Picot Edge
Picot Edge
Pronunciation: PEE-koh
A delicate, looped edging that creates tiny decorative bumps along the border of elastic or fabric.
What Is a Picot Edge?
A picot edge is a finishing technique that creates a row of tiny loops or bumps along the border of elastic, ribbon, or fabric. In lingerie, picot edging most commonly appears on the elastic bands at waistlines, leg openings, and along the top edge of bra cups or panties. The word picot comes from the French for "small point," and the loops are typically 2 to 3 millimetres in size, evenly spaced to create a delicate, scallop-like micro-texture.
Picot edging elevates a plain garment edge from utilitarian to refined. It is one of the small details that separates premium lingerie from basic underwear — the kind of touch you notice when you look closely and that registers subconsciously as quality. Beyond appearance, picot elastic tends to be softer and more flexible than standard fold-over elastic, making it more comfortable at pressure points like leg creases and the underbust.
To identify quality picot, look for uniform loop size and spacing — irregular loops indicate inconsistent tension during production. The elastic should stretch and return smoothly without the picot loops distorting or pulling apart. Colour should be consistent from end to end. Premium picot elastic uses nylon and spandex blends that retain softness through many wash cycles; cheaper versions stiffen over time.
Sinderella uses picot-edged elastic where comfort meets detail — those subtle loops along a waistband or leg opening that make you notice the craftsmanship when you pick up the garment.
How to Wear & Style
Picot-edged panties and bralettes are excellent everyday choices because the soft elastic minimises the red marks and indentations that standard elastic leaves. Under fitted clothing, picot edges lie flatter than lace trim, making them more discreet. When washing, use a lingerie bag — the tiny loops can catch on zippers or hooks from other garments in the wash.
Lingerie Featuring Picot Edges
The small detail that says quality — soft, looped elastic that looks refined and feels gentle against skin.
Browse Bra SetsFrequently Asked Questions
What is picot edge?
A delicate, looped edging that creates tiny decorative bumps along the border of elastic or fabric.
Does picot elastic dig into skin less than regular elastic?
Yes, in most cases. Picot elastic is typically softer and thinner than standard fold-over elastic, and the looped edge distributes pressure more gently across the skin. This is why picot elastic is the preferred choice for leg openings and waistbands on premium panties — it grips without leaving red marks or indentations after wear.
How can I tell picot edge from scalloped edge?
Picot edges have tiny, uniform loops (about 2-3mm) spaced evenly along a straight border — they look like a row of miniature bumps. Scalloped edges have larger, semicircular curves (typically 1-3cm wide) that create a wavy border. Picot is subtle and found on elastic bands; scalloped is bolder and usually found on lace fabric edges.