You might not think it, but underwear has its own trends and fashion cycles, just like regular clothing. Whether it’s fabrics, cuts or colours, there is always an in season item that’s favoured by those who like to keep up with the trends. And this season, the focus is on fabric. Mainly, on satin and lace – two incredibly popular fabrics used in making bras, underwear and lingerie for years. So today we wanted to take a closer look at both, and why they’re so popular as we head into summer.
What Is Satin?
Satin is one of those fabrics that’s been around in the lingerie world for a long time, and you’ve likely owned one or two satin garments over the years. But there is some confusion over satin vs silk, as the two are often used completely interchangeably when in reality they are two very different things. So let’s clear that up:
- Silk is the name of the fibre the fabric is made from. It’s created by silkworms, and there are a few different forms it can come in. Each one has its own characteristics which makes it good for specific uses. For example, silk chiffon is light, airy and sheer- so is often used as an overlay on evening gowns to give it a floaty appearance – while silk dupion is heavy and opaque, and is often used in interior design fabrics like curtains.
- Satin Is the name of a weave style. Satin can be made from all sorts of different fibres depending on the end effect you’re going for, but more popular fibres include silk, polyester or nylon, which can all be blended with elastane to give it some stretch. The weave means the material is smooth and soft to the touch, with that luminous sheen that we all love and a lightweight feel. In other words, perfect for lingerie!
What Is Lace?
You might think of lace as just a ‘trim’, but in fact it’s a fabric class all of its own. It’s typically made from cotton (though in the past linen, silk, gold and silver threat were all popular) that’s looped, twisted or braided to other threads, creating a pattern that stands on its own. So there is no backing material holding it in place. This lace can then be sewn into other fabrics as an embellishment, or fashioned into a piece on its own. There are many different types of lace, including needle lace, bobbin lace, cutwork, tape lace, crocheted lace and even knitted lace, all names for the method used to fashion them.
Lace underwear is simply underwear made of lace fabric, or using lace as the main feature. For example, lace bras will usually have cotton sheath to form the shape and hold any wiring, and lace will be added on top to give the finish. In lace underwear, it’s either a similar top layer, or it makes up the vast majority of the garment, with a cotton gusset attached for function. It’s always been one of the more popular fabric choices for lingerie, so it’s no surprise that it’s taking the top spot again this season!
Why Choose Satin Underwear?
Satin is one of those fabrics that can make you feel glamorous on even the worst of days. It’s smooth and luscious to the touch, so if you’re a very tactile person, it’s ideal. It’s also the best choice if you struggle to feel comfortable in other types of underwear, as its hypoallergenic and soft, so unlikely to irritate your skin. it’s also so comfortable! The fabric can move easily with you so you can forget you’re even wearing it. And because satin underwear is so smooth, it doesn’t leave lines under your clothes, and is more breathable than most fabrics.
There’s a hidden advantage as well, which you might well have experienced with satin underwear even if you didn’t realise it at the time. Satins made with silk fibres (which are the most common) are incredibly good at wicking and holding moisture. This means satin underwear will pull any moisture away from your skin, and it can hold 40% of its weight in moisture before you even start to feel slightly wet. This is one of the main reasons satin underwear is so popular in the summer months, as it helps keep you feeling fresh all day!
Why Is Lace Underwear So Popular?
When it comes to fabrics, there aren’t many that beat lace. It exudes romance, subtlety, and intrigue, with a vintage yet timeless feel to it. It’s been a staple of the lingerie world for decades, and it can be found absolutely everywhere you look. Whether it’s a supermarket bra or a high-end babydoll set, lace detailing will feature somewhere. There’s also a huge variety of patterns to choose from, including Chantilly lace, Calais lace and even scalloped trim, there’s a lace to suit every taste.
One of the main reasons it’s stood the test of time and become a firm favourite is the fact that it can add a touch of elegance to whatever you’re wearing. Lace knickers are a firm favourite because they combine softness and comfort with sexiness and glamour. On a more practical side, lace provides sheer coverage, feels soft against the skin and disappears completely under clothes, leaving a smooth surface with no lines or wrinkles.
So that, in a nutshell, is why lace and satin are so popular, and why we think you’ll see more of the, in the shops in the coming months. We also have a wide range of lace and satin products you can browse through if you’re looking to try out a new style, or just shop for your old favourites. Ultimately, whatever makes you feel confident and sexy!
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