Skims Lace vs. Corded Lace: What's the difference?

The core difference between standard Skims Lace and Skims Corded Lace lies in texture and aesthetic. Skims Lace is designed to be smooth, lightweight, and modern for a nearly invisible feel under clothing, while Corded Lace features a raised, textured outline over its patterns for a more intricate, vintage, and decorative look.

Here’s what you need to know about each fabric to decide which Skims collection is right for you.

Skims Lace Collection

The standard Skims Lace collection embodies the brand's minimalist philosophy, offering the beauty of lace with a focus on modern comfort and a barely-there feel. It's engineered to be soft, stretchy, and smooth, making it an ideal choice for everyday lingerie that you can comfortably wear under almost any outfit without it showing through.

• What it is: Lightweight, stretchy lace used in versatile pieces like underwear, bralettes, and bodysuits for everyday elegance.
• Key features: Fine mesh or floral patterns with a flat, minimal texture that lays seamlessly against the skin.
• Price: Generally sits in the mid-range of Skims' lingerie offerings.
• Aesthetic: Modern, minimalist, and sleek, designed for subtlety and comfort.
• Pros: Extremely comfortable for daily wear, invisible under most clothing, feels soft and breathable, maintains its stretch well.
• Cons: Lacks the intricate, textured detail of more traditional lace, may feel too simple for special occasion lingerie.

This is the perfect lace for those who prioritize seamless comfort and a modern aesthetic for their daily wardrobe.

Shop this product: skims.com/collections/lace-underwear

Skims Corded Lace Collection

Skims Corded Lace offers a more decorative, textured, and luxurious experience. This style features a thicker thread or cord sewn along the lace pattern, creating a raised outline that adds dimension and visual interest. It often has a more vintage or elegant feel, making it perfect for statement lingerie pieces.

• What it is: Ornate lace featuring a raised cord outline that highlights and adds depth to the intricate patterns.
• Key features: Textured cording, detailed and defined patterns, a more structured yet still comfortable feel, vintage-inspired designs.
• Price: Tends to be slightly more expensive than the standard lace due to its more complex construction.
• Aesthetic: Ornate, detailed, and elegant, designed to be a statement piece rather than to disappear.
• Pros: Beautiful and visually striking, adds texture and dimension, feels exceptionally luxurious, perfect for special occasions.
• Cons: The raised texture may be visible under very thin or tight-fitting clothing, can be slightly more delicate, not as focused on absolute seamlessness.

Choose this type of lace when you want your lingerie to feel special, with a focus on intricate detail and a sophisticated, romantic style.

Shop this product: skims.com/collections/new-arrivals-intimates

Skims Lace vs. Corded Lace Comparison

Fabric & Construction

The primary difference is in the construction. Standard Skims Lace is a single-layer fabric, prized for its flat and smooth profile that blends seamlessly against your skin. It's lightweight and designed with maximum stretch for comfort.

In contrast, Corded Lace has an additional element: a cord that is intricately sewn onto the delicate base lace, outlining the floral or geometric patterns. This technique gives the fabric a tangible, three-dimensional texture and a slightly more substantial and structured feel, providing depth where the standard lace provides smoothness.

Aesthetic & Style

Think of it as modern minimalism versus vintage detail. The smooth Skims Lace complements a sleek, contemporary wardrobe. It offers the delicate look of lace without any fuss, perfect for those who love understated elegance.

Corded Lace channels a more classic, romantic, and ornate style. The defined patterns make it an intentional design element meant to be seen and admired. It’s ideal for lingerie sets that double as statement pieces, offering a touch of old-world glamour combined with Skims’ modern fit.

Comfort & Functionality

Both fabrics are designed with Skims’ signature focus on comfort. However, their functionality differs. The flat weave and high stretch of Skims Lace make it the winner for pure, everyday functionality. It disappears under everything from T-shirts to leggings.

While still soft and wearable, Corded Lace is more functional as a decorative piece. The raised cording could potentially create a visible texture under very smooth or fitted fabrics. It’s comfortable for wearing out or for special occasions, but it’s not designed with absolute invisibility in mind.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both collections serve different needs, but both offer the quality construction Skims is known for.

Choose the Skims Lace if:

• You're looking for comfortable underwear and bras for daily wear.
• You want your lingerie to be invisible under tight or thin clothing.
• You prefer a modern, minimalist, and sleek aesthetic.
• Your top priorities are breathability, stretch, and a seamless feel.

Choose the Skims Corded Lace if:

• You're shopping for a special occasion or want a more luxurious lingerie set.
• You love a vintage, romantic, and detailed aesthetic.
• You appreciate texture and intricate detail in your garments.
• Invisibility under clothing is less of a concern than statement-making style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Skims Lace and Corded Lace?

The main difference is texture. Skims Lace is smooth and flat, designed to be invisible. Skims Corded Lace has a raised, cord-like thread sewn into the pattern for a three-dimensional, textured appearance.

Which one is more comfortable for everyday wear?

Standard Skims Lace is more comfortable for everyday wear because its smooth, lightweight, and stretchy design feels like a second skin and lays flat under clothing.

Can you see Corded Lace through a T-shirt?

It's possible. The raised cording can create a subtle texture that might show through very thin or clingy fabrics like a silk camisole or a fine-knit T-shirt. For a completely smooth silhouette, plain Skims Lace is a safer bet.

How do I care for and wash these lace items?

For both types, it's best to hand wash in cold water or use a gentle cycle in a lingerie bag. Lay them flat to dry. Corded lace is slightly more delicate due to the raised detailing, so be extra careful to avoid snagging it.

Is Skims Corded Lace itchy?

Skims is known for using high-quality, soft materials, so their corded lace is designed not to be itchy. However, anyone with highly sensitive skin might notice the texture more than the ultra-smooth feel of their regular lace.

Which lace style tends to be more expensive?

Due to the more intricate manufacturing process required to sew the cord outline onto the lace base, the Corded Lace collection is typically priced slightly higher than the standard lace offerings.

Does Skims Corded Lace still offer good stretch?

Yes. While it may feel slightly more structured due to the cording, it is still built on a stretchy base and designed to move with your body, consistent with Skims' overall focus on comfort and fit.

Which style should I choose for a gift?

If you're unsure of their preference, standard Skims Lace is a safer and more versatile choice suited for daily wear. Choose Corded Lace if you know they appreciate more ornate, romantic, or vintage-inspired styles.