Kinky Knickers first appeared on the blog three years ago when the company behind the brand – Headen & Quarmby – were starring in their own tv programme.  The Nottingham based lace factory were making Britain proud again – and quality lacy knickers were their crowning glory.

Since then, Kinky Knickers have gone on to expand their range.  While the parent company introduced a second brand, vintage inspired loungewear Ella & Me (which I explored in this post) Kinky Knickers has remained true to their heritage; lace-rich lingerie pieces are the mainstay of the label, with collections encompassing camisoles, vests, bralets and a variety of brief styles being produced in modern and fashionable colourways.

It’s so easy for brands to stay safe and churn out the same product over time, so it’s encouraging when a brand keeps its eye on the ball and invests in collection refreshment.  New colour combinations are always a treat, and Kinky Knickers’ latest pieces were much welcome eye candy when I revisited their web store.

When I was invited to try out some of the new releases I was given free reign to choose the styles and colours I so wished.  This bit, of course, is where all the fun lies!  There were so many variations I struggled to narrow it down, but it become clear to me that the Grapefruit and Mint colourway was my absolute favourite, and I chose some camisole options to go with the matching knickers.

I was sent the strappy cami top, ruched front cami top and high leg brief all in a medium size.

All three pieces are fashioned from the same stretch lace; exceptionally soft and without any irritating  edges, it’s some of the most fluid and comfortable lace I’ve worn.  Its stretchy nature means there’s no restriction and although made from a nylon mix, feels breathable and easy to wear under clothing.

And the gorgeous colour is just like a fruity cocktail; mouthwatering pink watermelon livened up with a minty fresh bite.

The first reason I wanted to explore camisoles is because, as anyone fuller busted knows so well, it can be an area of contention.  It can be quite difficult judging imagery on shop websites, trying to gauge whether your usual dress size will accommodate your bust, and more often than not, it’s a failed mission.  Oh how depressing that moment is when your cami top hangs defeatedly off your boobs.

Sadly, the strappy cami top fell into that camp.  It looked so beautiful wrapped up in its box and just as exquisite in my hands, but on my body, it was having none of it.  And that’s fair enough.  I know we can’t have it all and realistically not every style suits every body.  So I wouldn’t recommend anyone with a full bust to try this top.  Instead, move onto the ruched front cami.

While a totally different design to the strappy top (obviously) the ruched front cami does have a gorgeous charm of its own.  Instead of the thin straps,  it features wide shoulders with a deep, plunging v-neck that makes more of the contrasting lace trim.  And unlike the strappy top, there’s the addition of another lace trim along the hem, so it’s altogether much more substantial.

I found this top performed well as a bustier woman’s option of vest.  It’s not tight at all, just makes you  feel well covered and comfortable.  The elasticated trim around the arms are just the right depth too – no digging or gaping.  The length of the body is also worth noting as a decent feature.  Sometimes tops aren’t long enough and a bra-less full bust can cause a top to ride up too.  Not in this case: it finishes on my hip, so my tummy also gets a little coverage.

The brief is just great.  You can choose your style from brazilian, thong, high leg or classic brief.  I went for my favourite, the high-leg, which are still pretty low on the tummy but sit a little higher on the hip than a classic cut.  High legs aren’t the most popular shape nowadays, but this another reason why I love this brand.  If a certain cut works for you, who cares what the trends say?

Last time I tried these knickers I wore the classic shape in a small size.  Three years on, I’ve gone up a dress size to a 14, so these are the medium.  They fit very well.  In the same way as the stretch lace tops, they aren’t tight and sit softly on the skin.  I like my knickers to have a little more grip, so I’d prefer a firmer band, but they’re not unwearable.  If you have sensitivities they’ll be a serious option for you as the lace really is soft to touch.  The gusset is cotton lined too so they’re breathable and will take a pantyliner.

And so…

The wearability of Kinky Knickers lingerie is testament to their philosophy: invest in skilled craftsmanship and the most beautiful of fabrics and the end product will be quality.  Each piece is as soft and delicious to touch as it is attractive to look at, and because of its well made construction, should last too.

Have you tried Kinky Knickers lace lingerie yet?  How do you find wearing lace generally?  Is it a favourite fabric of yours or do you struggle to find lace that doesn’t irritate?  Let’s talk lace!