Ah, silk and other delicate fabrics: luxurious, luminous, and just a little bit high maintenance. Whether it’s a vintage slip dress, a lace-trimmed bralette, or a favourite sheer blouse, these pieces are designed to be cherished. But their beauty comes with a fragile side.
The good news? A little care makes a big difference. With the right routine, you can keep your silks and delicates soft, strong, and stunning for years to come.
Let’s walk through how to give them the gentle treatment they deserve, thoughtfully, patiently, and with love.
To celebrate the Chelsea Flower Show, Lulu caught up with Fleur Turner, founder of Fleur of England, to talk all things silk, lingerie, and the art of caring for delicate pieces. Read the full conversation below.
Lingerie is more than what you wear — it’s how you feel.
What makes a great piece of lingerie feel special to you, both in terms of fit
and texture?
To me, great lingerie is the perfect balance of sensuality and comfort. The fit needs
to feel effortless — like a second skin — while enhancing your natural shape. The
fabric is just as important: soft, feminine and luxurious. I favour silk, French lace and
stretch mesh because they feel so delicate against the skin but also wear beautifully
over time. When a piece is cut and crafted properly, you don’t notice it on your body
— you notice how you feel in it. That’s the magic.
How does wearing well-made lingerie affect your confidence or mood
throughout the day?
It changes everything. When I wear lingerie that’s been made with intention — where
every detail has been considered — I feel more put together, more powerful, and
ultimately more me. Even if no one else sees it, I carry myself differently. It’s an
invisible layer of confidence, my superpower. I often say that lingerie is for you, not
for anyone else. It’s a way of saying, “I matter. I deserve to feel beautiful.”
What qualities do you look for when designing or choosing lingerie that you
know will last for years?
Durability and craftsmanship are key. When I design, I look for fabrics that not only
feel exquisite but are strong enough to be worn and loved for years — our signature
French lace, sustainable tulle from recycled bottles, and silk that holds its drape and
softness wash after wash. Construction matters too. Seams should lie flat. Straps
should be adjustable and secure. It’s those invisible details that ensure a piece will
not only last, but stay feeling beautiful every time you wear it.We often hear from customers who’ve had their Fleur of England pieces for over 5
years — and they still wear them with joy. That’s the kind of longevity that makes
slow fashion so worthwhile.
How do you encourage your customers to care for their lingerie to ensure
longevity?
We talk a lot about care because it really is part of the story. Beautiful things deserve
attention — and that includes the pieces in your lingerie drawer. I always
recommend hand washing delicate items in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent.
Dry them flat or hang them to air-dry — never in the tumble dryer. And most
importantly: rotate your pieces. I usually tell customers to have around four to five
well-fitting bras in their everyday rotation, and two or three sets reserved for those
moments when you want to feel a little extra.
We also created our Consciously Crafted edit to help customers identify pieces
made from recycled or sustainable materials, and we partner with Clothes Doctor to
provide beautiful, botanical-scented wash essentials — because caring for your
lingerie should feel like part of your self-care ritual.
Can you describe your own daily or weekly ritual when it comes to choosing or
caring for your lingerie? It starts with how I choose what to wear each morning. I like to pick a set that reflects
my mood — some days I’ll go for something soft and delicate like our signature Lace
in Blush, other days I’ll reach for something bolder, like a raspberry pink set from our
Lola collection. I often lay it out on my bed next to the rest of my outfit — it’s a small
ritual, but it sets the tone for the day.
As for care, it’s not always easy as I am a working mum and family life is rewarding
but hectic, but I love taking a few minutes on Sunday evenings to hand wash my
lingerie. I listen to a podcast, and make it something gentle and almost meditative.
It's not a chore — it's a way of honouring the pieces that support me every day. That shift in mindset makes all the difference.
In the end, lingerie is so much more than something you wear. It’s something you
feel.
It’s your foundation. Your secret. Your softest armour. And when you treat it — and
yourself — with care, everything changes.
To help you care for your lingerie like Fleur does, explore our Seasonal Scent & Protect Box - complete with natural fragrance designed to take you on a journey throught the senses with a delivery every 90 days including wardrobe care tools, and everything you need to protect your most delicate pieces.
