Lace lingerie: how to choose

How to choose lace lingerie

Start with how you want to wear it. Lace lingerie works in two ways: as the layer only you see beneath clothing, and as a piece that is meant to be seen, perhaps under an open shirt or on its own with high-waisted trousers. Decide which role you need first, because it changes what to look for. A bodysuit should sit close and smooth under tailoring; a bralette may need to feel light and bare at the back; a two-piece set should balance a close fit with enough ease to move.

For bras, begin with band and cup. The Embroidered Underwire Bra comes in the 70B-85D range, and the product note says the sizing runs small against EU and US charts, so take the larger size if you fall between two. Bodysuits and sets are cut to sit close; the Lace Deep V Bodysuit follows the body closely from shoulder to hip, and the stretch fabric is designed to move with you. If you are between sizes on a close-fitting piece, the product notes for our tops suggest your usual size or going up one.

Consider the neckline and back as part of fit. A deep V or plunging neckline changes how the piece sits under a shirt, while an open back needs a layer that will not cover it if you want the detail to show. The Lace V-Neck Open Back Lingerie Set and the Sheer Lace Open-Back Bodysuit both make the back part of the design, so choose the outer layer with that in mind. If you prefer a clean line under clothing, a smoother style such as the Lace Two-Piece Lingerie Set may suit better.

Materials, details and fit

Lace is the common thread, but the handle and weight vary. Our lace pieces use polyester, mesh, nylon and spandex in different combinations, and the finish is often sheer. Sheer lace lets skin show through and keeps the layer light; a lined area or a second layer can add coverage where you want it. Look at the description for whether the lace is the main fabric or a trim, and whether the piece is described as lightweight, stretchy or breathable.

Details matter as much as fibre. Embroidery adds texture across the cups of the Embroidered Underwire Bra, which has openwork panels, a steel-support underwire and an acrylic fabric. The Lace Stitched Backless Mesh Bralette uses lace stitching to frame a V neckline and open back, with mesh sitting close to the skin. The Lace Deep V Bodysuit combines sheer lace panels with a polyester mesh that rests lightly against the skin.

Fit features are worth reading closely. Adjustable straps and a lined gusset appear in some of our pieces; the 4-Pair Sheer Tights 20 Denier with Control Top has a cotton-lined gusset and a knitted waistband, while the Fleece-Lined Sheer-Look Tights has a brushed interior and a waist that rises about 7cm. For lace lingerie, check whether a piece is cut to sit close, whether it has stretch, and whether the back or neckline is intended to be seen. The Sheer Lace Open-Back Bodysuit is cut from polyester and sits close through the body, while the Lace Bodysuit with Open Back uses lightweight polyester with a soft drape.

How to style them

Start with the outer layer. A lace bodysuit is one of the simplest pieces to style because it can stand in for a top or sit beneath tailoring. The Lace Deep V Bodysuit can layer under a jacket or a loose shirt, or be worn on its own with high-waisted trousers. The Sheer Lace Open-Back Bodysuit slips under a jacket or a loose shirt without bulk, which makes it useful for evenings when you want a light layer.

If you want the lace to be the focal point, choose an outer layer that reveals it deliberately. The Lace Stitched Backless Mesh Bralette works under sheer shirts, open knits and loose tanks, or alone with high-waisted trousers at a warm-weather dinner. The Embroidered Lace Lingerie Set can be worn under a fluid dress or with a silk robe at the end of the day, letting the embroidered motifs lift away from the lace beneath. The Lace Suspender Nightdress Set is poised for slow evenings, with a plunging V-neck and fine suspender straps that trace the waist.

Colour changes the mood. A deep tone such as wine red, dark green or blue brings depth to an evening outfit, while white or nude keeps the line quiet under pale clothing. The Lace Two-Piece Lingerie Set comes in blue, dark green, black, white, purple, brown and wine red; the Lace Deep V Bodysuit comes in seven colourways including black, white, red, blue, purple, pink and dark green. For a softer look, the Embroidered Lace Lingerie Set comes in blue or pink.

Finish with hosiery if the outfit calls for it. The 10 Denier Sheer Tights with Seam adds a soft veil of colour and a fine three-thread seam, while the 4-Pair Sheer Tights 20 Denier with Control Top gives a smooth control top under short hemlines.

Care and storage

Always read the care label first. As general advice for lace and mesh, hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, handle gently and avoid wringing. If a label allows machine washing, use a lingerie bag and a delicate cycle. Rinse well and press water out between towels rather than twisting.

Dry lace and mesh flat, away from direct heat and sunlight, so the shape holds. For underwire bras, fasten the hooks before washing and reshape the cups while damp. For tights, roll the leg up from the foot in small sections so the fleece sits flat against the skin, then settle the waistband at your natural waist; this is the guidance given for the Fleece-Lined Sheer-Look Tights.

Store pieces folded in a drawer rather than hanging, especially bodysuits and stretch lace. Keep lace away from hooks, zips and anything with a rough edge, and use a pouch or a separate compartment if you are travelling. Rotate pieces rather than compressing them under heavy items, and let them air fully before putting them away.

Standout pieces

• Lace Deep V Bodysuit: Sheer lace panels and a deep V neckline give this bodysuit its quiet drama, and the stretch polyester mesh is cut to follow the body closely.
• Sheer Lace Open-Back Bodysuit: Sheer lace, an open back and a close polyester cut make this a light evening layer that slips under a jacket or loose shirt without bulk.
• Lace V-Neck Open Back Lingerie Set: A V-neck top and matching briefs in smooth polyester with lace trims keep the line close and clean under clothing.
• Embroidered Underwire Bra: Fine embroidery, openwork panels and a steel-support underwire shape this bra, available in wine red or skin tone.
• Lace Stitched Backless Mesh Bralette: Lace stitching frames the V neckline and open back of this mesh bralette, which works under sheer shirts or alone with high-waisted trousers.