Lace bras that look and feel good

A lace bra supports as well as any everyday bra when it is built well. The support comes from the band, the wires and the way the cups are cut. The lace is the finish, so choose the construction first and the look second.

Stretch lace or rigid lace?

• Stretch lace contains elastane. It moulds to your shape, forgives small size changes and feels soft, which suits bralettes and plunge styles.
• Rigid lace has little give. It holds a shape and lifts well, especially in seamed cups, but the cup size needs to be exactly right.

Lined or unlined?

Unlined lace bras are light and show the lace at its best. Seamed unlined cups give real lift, which is why fuller-bust brands use them. Lined lace bras have a smooth moulded or spacer cup under the lace, so they disappear under fitted clothes. If you mostly wear thin tops, a lined lace bra is the practical choice. See our T-shirt bra guide for smooth cups.

Which size should you buy?

Your usual UK size is the place to start; use our bra size calculator if you are not sure. Then check the lace cups lie flat against your breasts with no cutting in at the top edge. Rigid lace that cuts in usually means you need a bigger cup. Stretch lace that wrinkles usually means a smaller one. The bra fitting guide covers each check.

Which style suits you?

A lace balconette shows off the neckline under square and scoop tops. A lace plunge suits V-necks and wrap dresses. A lace bralette works for layering and lighter support days.

Brands to search for

Freya, Fantasie and Panache make lace bras in fuller-bust sizes, and Wacoal’s Embrace Lace is a well-known lace style. Our brand size guides explain how each brand labels its sizes.

How to care for lace

Fasten the hooks before washing, so they cannot snag. Hand wash cool, or use a mesh bag on a delicate cycle, and dry flat. Do not wring lace, and never tumble dry. Our guide on how to wash bras covers hand and machine washing step by step.