Fabric decides how a piece reads before anyone sees the detail: lace shows pattern, mesh stays light, satin catches the light.
Most pieces in the index are built from three families of fabric: lace, mesh and satin. Each behaves differently against the body, and each needs a different kind of care.
Lace
Lace is a patterned fabric with open areas worked into the structure. Stretch lace is soft and forgiving; rigid lace holds a shape but has less give. Lace trims can feel scratchy at first, especially at the underband or leg opening. A cool hand wash and a short line dry usually softens them.
Look at the edge finish: a scalloped edge sits flat, while a straight-cut edge can roll. If a lace piece feels tight across the band, go up a size rather than expecting it to stretch out.
Mesh
Mesh is a fine, open fabric, usually with elastane for stretch. It is light and cool, and it shows the line of whatever is underneath. Power mesh is denser and is used for shaping panels; soft mesh is used for sleeves, panels and full slips.
Mesh snags on jewellery, zips and rough nails. Put the piece on after jewellery, and keep it away from Velcro. Small pulls can be eased back with a blunt needle, but do not cut them.
Satin
Satin is a weave, not a fibre. It has a smooth face and a matte back, which is why it catches light. Polyester satin is durable and holds colour well; silk satin is softer and more delicate. Satin slips and robes skim the body rather than compressing it.
Wash satin inside out, on cool, with a mild detergent. Do not wring it. Hang it on a padded hanger or dry it flat away from direct heat.
Fabrics at a glance
| Fabric | Feel | Care |
|---|---|---|
| Lace | Patterned, holds shape | Hand wash cool, dry flat |
| Mesh | Light, sheer, stretchy | Mesh bag, no hooks |
| Satin | Smooth, drapes | Cool wash, inside out |
Elastane and stretch
Most fitted pieces contain a small amount of elastane. Heat is what wears it out: hot washes, tumble dryers and radiators. Cool water and air drying keep the stretch alive for longer.
The short care rules
- Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, or use a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cycle.
- Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
- Do not tumble dry lace, mesh or hosiery.
- Store flat or folded, not on a wire hanger, and keep away from rough fasteners.
- Treat hosiery as the most delicate item in the wash: separate bag, no hooks, no zips.
If a piece has a hygiene seal, leave it in place until you have tried the fit. Returns need the seal intact.
“Heat is what wears elastane out — not the number of wears.”
The chart
The measurements behind this guide.
XS–4XL, centimetres or inches, with a three-measurement size finder. One chart across the whole site.
Still unsure?
Send us your measurements.
Tell us the piece you are considering. We will compare your numbers with the actual stock and tell you where we would start.
Decision tree
If you want…
| If you want… | Choose | |
|---|---|---|
| structure | Lace | Shop |
| stretch | Mesh | Shop |
| drape | Satin | Shop |
FAQ
Common questions
What is the difference between lace and mesh?
Lace is a patterned fabric with open areas worked into the structure. Mesh is a fine, open fabric, usually with stretch. Soft mesh drapes; power mesh is denser and used for shaping.
Is satin a fibre?
No. Satin is a weave with a smooth face and a matte back. It can be made from polyester or silk, and the fibre determines how soft and delicate it feels.
How should I wash lace and mesh?
Hand wash cool with a mild detergent, or use a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cycle. Do not bleach, do not tumble dry, and dry flat away from direct heat.
