If you open up your lingerie drawer, you’ll likely see a collection of colorful lace (and maybe a bit of cotton and satin, too). Though honestly, it’s often the lacy panty that becomes a swoon-worthy staple, effortlessly balancing reliable comfort with a bit of that effortless sexiness. But have you ever considered how the beloved fabric is made, or moreover, what is lace made of?
What Is Lace & How Is Lace Made?
In short, lace is best described as a delicate, semi-sheer fabric made up of carefully woven patterns. Its origin can be traced back to the late 15th century in Europe (chiefly Italy), though it’s safe to say the fabric has been perfected – and strengthened – over the years, becoming more than just an intricate ornamental piece.
The Raw Materials Behind Lace
Not all lace is made of the same materials – and while the fabric is historically woven with linen, silk, and sometimes threads of luxe things like gold, modern lace creations are often made up of cotton, nylon, polyester, rayon, and spandex (or a custom blend featuring more than one material).
When it comes to Signature Lace® in particular – Hanky Panky’s cult-adored fabric that has celebs like Dua Lipa hooked – it’s made of our very own nylon lace and is knitted, dyed, and finished before being wrapped up and sent to you.
Handmade Lace vs. Machine-Made Lace
These days, almost all lace is made thanks to the help of a machine – especially when it comes to major brands that are mass produced. The machines are controlled by smart tech, and in turn, can create some of the most intricately designed (and even history-inspired) finished fabrics.
Handmade lace still exists, with all its perfect imperfections, though it’s not practical on a larger scale.
Aside from how lace is made, there are different types of lace, too.
Chantilly Lace
Both machine and handmade, chantilly lace is a delicate, ultra-fine lace with finished edges that’s known for adding a romantic touch to the fanciest of garments (lingerie included). Traditionally, strips of chantilly lace aren’t stretchy, though depending on the materials woven in, it can have a bit of stretch.
Stretch Lace
Stretch lace is a fashionable fave – especially in the world of lingerie – because it has truly put smooth comfort (and impeccable design) at the forefront. More often than not, it’s made of nylon, polyester, spandex, or a custom blend of multiple stretchy materials.
Floral Lace
A common iteration of the much-loved stretch lace, floral lace is exactly as it sounds: intricate lacy designs with flower, leaf, vine, and nature-inspired motifs. Hello, panties that embody the undying beauty of roses.
Mesh Lace
Mesh lace describes a breathable mesh fabric foundation that’s either adorned with woven lace designs, or ornamental beadwork, sequins, and the like. Often, the finished fabric is used on more formal garments, like a bride’s veil or a shimmering beaded gown.
What Makes Lace Good For Underwear?
When it comes to panties that feature both practicality and glamour, lace undoubtedly reigns as the supreme choice – and for more reasons than one.
Comfort & Breathability
Modern lace fabrics are known for being incredibly comfortable, effortlessly conforming to your unique body shape with its unmatched stretch. And given the adored fabric’s skin-baring design, it’s also naturally breathable. Win win.
Structure vs. Softness
If properly cared for (note: our best practices can be found here), lace can keep its structure for years and years to come. And though lace fabrics are durable, they can be impossibly butter-soft, too – especially at Hanky Panky. In other words? It’s truly the ideal fabric for everyday lingerie that takes you from calm mornings to mischievous nights.
Hanky Panky's Lace: How It's Made
As soon as you try Hanky Panky’s range of lingerie, you’ll see just how high we’ve raised the bar in the industry – and our lace fabrics in particular will make you a convert for life. Fair warning.
Here’s how our lace-based fave is made.
What Is Signature Lace®?
If you happen to be new to the brand, Signature Lace® is the easiest intro to what we’re all about: comfy, empowering lingerie with a love for women in mind.
The best-selling fabric is made of copyrighted 100% nylon lace for the ultimate curve-hugging stretch, durability, and comfort. It will never, ever uncomfortably cut into your skin, instead moving with your body for a barely-there, yet softly supported feel.
Give Yourself A Lacy Lingerie Refresh
Lace has come a long way since 15th century Italy… Try our most-loved lacy pieces, from the perfect low rise thong to the essential see-through cami and beyond.