Silk Panties

Brief History of Silk Undergarments

Silk was originally created in China, as a result of harvesting the natural fiber that is produced by silkworms and other insect larvae when creating a cocoon. Cultivated caterpillars produce the fiber, and manufacturers use the silk in varying thicknesses for a variety of uses.

Silk was once a rare fabric, only the very wealthy could afford to wear silk garments. Now, it is a readily available material, and often found in lingerie items due to its appealingly smooth texture.

Types of Silk

Knowing the types of silk fabric isn’t a necessity when shopping for these beautiful panties. You are more likely to be interested in the price tag, the style and the washing instructions. A very brief overview of the fabrics available includes:

• Silk crepe, or crepe de chine, is a heavier weight, comprised of tightly twisted silk yarns. Silk crepe comes in different levels of weight.
• Charmeuse is a medium-weight fabric and represents the most familiar of the silk types.
• Chiffon is a silky, sheer fabric.
• Man-made fabrics, such as rayon, mimic the feeling of silk and are machine washable.

Be aware that silk is a natural fabric, therefore, coloring variations occur. Irregular fibers, that absorb the fabric dyes inconsistently, results in shading differences. This is not an indication that the silk is of poor quality; simply that it is not a man-made fabric.

Washing and Care

Silk panties typically require more gentle care than other types of fabrics. Since the fabric is more delicate than cotton, hand-washing your silk undergarments is optimal. Alternatively, use the gentle cycle of your washing machine and mild soap, following these tips:

• Avoid using detergent or bleach since these can be too harsh for silk fibers.
• Soak silk panties in lukewarm water and slowly agitate the garment after about five minutes.
• Silk garments should never be wrung out or twisted.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove the soap, and then absorb the water by rolling the item in a towel.
• Lay the garment flat to dry since the heat of a dryer will be too intense.

Dark fabrics require special care – never soak them with light-colored garments, since the color can run. Always check the label carefully for washing instructions. Depending on the type of silk, you may have a sturdier variety that can withstand machine washing using the regular cycle. One thing is certain, if you provide gentle washing, you can prolong the life of your silk panties.

Shopping for Silk Panties

Don’t shy away from silk panties because you think they are beyond your budget. While silk conjures images of a lofty price tag, certainly more affordable options exist. The following is just a sampling of the silk panties available online:

• Iris Silks silk panty with lace, $18
• Iris Silks silk knit panty with lace, $13
• Iris Silks silk string bikini, $16
• Iris Silks silk with lace thong, $16
• Iris Silks silk G-string thong, $16
• Pampered Passions silk knit lingerie set, $40
• Panties.com silk thong, $35
• Panties.com silk boypants, $125
• Patricia Field Walker silk and lace G-string, $30