Lace & Decorative Trim Guide
Not sure which lace or webbing suits your product? This guide explains the five main trim types available through Mervate — water-soluble lace, guipure lace, lace trim, elastic webbing and jacquard webbing — how they differ, and how to choose the right one for your application.
Water-Soluble Lace
What it is
Embroidery lace made on a water-soluble base that is washed away after stitching, leaving soft, dimensional floral and geometric patterns.
Key features
Soft hand-feel, fine high-density embroidery, rich relief patterns, lightweight and elegant.
Best for
Lingerie, bridal wear, dresses, blouses and women’s fashion that needs delicate, flexible decoration.
Consider this when
Your design needs a soft, flexible lace with fine detail and a luxurious feel rather than structure.
Guipure Lace
What it is
Structured lace with an open mesh background and clearly defined motifs connected by fine bridges. The motifs are the design — no separate mesh support.
Key features
Firm structure, holds its shape, premium couture look, works well for appliqués and trims.
Best for
Bridal and wedding dresses, evening wear, couture fashion, garment trims and appliqués, home textiles and curtain trims.
Consider this when
Your product needs a structured, statement lace that keeps its shape on the garment.
Lace Trim
What it is
Ready-to-apply lace edging and insertion trims with picot, scalloped or straight edges, designed to be sewn directly onto products.
Key features
Easy to sew on, pre-finished edges, wide choice of widths and patterns, quick production.
Best for
Sleeve edges, hems, necklines, curtains, cushions and accessory decoration.
Consider this when
You need an efficient way to add a decorative edge without developing a full lace fabric.
Elastic Webbing
What it is
Stretchable webbing constructed with elastic yarns, available in plain, ribbed, printed or jacquard designs.
Key features
Controlled stretch and recovery, soft or firm options, wide width range, strong and durable.
Best for
Waistbands, sportswear, underwear, mask straps, bag handles and any application that needs stretch.
Consider this when
Your product requires stretch and recovery — this is a functional trim, not a decorative fabric.
Jacquard Webbing
What it is
Woven webbing with your logo, name or motif woven directly into the strap using jacquard looms.
Key features
Woven-in branding that never fades or peels, crisp high-density patterns, strong construction, custom colors.
Best for
Bag straps, belts, lanyards, dog collars, outdoor gear, apparel straps and accessories with branding.
Consider this when
You want durable, permanent branding on a strap — the logo is part of the weave, not printed on top.
Which Trim Should You Choose for Your Product?
Use the tables below to match your product type and design priority to the right trim.
|
Your Product
|
Recommended Trim
|
|---|---|
|
Bridal & wedding dresses |
Water-Soluble Lace or Guipure Lace |
|
Evening wear & couture fashion |
Guipure Lace |
|
Lingerie & delicate blouses |
Water-Soluble Lace |
|
Sleeves, hems & edging |
Lace Trim |
|
Waistbands & stretch garments |
Elastic Webbing |
|
Sportswear & underwear |
Elastic Webbing |
|
Bag straps & branded accessories |
Jacquard Webbing |
|
Outdoor products & pet gear |
Jacquard Webbing |
|
What Matters Most
|
Choose
|
|---|---|
|
Softness and fine detail |
Water-Soluble Lace |
|
Structure and statement look |
Guipure Lace |
|
Quick edge decoration |
Lace Trim |
|
Stretch and recovery |
Elastic Webbing |
|
Permanent woven branding |
Jacquard Webbing |
|
Feature
|
Water-Soluble Lace
|
Guipure Lace |
Lace Trim |
Elastic Webbing |
Jacquard Webbing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hand-feel |
Soft |
Structured |
Soft to firm |
Stretchy |
Firm |
|
Stretch |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Minimal |
Minimal |
|
|
Branding |
No |
No |
No |
Printed option |
Woven-in |
|
Main use |
Lingerie, bridal |
Evening wear, couture |
Edging, hems |
Waistbands, sport |
Straps, bags |
|
Customization |
Pattern, width, color |
Pattern, width, color |
Width, edge, color |
Width, elasticity, color |
Logo, pattern, width, thickness |