Lingerie is more than underwear and bras. Women’s lingerie consists of various pieces with different functions. Ranging from lace underwear to underwired bras and satin bodices, there are several options for women to choose from. Each lingerie piece also comes in a range of fabrics like jersey, organza, lace and more. The different fabrics each have a unique feel and function. While women may have sufficient knowledge of the different lingerie types, knowing about the available materials will help them make more informed choices.
THE FABRICS THAT SHAPE LINGERIE
Lingerie fabrics should be soft and breathable yet invisible on the outside. Additionally, the fabric must be absorbent to ensure optimal hygiene.
Satin
Satin is a favourite amongst women’s lingerie, as it offers all the characteristics women look for in their lingerie. The fabric is smooth against the skin, breathable, and malleable into any lingerie design. An array of lingerie is available in satin ranging from bras and underwear to camisoles, chemises, thongs, etc. The fabric comes in different colours and prints, allowing for an infinite range of styles and themes.
Lace
Lace underwear is probably the most well-known type of lingerie, thanks to the media. Lace has a certain sensuality about it; the mesh-like fabric with chic designs instantly attracts. Lace as a fabric also offers comfort and breathability, though it is better suited as an additional layer. Lace is generally an embellishing layer on most lingerie, adding a flowery vibe to the piece. Lace lingerie comes with an additional fabric that completes the piece, as lace by itself cannot offer much support.
Impression Silk
Silk lingeries are generally expensive and thought of as couture. Impression silk is a silk-like fabric that offers the same characteristics at much lesser costs. Lingerie from this fabric is light and soft against the skin. The fabric is also breathable and absorbent, providing optimal comfort. The material has a silk-like sheen for added appeal and comes in a variety of prints and patterns. It is also translucent and cool to the touch, allowing for ventilation and hygiene.
Cotton and Satin Blend
This fabric is 100% natural and offers maximum breathability. The blend of cotton and satin makes for a soft, sheer and shiny material that is lightweight and invisible on the outside. This fabric is also cool to the touch, allowing for maximum ventilation while providing coverage. This fabric is a prime option for camis, panties, corsets, rompers and chemises.
Jersey
Jersey fabrics are probably the most bought underwear fabric for their affordable costs. The fabric is soft and comfortable and comes in a variety of prints and colours. The fabric also offers ample support making it the right choice for bras, corsets, bodices and the like. They are a stretchy fabric like lycra but provide more breathability. The fabric also dries quickly and is efficient while working out or performing other strenuous activities.
Organza
Organza is a translucent and sheer fabric, generally used as an embellishment or overlay. The fabric is soft against the skin while maintaining its shape. Organza is perfect for any lingerie piece, as it is light and breathable while offering minimal support. The unique feature is it has sparkles in it. The sheer fabric catches the light aesthetically. The sparkles add an ethereal glow to the piece, making this an all-rounded favourite.
Lingerie is perhaps the most significant part of a woman’s wardrobe, for it dictates the outfit’s comfort level. Lace underwear, satin bras, cotton chemises and camis, women own at least one of each in their closet. Intimate knowledge of these fabrics will help them choose their lingerie more carefully.
