Lace briefs

Which style to choose

Laces differ a great deal: soft stretch lace sits flat against the body and does not scratch, while stiffer French lace holds its pattern better but can be felt against the skin. If your skin is sensitive, choose styles with a smooth front panel and lace only at the sides, and with a cotton gusset.

What else is worth checking

The collection holds lace briefs, Brazilian briefs and thongs, as well as styles combined with microfibre. Many of them belong to ranges that also include a matching bra - it is worth looking at the sets collection.

Washing and care

Lace needs careful washing: 30°C, a mesh bag or hand washing, no spin and no fabric conditioner. Fasten bras before washing so the hooks do not catch on the lace. Orders over PLN 199 ship free, returns within 60 days.

What to look out for

People buy lace knickers for two reasons: for the look, and because well-chosen lace does not show under clothes the way the edge of a cotton brief does. Different styles serve those two aims, though, so it pays to know what to look for.

For wearing under close-fitting clothes, stretch lace with a flat, unhemmed edge or laser-cut seamless knickers work best. Heavy jacquard patterns look striking, but under a fine fabric they create visible relief. If you want an invisible result, choose finely woven lace and a colour close to your skin tone.

The styles are exactly the same as in cotton: full briefs, bikini briefs, Brazilian briefs, thongs, hipster briefs and high-waisted styles. The difference is the stretch - stretch lace forgives half a size, rigid lace does not. Narrow, tightly pulled leg elastics dig in easily, so styles in which the lace itself forms the edge are the better choice.

What to watch out for? Check whether a cotton gusset is sewn in - it is standard in good lace knickers and a matter of hygiene, not just comfort. Look at the side seams: bonded or flatlocked ones are less noticeable than ordinary overlocked ones.

Wash lace in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle, without conditioner, which weakens the elastane fibres that give it its stretch. Dried flat, it keeps its shape far longer than when hung from one side on a line.