Rigid lace is a type of lace fabric that does not contain elastic fibers like spandex or Lycra, meaning it has little to no stretch. It's often made from polyester, nylon, cotton, or rayon, and is commonly used where structure, stability, and shape retention are more important than flexibility.
Key Features of Rigid Lace:
Non-Stretchable
Structured Appearance
Delicate Aesthetic
Supportive When Lined
Underwired bras (especially balconette or full cup styles)
Corsets or bustiers
Luxury or bridal lingerie
Corsets or bustiers
Decorative panels in lingerie or bodysuits
Luxury or bridal lingerie
suggestions on when to use rigid lace versus spandex lace in design:
Here are some real-world examples of rigid lace lingerie—lace made without elastic fibers so it holds crisp shapes:
A poppy-pattern rigid lace bodice or cup—classic for corsetry or more structured bras
Luxurious eyelash lace bodysuit from Maison Close—crafted in silk and polyester lace that maintains its form.
A supportive longline lace bra with boning and non-stretch lace paneling—ideal for a clean, uplifted silhouette .
