The main materials used in lingerie and corsetry

Lingerie and corsetry rely on a subtle balance between various materials, each selected for its specific properties.

The goal: to offer comfort, support, durability, and aesthetics all at once.

NATURAL FIBERS: SOFTNESS AND BREATHABILITY

Natural materials are prized for their comfort against the skin.

• Cotton is an essential fiber: breathable, soft, and absorbent, it is ideal for daily wear.

• Silk, used in various forms (crepe, voile, chiffon), is distinguished by its lightness, fluidity, and natural luster. It brings a sense of luxury and great finesse to lingerie pieces.

SYNTHETIC FIBERS: PERFORMANCE AND INNOVATION

Synthetic fibers play a vital role in modern lingerie thanks to their technical performance.

• Polyamide, especially in microfiber, is recognized for its fineness, durability, and very soft hand-feel. It allows for the creation of “invisible” and comfortable pieces.

• Polyester, used in satin or voile, offers a smooth and shiny appearance while being easy to care for.

• Micro-modal, derived from processed natural fibers, combines softness, elasticity, and excellent breathability.

OPENWORK AND DECORATIVE MATERIALS: TRANSPARENCY AND SOPHISTICATION

These materials provide the aesthetic dimension of lingerie.

• Lace (Leavers, Textronic, Raschel…) allows for a play on transparency, patterns, and texture.

• Embroidery, particularly guipure, enriches pieces with raised or openwork designs.

• Tulle, very light and transparent, often serves as a base for embroidery or to create “second-skin” effects.

• Mesh brings a graphic and contemporary touch thanks to its openwork structure.

In a piece of lingerie, these materials are generally combined to blend their advantages: support, elasticity, lightness, and refinement.

Beyond materials, lingerie and corsetry are distinguished by specific manufacturing techniques that create unique visual and tactile effects.

Watch the video to discover the exceptional craftsmanship of Dentelle de Calais-Caudry®.

Embroidery is a textile technique that consists of ornamenting a fabric by adding patterns using threads, sometimes enriched with beads or sequins. Whether handcrafted or machine-made, it adds a decorative dimension to textiles by playing with materials, textures, and contrasts. Depending on the base fabric and the threads used, it can be subtle and discreet or, conversely, highly expressive and structured.

Thanks to a wide variety of techniques, embroidery creates numerous visual and tactile effects: relief and volume to provide texture, transparency through openwork effects or on tulle, brilliance using specific threads or ornaments, finesse for delicate motifs. It is a true creative tool, capable of transforming a fabric’s appearance and enriching its overall feel.

In lingerie and corsetry, embroidery plays an essential role that is both aesthetic and technical. It sublimates pieces with refined patterns, creating effects of lightness and transparency while maintaining comfort and flexibility. It also adds value to the product by showcasing craftsmanship and high-end finishing.

Watch the video to discover the expertise of Broderie (@Broderies Leveaux).

The richness of lingerie and corsetry also draws on a wide variety of traditional and decorative techniques.

ICONIC LACES

• Chantilly: Fine and ethereal, often featuring floral motifs.

• Alençon: A needlepoint lace with distinct raised outlines, considered very high-end.

• Bruges: A bobbin lace featuring motifs inspired by nature.

• Venice (Venetian Lace): Dense and rich in relief (texture).

• Point d’Esprit: Lightweight, punctuated by small, discreet dotted motifs.

• Irish Lace: Raised motifs assembled onto a mesh background.

TRADITIONAL EMBROIDERY

• Cornely: Raised patterns created using a specific chain-stitch machine.

• Lunéville: Artisanal embroidery using beads and sequins (often called “tambour beading”).

• Richelieu: A type of cutwork embroidery where parts of the fabric are cut away.

• Needlepoint / Needle Embroidery: A precise manual technique.

• Beauvais: Fine embroidery created using a crochet hook (tambour stitch).

• Sashiko: Geometric patterns of Japanese inspiration.

• Hardanger: Structured, geometric openwork embroidery.

• Mountmellick: Floral relief embroidery using natural white threads.