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The mystique of lace has captured human imagination since the Renaissance. While it was initially reserved for rare linen, silk, gold, or silver threads, it gradually came to be made using more common cotton thread. But that did not diminish the special quality designated to lace.
When it comes to women’s lingerie, lace was traditionally reserved as a hidden undergarment. Both exclusive and intimate. Set apart by a hidden allure. But today, it is emerging as a bold fashion statement, which is an intrinsic part of a woman’s personal style.
Let’s look at the ways in which a touch of lace is bringing both exclusivity and style to the women’s bra— whether through Do It Yourself (DIY) methods, layering, or shopping for the perfect lace bras.
#1. Lace appliqué accents
It’s the most commonly used form of styling women’s bras today. These designs add lace appliqués to plain bras for a delicate touch. These could be draped over the cups or the straps. But it could just as easily be slipped in as a lace accent for T-shirt bras. The applique work, from which it draws its name, is a blend of creativity and individuality. The style inspires exclusive designs, but it is also a great strategy for revamping old bras.
Jennifer Lopez famously appeared in a lace-appliquéd bra as a part of the Dolce & Gabbana campaign, pairing it with suspenders and statement jewellery.
#2. Sheer lace overlays
This style covers the entire bra with a lace overlay for a vintage, romantic look. It is suitable for different styles—strapless bras, bralette bras, or a non-padded wired full cup. Yet it works best with nude or soft pastel bras to highlight the lace pattern. It is often found in stores, but it is also a successful DIY approach.
Vanessa Hudgens’ red carpet appearance at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards was in a sheer black lace bra matched with a black maxi skirt and an ivory robe.
#3. Lace-trimmed straps
Sometimes, lace can be a subtle touch along the straps. This can be done by design or later glued along the straps for a feminine upgrade. This adds a stylish touch, especially to women’s lingerie designed to be seen, like with strappy tops and off-shoulder styles.
Salma Hayek has embraced this style, appearing in a low-cut printed dress revealing a black lace bra with delicate lace-trimmed straps at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards.
#4. Scalloped lace edging
As the name suggests, scalloped designs run in curves around the edges. These are stitched along lace bra cups for a delicate, high-end finish. They can be part of exclusive store designs, but they can also be used to mimic designer lingerie styles at a fraction of the cost.
Victoria Beckham owned this look when she appeared on Instagram in a lace bra featuring a scalloped lace edging to launch her fragrance collection.
#5. Peekaboo lace back design
Lace panels are added to the back band to create a see-through, elegant and breathable look. They especially accentuate racerback or longline women’s bras.
Natalie Portman sported this style when she appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in 2024.
#6. Lace-up corset detailing
Lace brings a hint of playfulness and seduction when it is mixed with a traditional corset design. The effect of a lace-up corset can be created with ribbons and lace panels. Besides its visual appeal, it also enhances style and adjustability to create a customized fit lace bra.
Angelina Jolie embodies this style in a strapless leather corset in her iconic role in the film Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
#7. Lace racerback accent
Sometimes, all it needs is a dash of lace to transform a traditional racerback bra. Replace the plain straps with lace to create chic, modern women’s lingerie. It is perfect for tank tops and backless outfits.
Gigi Hadid modelled this look in her first VS.
#8. Two-tone lace layering
These lace bras mix contrasting colours, such as black over red, to create a striking visual effect. It is a popular strategy to design an innovative look, both in stores and during DIY makeovers.
Demi Moore took on this look when she appeared in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle wearing burgundy lingerie with a two-tone lace layering effect.
#9. Lace and mesh combo
You can also pair lace with sheer mesh panels for a sultry, breathable design. It is ideal for women who like a mix of sexy and sophisticated lingerie.
Gal Gadot was featured in the trailer of the film Keeping Up with The Joneses wearing a high-necked lace bra that combined lace and mesh elements. It set the tone for her sultry yet sophisticated look in the film.
#10. Detachable lace accessories
Removable lace details are a popular recent trend. These lace accessories, like shoulder drapes, lace choker attachments, or decorative straps, add versatility to women’s lingerie for different outfits and occasions.
No one has popularised detachable lace accessories more than Rihanna. Not just in her own bold fashion choices, but also in the customisable lingerie-inspired looks from her own brand NWT Savage X.
The old allure of lace has clearly not faded. It lives and reinvents itself to remain contemporary. Especially in women’s lingerie design. We hope all the ideas we shared with you inspire you to think about your own fashion identity the next time you choose your lingerie.
Check out few options here:
Lucy Padded Non-Wired 3/4th Cup Bridal Wear Medium coverage Fashion Bra - Ivory
Essential Lace Non Padded Wired Full Cup Bridal Wear Lace Bra Full Support Bra - Wine
Evy Lace Padded Wired 3/4th Coverage Lacy Bralette Bra - Beige
Forma Padded Wired 3/4th Cup Everyday Wear Medium coverage Lace Bra - Pink
BASICS Bliss Padded Wired 3/4th Cup Everyday Wear Lace T-shirt Bra - Black
Emma Lace Padded Non-wired 3/4th Cup Bridal Wear Medium coverage Lace Bra - Green
Embrace Lace Non Padded Wired 3/4th Cup Bridal Wear Medium coverage Fashion Bra - Blue
Halo Lace Non Padded Wired Full Cup Bridal Wear Plus Size Lace Bra - Peach