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Types of underwear: familiarise yourself with the classics

Every day we head to our wardrobes and pick out our underwear for the day. These days there are so many types of underwear that it is difficult to keep track. Here, we’ll give you an overview of the different types of underwear and when to wear each one.

by CALIDA

28 June 2023 • 4 min reading time

black and white picture of 2 women wearing underwear by CALIDA from the 'Elastic' series

Equipped for every occasion: Types of women's underwear at a glance!

Bras

Bras can have a range of different functions, and there is a bra suitable for every occasion. Here’s an overview of the best-known bra types:

1) Underwired bras

BHs mit Bügel sind sehr beliebt aufgrund ihrer geformten Cups und der Stütze durch die Bügel. Für Personen, die ihre Brüste in Form setzen wollen, sind Bügel-BHs bestens geeignet. Speziell bei Oberbekleidung mit tiefem Ausschnitt oder dünnem Stoff sorgen Bügel-BHs für einen femininen Look und angenehmen Halt.

2) Wireless bras

Ein BH ohne Bügel sorgt für eine natürliche Modellierung der Brüste. Diese BHs geben leichten bis mittleren Halt und bieten einen ausgezeichneten Tragekomfort. Hier gibt es diverse Variationen wie zum Beispiel reine Spitzen-BHs, Bustiers oder auch sogenannte Soft- BHs.

3) Triangle bras

Triangle-BHs verfügen in den meisten Fällen ebenfalls über keinen Bügel, weshalb sie besonders angenehm sind. Falls du auf der Suche nach einem BH bist, der nicht abzeichnet, könnte der Triangle-BH die perfekte Lösung sein. Durch seine Form und den flachen Übergang vom Cup zum Träger ist er nicht abzeichnend und liegt wunderbar an der Haut an.

4) Nursing bras

Mamas, die im Alltag unkompliziert stillen möchten, können dies mit Maternity-Bras oder auch Still-BHs genannt. Der kleine Clip am Cupansatz ermöglicht das Öffnen und Schliessen des Cups mit nur einer Hand – bequem für Mama und Baby.

Discover our diverse bra assortment here:

Body

A multifunctional bodysuit can be worn either as underwear or as a normal top for everyday wear, allowing you to avoid visible bra lines under pullovers or jackets, as the bodysuit sits directly against the skin. Bodysuits also keep the body warm on cool days – a major benefit in winter.

Shapewear

If you want to emphasise and shape your figure, shapewear is for you. This type of underwear is usually available as a waist shaper or as shaping tights. Depending on whether you want to shape your waist or firm your thighs, both are great options for figure-shaping lingerie.

Functional Underwear

This type of underwear is a go-to for athletes because of its great features and benefits for exercising. There are different variations, including warming bodywear, supportive sports bras and temperature-regulating underwear.

Pure & Style Underwear

The underwear from the series "Pure & Style" made of high-quality PIMA cotton and with HEIQ FRESH with QUICK DRY EFFECT guarantee unlimited wearing comfort!

Underpants

1) Briefs

Every woman probably has a pair of these. Briefs are considered a staple and are ideal for everyday wear thanks to their classic cut and natural fit. 

2) Panties

Panties have a similar fit to standard briefs. The difference is the fit on the leg – panties sit slightly longer than standard briefs, covering the bottom fully and ensuring superb comfort for the wearer.

3) Strings

Compared to classic briefs, strings have a slimmer cut. The entire bottom area is free, making them the perfect underpants for tight trousers or skirts.

4) Functional underwear

In addition to the cut and fit, underwear can also differ in terms of its functions. Functional underwear is primarily distinguished by its temperature-regulating fabrics. Warming and cooling underwear are both available and often used for exercising. Sports bras and yoga wear are also common functional underwear.

Highwaist briefs in black from the series 'Sensual Secrets' made of the finest cotton.

Highwaist briefs from the series "Sensual Secrets" made of the finest cotton.


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