Bra Fabric Guide

Historically, undergarments have usually been white, but as time moved forward, one could find bras available in just about every color and fabric. Today, it’s important to have some fun with your lingerie collection, especially when it comes to color and texture.

Among your collection you should own a few specialty bras in particular:

• A nude colored bra or two that will virtually disappear under white or light clothing.
• Something seamless for silky fabrics or thin clothing where bra seams would normally show through.

Many single women wear their nicest bras only when they are going out on dates. We’ll even buy new bras especially for the occasion. But you know what happens – when we put that extra effort into preparing for a special date, nothing ends up happening. However, on those days when we throw on boring, old or unwashed bras … that’s when things progress romantically!

The truth is, wearing your most breathtaking bras should not depend on the hopes that someone may see them. Pretty colors and gorgeous fabrics should be a part of your regular bra rotation schedule.

The key here is that everyday you should wear something you are proud to be seen in! Lingerie should be worn, not thrown into the back of the drawer for special occasions only.

The Lingerie Fabric Guide

To help you understand the fabrics of your lingerie items, here’s a quick summary of each.

• Cotton: Cotton is a soft white vegetable fiber from the cotton plant and consisting mainly of cellulose. Cotton comes in many forms and is extremely comfortable, absorbent, durable and machine washable. It does, however, shrink easily. When buying panties, always make sure the crotch is cotton-lined.

• Spandex: Spandex consists of man-made fibers usually of polyurethane. Pieces in your collection will be elastic, strong and shaping. Spandex provides a light stretch with flexibility in garments. It is often blended with other materials to create an overall look. Lycra is a trademarked type of spandex.

• Silk: Silk is obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm. The material is lightweight and luxurious against the body. Colors are accepted well by silk, therefore it can be found in an exceptionally large range of colors and patterns.

• Silk Knit: Silk knit is made of silk, but is woven so that it stretches and clings to the body. Silk knit is soft, drapes and is surprisingly warm on the body. It provides warmth without the bulk.

• Satin: Satin is either (1) smooth, lustrous and made of silk, or (2) a type of weave made of other fibers such as rayon or polyester. Satin feels sensual and soft on the skin. It has a glossy and rich finish.

• Rayon: Rayon is constructed of man-made fibers created from certain cotton fibers or wood chips. In French, rayon translates to “ray of light” due to its reflective look.  Rayon looks like fake silk and is often used in less expensive lingerie. It often shrinks and has bad wrinkle recovery.

• Polyester: Polyester is man-made from acids and alcohols that come from petroleum. It is very popular in lingerie because it is strong, shape-retaining, easy to care for and dries quickly. It is often combined with spandex in higher quality garments.

• Nylon: Nylon was the first man-made fabric ever created. It is made of long chains of chemicals called polyamides. Fabrics feel light like silk, but are stronger, retain shape longer, resist creasing, are mildew resistant and can be washed easily – unlike silk.

• Microfiber: Microfiber is created from manufactured filament fibers that are spun so thin one can barely feel the fabric grain. The fabric is durable, silky, thin and lightweight. Garments worn under clothing made of mircofiber are almost invisible.

• Georgette: Silk or polyester yarns, which are woven both lengthwise and crosswise, are known as georgette. It is usually sheer but is available in opaque.

• Elastic: Elastic is a stretchable fiber, tape or yarn made from synthetic or natural rubber. Elastic is usually found under another type of fabric in most lingerie, allowing garments to “give”. Items made of elastic should be air-dried.

• Chiffon: Chiffon is a sheer fabric composed of highly twisted crepe yarns. It was originally made of silk, but is now available in other fibers. It is delicate and drapes against the body.