Detail Inspiration: Lingerie Details

Whether you’ve never thought about making your own lingerie or are a seasoned pro, there is so much inspiration to be had in vintage lingerie to add some flair to your handcrafted pieces. I’ve picked out a few examples that I feel would mesh well with either the Nutmeg duo or the Cinnamon slip. The beauty of sewing lingerie is it can be as complicated or simple as you’d like, and can be a fantastic way to try out new techniques or work with fabrics you’ve never experienced before!

I love the idea of alternating rows of lace insertion with delicately contrasting embroidery, don’t you? It’s certainly very feminine, but balances form with function for those worried about the impracticality of a too-sheer lace panel. A charming touch is the embroidered name; monograms or names stitched on lingerie were popular in earlier eras, and are an easy way to add a vintage look to your project.

Are lacey pieces not quite your style? I love the exuberance of this fun, 1960s plaid bra! Made of cotton it may be a bit awkward to wear (since cotton can sometimes cause drag on the garments it’s layered under), but it’s a great example of a more sporty but still girly look. It also shows how you can play with the directional weave or print of a fabric in small garments like this. The little spaghetti tube bows at the shoulder are a lovely detail as well (and could be replicated even in something like silk).

Finally, a very subtle but beautiful tap pants from the 1930s. From afar they look almost plain, but this garment is not lacking in details! (It just doesn’t scream them.) Quilted and embroidered motifs adorn the legs in a soft, icy blue. This, as I mentioned earlier, is an example of a way to practice embellishment techniques such a s applique quilting that you may not want to use on a larger garment. The legs are bound with that same icy blue, in a lovely, narrow bias binding. Très chic!

Images: 1930s monogrammed slip, 60s cotton bra, 30s tap pants.