Lingerie comes in many shapes and sizes and, yes, fabrics. Every fabric excels at something different, so depending on the aspect that is most important to you, you’ll want to be aware of all the options. Cotton is an excellent everyday fabric, but it’s not super sexy or luxurious. Silk is extremely sensual, but is it worth ruining with daily wear? Lace is the hottest fabric for nighttime lingerie, but not the best to exercise in, while micro and mesh win that category, hands down. What are you looking for? How do your priorities rank? And how does that influence your lingerie choices? This is your ultimate guide to lingerie fabrics.
Silk Lingerie
Silk wins for the luxurious way it feels, hands down. The feeling is almost indescribable: soft and smooth, and indulgent. Being dressed in silk lingerie feels like getting pampered. And every woman deserves that small luxury. The sensuality of silk comes from the tactile quality, but it also happens to really flatter and enhance curves. And who isn’t interested in touchable curves?
How to style it: Silk has had a big resurgence in recent years, as people are becoming more interested in luxury fabrics again. A simple silk cami can be worn day to day, even to work, under a blazer, if it’s not overly revealing. Remember the 90s? All the coolest girls wore their silk slips as day dresses with fishnets, boots, and leather jackets.
Best worn: While silk naturally lends itself to special occasions, it can also elevate your everyday routine. A silk slip, cami, or robe brings a sense of luxury to even the simplest moments.
Lace Lingerie
The fabric most people think about when they say lingerie, lace is exceptionally sexy and sensual. Paradoxically, it’s sexier when some things are left to the imagination, and that’s exactly why lace lingerie works so well. It’s partially sheer, offering coverage while still creating an alluring, barely-there effect that leaves something to the imagination.
How to style it: While people primarily associate it with the bedroom, lace lingerie can be successfully styled for daytime, or at least for nighttime in public. A lace bodysuit with jeans and a white button-up shirt over it pretty much dresses down even the sexiest piece. A dress over a lace bralette can give just a hint of playful sexiness, while still being perfectly appropriate for daytime wear. A lace dress can be a great beach cover-up, because it’s breathable.
Best worn: While it can be styled up or down, lace is still at its most powerful in private, in the bedroom.
Mesh Lingerie
With a lot of the same characteristics as lace, mesh lingerie is like its more casual cousin. It still brings the sexy factor because it’s mostly sheer, so everything important is on show, if you decide to show it. But it’s a step down in terms of formality and elegance. Sportier, less serious, it reads younger and more suitable for daytime.
How to style it: Mesh has actually been incredibly popular, particularly with athleisure. Cute little gym sets have mesh panels on the sides, on the back, or in the cleavage area. A mesh bra partially visible underneath a tank top is perfectly acceptable. It’s a hint of sensuality, but still appropriate for daytime, and it comes in lots of fun colors.
Best worn: Mesh is a great option for sexy daytime, but it’s also good for nighttime for the girl who doesn’t take herself too seriously. If lace says Femme Fatale, mesh says Girl Next Door. Still sexy, just a different genre.
Micro Lingerie
The sportiest of fabrics, micro lingerie is great for performance. Not just in terms of athletics, but in terms of aesthetics, as well. Of all the materials and styles we’re talking about today, this is the best for hiding or even completely eliminating the dreaded VPL (Visible Panty Lines). Perfectly smooth, micro is the fabric of choice when you have a big day or night and have to look impeccable.
How to style it: If you have it on show, micro lingerie is still perfectly presentable and can complement an outfit. The color palette tends to be limited to neutral colors, since it’s not meant specifically to be worn by itself.
Best worn: Micro is a great supporting fabric. By that, we mean it’s the scaffolding underneath your clothes, if you will. It smooths out your outfit and makes you look incredible.
Cotton Lingerie
Another foundational category of lingerie, cotton bras and panties are the go-to for everyday wear for lots of women. Probably the least traditionally sexy on our list, but it’s still hot in an ultra casual, undone kind of way. Without a doubt, the most comfortable material for everyday wear, cotton is natural and moves with you. Not a huge variety of colors here, since it’s meant for practical everyday use and not for entertaining.
How to style it: Cotton can still work for casual, everyday looks. A cotton cami or tank with a pair of shorts is an absolutely classic look that’s flattering on everyone. Throw a leather jacket on top with your favorite jeans, and you’ve got an instant model-off-duty outfit.
Best worn: Cotton is your best choice for everyday wear, because it’s comfortable, natural, breathable, and flexible.
Choose Your Fighter
No fabric can do it all, and that’s ok - the collection at Gooseberry Intimates is extensive, and there’s plenty to choose from. Do you want something super sexy to entice a special someone? Lace or silk is your best pick, hands down. If you’re an intense gym goer, then you won’t do better than a nice set in our performance micro fabric. For everyday comfort, simple, high-quality cotton lingerie simply cannot be beat, but if you want something a little sexier, mesh is a fantastic option. Choose your fighter and enjoy knowing you’ve picked the absolute best fabric for the job.