Everything You Need to Know About Lace Bras

If you’ve not made the jump over to lace bras yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. They’re amazingly soft, super supportive and give you a great shape under clothes, whatever your breast shape or size. 

Far from the stiff, scratchy lace you might remember older generations wearing, modern lace bras use a soft stretch lace over a supportive backing fabric, so you can enjoy the feminine look of a dainty fabric, without sacrificing the structural stuff.

Lace bras have a bunch of other benefits too, but let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room…

Aren’t lace bras uncomfortable?

No they’re not, not quality ones anyway. 

The lace bras many women picture fall into one of two camps - the matronly, scratchy type, or the flimsy designer type. Lace bras like those we stock at Rose & Thorne are in a completely different category. 

Lace is essentially the fabric choice, not the engineering. So a lace bra built on solid fundamentals feels no different to wear than a plain one; it just looks prettier doing it. A lot of that comfort actually comes down to the band, which is designed to stretch and move with you rather than sit rigid. 

We explain how it works in Forgiving Fit for Perfectly Fit Bras.

Does lace mean less support?

Lace bras being unsupportive is a huge myth, and one of the reasons it takes many women so long to try one for themselves. Where the confusion comes from is that a lot of the dainty lace bras you come across are made for decoration, not practicality. There’s a time and a place for them, but they’re not what you want for daily wear. 

Ours look pretty, but have a lot going on behind the scenes. They’ve got a good band, well-constructed cups, and (if it's a wired style) the right-sized wire to hold and project the breast tissue. 

One of the easiest ways to tell how supportive a lace bra is is to look at how well it lifts the boobs. With arms down (so your pectoral muscles aren’t lifting your breasts), check if you can see the band underneath the cups. If the cups hang down over the band, they’re not providing enough support, and you’ll end up feeling it in your back and shoulders.

You'll find the same level of structure and support across our full range of lace bras, from our everyday styles through to plus size.

Will my lace bra show through my clothes?

This is the other big hesitation, and it's mostly outdated. Older, stiffer lace really did show every seam and edge under close-fit clothing. Modern flat stretch lace sits much more smoothly against the body, and it also has a much finer edge than other fabrics, so it gives a seamless finish. For that reason, a well-fitting lace bra will always look cleaner under clothes than a moulded bra that's gaping or riding up in the wrong spot.

If show-through is still a concern, your colour choice makes a bigger difference than the lace itself. Nude or a shade close to your skin tone all but disappears under light or sheer fabrics, while red lace is a well-kept secret for under crisp white shirts and summer dresses. 

Learn more by reading What Colour Bra To Wear Under A White Shirt.

What about colour, though?

Once you're past the "will it show" question, lace is one of the easiest ways to have a bit of fun with your lingerie drawer. A classic white or black lace bra is the obvious staple, but why not branch out?

Blue lace is a softer way to break up an all-neutral drawer, pink lace ranges from barely-there subtle to full statement piece depending on the shade, and if you're after something bolder, orange lace is a great way to stand out for all the right reasons. 

Choose whatever makes the day feel a little brighter when you open your drawer.

Who is lace actually good for?

Hear us when we say this, lace bras are good for everyone. Our lace bras come in the same sizes as the rest of our range, from C cup right through to K cup, so it's not something you age out of or size out of.

They’re particularly good if you find moulded or heavily padded bras aren't working for you anymore. As breast shape changes over time, fabric and lace cups tend to be more forgiving than a rigid moulded cup, adapting to you instead of highlighting every shift. 

Learn more about this in Why Lace Bras Are Better Than Padded Bras for Mature Breasts.

How do I look after a lace bra?

Lace is a little more delicate than cotton, so while you can still throw it in the washing machine, there are a few tips to take on board to keep it looking (and feeling) its best:

• Wash warm, not cold

• Skip the tumble dryer 

• Air dry flat or out of direct sun

For the full rundown, take a look at The Ultimate Guide to Bra Care, which covers washing, drying, and storage for every fabric type, not just lace.

It's time to treat yourself

Once you’ve found the style and size of bra that works for you, you’ll never face the bra struggle again. We’re regularly adding new colourways in all your favourite styles, and make it easy to find a coordinating lingerie set by releasing matching lace briefs at the same time.

Not sure which size or shape to start with? Run your numbers through our bra size calculator before you shop, or book an online fitting with our bra gurus.  

FAQ: Lace Bras

Are lace bras as supportive as plain bras? 

Yes, when they're built the same way underneath. Support comes from the band, cup construction, and wire (if wired).

Do lace bras show through clothing? 

Less than you'd think. A well-fitted lace bra in the right colour (nude or red) typically shows less than a poorly fitted moulded bra.

Can you wear lace bras every day, or are they just for special occasions? 

They may feel more luxurious than your ordinary bras, but Rose & Thorne lace bras are made for daily wear.