Lace lingerie

Which style to choose

The type of lace changes the character of the piece. Stretch lace with added elastane moulds to the body, feels soft and forgives a small sizing error. Firmer lace holds its pattern and looks better in decorative styles, but it needs a more precise fit and can make itself felt over a long day.

What to look out for

For sensitive skin, choose styles where the lace sits only on the outer layer with a smooth lining next to the body, and always with a cotton gusset.

Delivery and returns

Lace tolerates neither high temperatures nor rough company in the drum: wash at 30 degrees in a mesh bag, with no spin, and dry flat. Fasten the hooks before washing. Dispatch in 1-2 working days, free delivery over PLN 199, 14-day returns.

Choosing and fit

Lace does two jobs at once: it decorates and - when well chosen - it disappears under clothing. That is why lace lingerie can be both a set for a special evening and the most practical choice under a close-fitting dress, where the edge of a cotton brief would leave a clear line.

It is worth understanding the differences between types of lace. Stretch lace adapts to the body and forgives small differences in size, so it is the best choice for everyday wear. Rigid jacquard lace holds its shape and gives cups a defined form, but it is less forgiving when your weight fluctuates. Chantilly-type laces are fine and decorative, though more delicate in the wash. Seamless finishes - bonded or laser-cut - are a category of their own, used in knickers meant to be invisible under clothing.

What should you watch for when buying? Check that the lace at the leg opening or along the top edge of the cup is not too narrow - a narrow, tightly gathered finish digs into the skin and creates a ridge. In bras, look at how the cup is lined: lace backed with mesh scratches less and holds its shape better. If your skin reacts to synthetics, look for styles with a cotton gusset.

Care decides how many seasons a set like this will last. Wash lace by hand or in a mesh bag on a delicate programme at a low temperature, without bleach or fabric softener - softener weakens the elastane in the fibres. Drying flat, away from radiators, keeps the cups from losing their shape.