Definition

Noun: 1. Women's undergarments and sleepwear: The term "intimate apparel" refers to clothing worn next to the skin, typically for support, protection, or modesty, and for sleeping. This category includes items like bras, panties, slips, camisoles, nightgowns, and pajamas. It emphasizes the private, personal nature of these garments.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The boutique specializes in high-quality intimate apparel made from silk and lace.
  • She packed her intimate apparel separately in a small travel case.
  • The department store has a large section dedicated to intimate apparel.

Advanced Usage

• The term "intimate apparel" is often used in retail, fashion, and marketing contexts as a more refined or elegant synonym for "lingerie" or "underwear." It can carry connotations of luxury, delicacy, and personal care.
• It is generally considered a polite and formal term.

Variants and Related Words

• Lingerie (n): A French-derived term often used interchangeably with "intimate apparel," though it can sometimes refer more specifically to visually appealing or ornate undergarments.
• Underwear (n): A more general, everyday term for garments worn under outer clothing.
• Nightclothes (n) / Sleepwear (n): Clothing designed specifically for sleeping, such as nightgowns or pajamas.

Synonyms

• Lingerie
• Underclothes
• Undergarments
• Underthings

Related Phrases

• Foundation garments: A term for structured undergarments like girdles or corsets that shape the figure.
• Daywear (contrasting term): Clothing intended for wear during the day, as opposed to sleepwear or intimate apparel.

Noun

1. women's underwear and nightclothes