Lingerie: Fabrics, Fit and Looking After It

FASHION · GLOBAL

Lingerie: Fabrics, Fit and Looking After It

Sheer and delicate fabrics, sizing, what shortens their life and washing

Lingerie is bought for how it looks and lasts according to how it is washed, and the fabrics involved are among the most delicate in a wardrobe.

The fabrics

Mesh and tulle are sheer and snag easily. Lace varies enormously — stretch lace moves with the body, rigid lace holds a shape and marks. Satin shows every pull and is smooth against skin.

Check the elastane content, since that is what provides recovery and is also the first thing to degrade.

Fit still applies

Around eighty percent of support comes from the band, whatever the style. Fasten a new bra on the loosest hook so there is room to tighten as the elastic stretches.

Sheer and unlined styles show the shape rather than creating one, which is why sizing matters more rather than less. Check the wire sits flat against the ribcage with nothing spilling at the top or side.

What shortens its life

Heat above all — tumble drying destroys elastane faster than anything. Then friction against zips and hooks in a machine, and wearing the same piece repeatedly without letting the elastic recover.

Deodorant, body oil and perfume all degrade fabric, so apply and let dry before dressing.

Washing

Hand wash cool in a mild detergent, or a delicates cycle in a mesh bag with hooks fastened. Never wring — press water out and dry flat away from direct heat and sunlight.

Skip fabric softener, which coats fibres and reduces stretch recovery.

Rotation

Elastic needs a day to recover, so rotating between several pieces makes all of them last considerably longer than wearing one repeatedly.

Getting fitted

Most people are wearing the wrong size, and sizes change with weight, age and pregnancy. A proper fitting takes minutes and costs nothing in most shops.

Check the fit again if a bra rides up at the back, digs into the shoulders or the wire sits on breast tissue.

Buying online

Work from measurements rather than the size you usually wear, since sizing varies enormously between brands and between styles within one brand.

Sizing between styles

Balconette, plunge, full cup and bralette styles all fit differently in the same nominal size, and sheer unlined styles have no structure to compensate. Expect to try more than one.

Sister sizing — going down a band and up a cup, or the reverse — keeps roughly the same volume and is useful when a size is unavailable.

Storage

Lay moulded cups flat rather than folding one into the other, which permanently creases the foam.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop Bluebella? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop Bluebella — official site

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