Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Lingerie lace is chosen mainly for stretch, softness to the touch and width. For the edges of thongs, briefs and bras a soft stretch lace of polyamide with elastane is used, 1 to 5 cm wide, while bra cups and bodysuit fronts use wide two-way stretch lace. The lace must return to shape after stretching and must not irritate the skin.
Why the choice of lingerie lace matters
In lingerie, lace is not just decoration. It is in direct contact with the skin, carries the seams at the edge and must stretch with every movement. The wrong lace leads to complaints: an edge that "cuts in", leg openings that stretch out after a few washes, a rough feel or faded colours. For brands, lingerie is a category in which the customer judges quality at first touch.
Stretch or rigid lingerie lace
| Detail | Type of lace | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Leg openings and waist of briefs, thongs | stretch lace trim | follows movement, does not stretch out permanently |
| Bralette cups | two-way stretch | fits without puckering |
| Underwired bra cups | stretch or rigid over a lining | the shape is held by the construction |
| Bodysuit front panels | wide two-way stretch | hugs the body |
| Decorative inserts in nightdresses | rigid or stretch | loose cut |
Rigid lace in lingerie is used only where the detail does not stretch – for example over a stable lining or in loose nightdresses and slips.
Lace width for different types of lingerie
- Thongs – narrow trims of about 1 to 3 cm for the leg openings and waist; on styles with a lace waistband up to 10 cm or more.
- Briefs and Brazilians – 2–5 cm at the leg openings, wider at the waist.
- High-waisted knickers – wide lace of 10–20 cm for the whole front or back panel.
- Bras – a narrow trim along the top edge of the cups; wide lace for the cups themselves.
- Bodysuits – wide or full-width lace for panels, trims for the edges.
How to check the quality of lingerie lace
- Softness – run the lace along the inside of your wrist. If it scratches, it will irritate when worn too.
- Stretch and recovery – stretch and release it several times. Good lace returns to its original length.
- Straight edge – it must be dense enough to hold the zigzag stitch, but not stiff.
- Scalloped edge – the tips of the scallops must not be sharp or have protruding threads.
- Colour – check dark and saturated laces for colour fastness to wet rubbing.
Composition of lingerie lace
- Polyamide + elastane – the most popular choice: soft, smooth, light and quick-drying.
- Polyester + elastane – more light-resistant and more economical, with a slightly firmer hand.
- Cotton or cotton blends – for nightdresses, pyjamas and natural-style lingerie; less stretchy.
- Viscose – a soft sheen and pleasant feel in some luxury laces.
The composition of the lace is reflected on the composition label of the finished product under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011 when the lace is a significant part of the product.
Colours and coordination
The classic lingerie colours are black, white, ivory and nude tones in various shades. Fashion collections use saturated and pastel colours. For sets – bra and briefs – it is important that the lace comes from one batch so the shade is consistent. The lace must also match the main jersey, the straps and the elastics. That is why, when planning a collection, order the lace together with the knitted elastic for the edges and the fastenings.
Trims that go with the lace
- elastics for the bra band, straps and waist;
- rings and sliders for adjusting the straps;
- wire hooks and eyes for fastening bras and bodysuits;
- satin bows for decorative accents.
Common mistakes when choosing lingerie lace
- Choosing on looks alone – beautiful but stiff lace irritates the skin and leads to returns.
- Too narrow a straight edge – the zigzag stitch has nothing to grip and the lace separates from the edge.
- Different stretch in the lace and the jersey – the edge puckers or "waves".
- Lace and elastic from different deliveries – the shades do not match in the set.
- Skipping a wash test – dark lace can stain the light main fabric.
How to plan lace for a collection
Start with samples of several options and test them on a prototype, not just by hand. Wear the prototype, wash it several times and assess the recovery of the edges. Then fix the article, colour and widths in the tech pack and order the total quantity for the series, calculated by size.
Caring for lace lingerie
Lace lingerie lasts longest when hand-washed or washed in a mesh bag on a delicate programme at 30 °C, without bleach or tumble drying. Underwired bras should not be machine-washed without a bag. These recommendations should be reflected in the care symbols on the label.
Lingerie lace from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of garment haberdashery from Sofia with over 30 years of experience. Our lace category includes stretch lace trims and wide laces for lingerie in various widths and colours, as well as matching elastics and fastenings. We work with lingerie manufacturers across the EU and send samples quickly. Minimum quantities depend on the article – send an inquiry.
