.99 — ShopBrowse all bodysuits & teddies →
Babydolls
A babydoll is a short, loose nightdress — typically ending mid-thigh or above — with a fitted bust and a flowing skirt. They are one of the easiest styles to wear because the loose skirt flatters every body shape by skimming rather than clinging. Most come with a matching thong or brief included.
Who it suits: Babydolls are particularly flattering if you prefer not to have fabric fitted around the stomach and hips. The soft drape is forgiving and feminine.
Leg Avenue Romantic Babydoll Red
Classic red lace babydoll with matching G-string. The definitive starter babydoll.
£27.99 — Shop
Halterneck cut, flared skirt. Flattering on wide range of body shapes.
£46.99 — Shop
Sheer lace, open cup design. More daring take on the classic silhouette.
£52.99 — ShopBasques & corsets
A basque is a structured, boned garment that cinches the waist and lifts the bust. It sits between a bra and a corset in terms of coverage — longer than a bra, shorter than a full corset — and typically features suspender straps at the bottom for attaching stockings. Corsets are more heavily boned and provide a stronger waist reduction.
Who it suits: Basques are transformative on hourglass and pear shapes, creating dramatic waist definition. They provide their own support so work independently of a bra. The boning also makes them more forgiving than you might expect — they hold everything in place.
Black Powernet Suspender Basque
4 suspenders included. Classic basque shape, very wearable.
£34.99 — Shop
Mid-range corset with lace detailing. Structured waist reduction.
£48.99 — Shop
Browse all basques & corsets →
Chemises, kimonos & dresses
A chemise is a loose, slip-style garment — longer than a babydoll, shorter than a nightgown. It flows rather than clings and is one of the easiest lingerie styles to wear regardless of body shape. Kimonos layer over other lingerie as a cover-up, adding a sense of occasion. Wet-look and vinyl dresses take the category further into fetish territory.
Flared lace chemise. UK 14–18. Relaxed, feminine, easy to wear.
£28.99 — Shop
Wet-look finish, figure-hugging. More daring occasion-wear option.
£32.99 — ShopBrowse all chemises & dresses →
Fantasy costumes & roleplay
Fantasy lingerie takes inspiration from characters and archetypes — nurses, maids, bunnies, schoolgirls, boss babes — and is designed specifically for roleplay. Quality varies considerably in this category: the best pieces have enough detail and fit to feel like a real costume rather than a flimsy afterthought.
Classic French maid costume. Good quality detailing from Cottelli.
£40.99 — Shop
Full bunny costume with ears and cuffs. Consistently popular.
£57.99 — ShopPlus size lingerie
Plus size lingerie is stocked across multiple categories at Roxy Fox — it is not a separate or limited afterthought. Brands like Cottelli Curves, Le Desir, and Leg Avenue all produce dedicated plus-size ranges in the same styles as their standard sizing: bra sets, babydolls, bodysuits, and dresses.
Specifically designed plus-size proportions, not just scaled up.
£38.99 — Shop
Bralette with suspender belt. Plus size proportions with full suspender set.
£45.99 — Shop
Long-sleeved rhinestone bodysuit. Statement plus-size piece. UK 14–18.
£33.99 — ShopBrowse all plus size lingerie →
How to find your size
Lingerie sizing is not standardised — a size 12 in one brand fits differently in another. Here is how to measure correctly:
Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal. This gives your bust measurement in inches or cm.
Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, usually an inch above the navel. Keep the tape snug but not tight.
Measure around the widest part of your hips, usually 7–9 inches below the waist. Keep feet together.
Especially for boned pieces (basques, corsets). Slightly too big is far more comfortable than slightly too small, and most fit a range.
Product pages list the size range for each item (e.g. UK 6–12 or UK 14–18). If a product fits multiple sizes through stretch or adjustable fastenings, this is noted in the description.
Materials guide
| Material | Feel | Best for | Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | Delicate, textured, slightly rough | Classic bedroom lingerie, layering | Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry |
| Satin / silk-feel | Smooth, cool, lustrous | Elegant looks, corsets, chemises | Hand wash cold, no tumble dry |
| Mesh / fishnet | Stretchy, sheer, textured | Bodysuits, bodystockings | Machine wash cold in a mesh bag |
| Wet-look / PVC | Firm, shiny, structured | Fetish-adjacent pieces, dresses | Wipe clean only — never machine wash |
| Leather | Firm, warm, heavy | Strappy harnesses, BDSM-adjacent | Leather conditioner, wipe clean |
How to care for lingerie
- Always check the label. Every piece has care instructions specific to its fabric composition.
- Hand wash delicates. Lace, satin, and fine mesh should be hand washed in cold water with a gentle detergent. Machine washing distorts lace and pulls delicate stitching.
- Use a mesh laundry bag if you do machine wash. This protects straps, hooks, and lace edges from snagging.
- Never tumble dry. Heat damages elastic and distorts the shape of structured pieces. Lay flat or hang to air dry away from direct sunlight.
- Store flat or hanging. Folding boned pieces (basques, corsets) can crack or distort the boning. Hang or lay flat in a drawer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a basque and a corset?
A basque is shorter (waist to hip) and lighter in structure, with cups built in and usually suspender straps attached. A corset is more heavily boned, often lace-up at the back, and provides stronger waist reduction. Corsets can be worn as outerwear; basques are primarily bedroom lingerie.
What lingerie suits a larger bust?
Underwired pieces (bra sets, basques) provide the most support for larger busts. Babydolls with an empire waist also work well — the gathered fabric below the bust skims the body without restricting. Avoid unstructured bralettes if you need real support.
What is the difference between a teddy and a bodysuit?
A teddy is typically softer and more lingerie-focused — lace, satin, or delicate mesh. A bodysuit tends to be more structured and fashion-forward — think fishnet, wet-look, or minimal cut-outs. The terms overlap considerably and are often used interchangeably.
Can I wear a basque under clothes?
Yes — smooth satin basques worn under a shirt or dress create a clean silhouette and the boning provides great posture support. The suspenders can either be removed or worn loose under a skirt.
How should stockings fit?
Hold-up stockings should sit mid-thigh with the silicone band gripping without digging in. If they slide down, go a size up. If the band leaves deep marks, go a size up. Stockings attached to a suspender belt can be sized more loosely as the belt holds them.