Lingerie Fabrics & Materials Guide
The fabric of your lingerie determines how it feels, fits, and lasts. This guide covers every major lingerie material so you can make informed choices about what touches your skin.
Lingerie Fabrics at a Glance
Lace
Feel: Textured, delicate
Stretch: Low-medium (with elastane blend)
Breathability: High
Durability: Medium
Best for: Lingerie sets, bralettes, special occasions
The signature lingerie fabric. Quality varies hugely - premium lace is soft with intricate patterns; cheap lace is scratchy and stiff.
Silk
Feel: Smooth, cool, luxurious
Stretch: Very low
Breathability: High
Durability: Low
Best for: Chemises, robes, camisoles
The most luxurious natural fabric. Temperature-regulating, hypoallergenic, and gorgeous - but requires careful hand-washing.
Satin
Feel: Smooth, glossy, silky
Stretch: Low-medium
Breathability: Medium
Durability: Medium
Best for: Lingerie sets, babydolls, robes
Often made from polyester, giving the look and feel of silk at a lower price. More durable than real silk.
Mesh
Feel: Sheer, lightweight
Stretch: High
Breathability: Very high
Durability: Medium-high
Best for: Bras, bodysuits, panel details
Semi-transparent and very stretchy. Moulds to curves beautifully and breathes well for all-day wear.
Cotton
Feel: Soft, natural, breathable
Stretch: Low (medium with elastane)
Breathability: Very high
Durability: High
Best for: Everyday panties, bralettes, sleep sets
The most comfortable and durable everyday fabric. Absorbs moisture rather than wicking it, so less ideal for sports.
Microfibre
Feel: Silky-smooth, lightweight
Stretch: High
Breathability: High
Durability: High
Best for: Everyday bras, panties, sports bras
Synthetic fabric with a buttery-soft hand feel. Excellent stretch recovery and moisture-wicking. The go-to for performance lingerie.
Modal / Bamboo
Feel: Ultra-soft, drapey
Stretch: Medium
Breathability: Very high
Durability: Medium-high
Best for: Loungewear, sleep sets, everyday panties
Made from beechwood or bamboo pulp. 50% more absorbent than cotton and naturally antibacterial. Eco-friendly option.
Velvet
Feel: Plush, warm, tactile
Stretch: Medium
Breathability: Low
Durability: Medium
Best for: Bodysuits, bralettes, winter lingerie
A luxurious statement fabric. Works beautifully for cold-weather lingerie but can feel warm in summer.
Quality fabrics across our plus size lingerie & swimwear
How to Choose the Right Fabric
For everyday wear: Microfibre, cotton, or modal. These are soft, breathable, and durable enough for daily wash cycles.
For special occasions: Lace, silk, or satin. These look and feel luxurious but require gentler care.
For active days: Moisture-wicking nylon-spandex blends with mesh panels. See our sports bra guide.
For sensitive skin: Organic cotton or bamboo modal. Avoid synthetic fabrics and look for OEKO-TEX certified materials.
For care instructions by fabric type, see our lingerie care guide.
Feel the Difference
Our lingerie is crafted from premium fabrics designed for plus size comfort and beauty.
Shop the CollectionFabric FAQ
What is the most comfortable lingerie fabric for everyday wear?
Modal and microfibre are the most comfortable fabrics for everyday lingerie. Both are incredibly soft against the skin, breathable, and moisture-wicking. For plus size women, microfibre is especially good because it stretches to fit without losing shape. Cotton is also comfortable but less stretchy.
Is lace comfortable for plus size lingerie?
Modern lace can be very comfortable for plus size lingerie, especially when it has stretch (look for lace blended with elastane or spandex). Non-stretch lace can feel rigid and restrictive. The key is quality - cheap lace tends to be scratchy, while premium lace feels soft and supple against the skin.
What lingerie fabric is best for sensitive skin?
Organic cotton and bamboo-derived modal are the best options for sensitive skin. They are hypoallergenic, free of harsh chemical treatments, breathable, and gentle against irritation-prone skin. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon if you have very sensitive skin, as they can trap heat and moisture.
What fabric is best for a plus size sports bra?
A nylon-spandex blend (also called nylon-elastane) is the best fabric for plus size sports bras. It wicks moisture, stretches in all directions for freedom of movement, recovers its shape after stretching, and dries quickly. Look for mesh panels in high-sweat zones for extra breathability.
How can I tell if a lingerie fabric is good quality?
Quality fabric feels consistent in texture, stretches evenly and returns to shape when released, and does not pill or snag easily. Check the weight: cheap lingerie often uses thin, see-through fabric to cut costs. Good lace has intricate patterns without rough edges. Good elastic snaps back rather than staying stretched.