Lichen Bodice: What to Expect from Fit, Fabric, and Styling

Quick answer

The Lichen Bodice is a made-to-order, lingerie-inspired bodice that layers reworked Atelier lace remnants over structural cotton coutil, with an extended circular neckline, adjustable ribbon-laced panels, and suede ribbon straps. It fits true to your Nearer The Moon size, feels structured yet soft against the skin, and works best styled as a visible layer over a slip or under a blazer. Order your usual size unless your measurements sit between sizes, and expect 10–14 days before it ships.

If you are considering the Lichen Bodice, the questions tend to be practical: how does it fit, what does the fabric feel like, and how do you actually wear it? This FAQ answers those directly, using the catalog details for the Lichen Bodice and the Molder Bodice so you can decide with clear expectations.

Every piece is cut and stitched once you order, so there is no warehouse stock to try on first. The guidance below covers sizing, fabric behavior, styling, and care so your first wear feels considered rather than experimental.

How does the Lichen Bodice fit?

The Lichen Bodice is designed to fit true to your Nearer The Moon size, with an extended circular neckline that sits higher on the chest than a typical cami or bralette. The adjustable ribbon-laced panels at the sides let you fine-tune the tension through the ribs, which is useful if your bust and underbust measurements point to different sizes. If you are between sizes, size up and use the lacing to take in the extra room rather than sizing down and straining the coutil.

Because the bodice is structured with cotton coutil, it does not stretch the way a jersey or mesh piece would. That means the initial fit should feel snug but not restrictive, with room to breathe deeply and sit comfortably. If you can pinch more than an inch of fabric at the side seams once laced, you likely need a smaller size; if the lacing panels gape open, you likely need a larger one.

• Measure your underbust and natural waist before ordering, and compare them to the Nearer The Moon sizing page.
• Adjust the ribbon lacing while standing, then sit down and check that the neckline and straps stay in place.
• If you are between sizes, choose the larger size and rely on the adjustable laced panels for a closer fit.

What does the Lichen Bodice fabric feel like?

The Lichen Bodice combines two very different materials: reworked Atelier lace remnants stitched onto structural cotton coutil. The coutil gives the bodice its shape and support, while the lace remnants add texture and a one-of-a-kind finish. The result is a piece that feels firm through the torso but soft where the lace sits against the skin, and the catalog notes that the luxurious textures are meant to be touched.

Because the lace is made from remnants, the exact pattern placement can vary slightly from piece to piece. That is a feature of the made-to-order process rather than a flaw, but it does mean the bodice you receive may differ subtly from the product photo. The suede ribbon straps and cotton lacing are smooth and adjustable, so they are unlikely to dig in the way thin elastic straps sometimes can.

• Expect a structured, non-stretch feel through the torso and a softer hand where the lace overlays the coutil.
• Treat the suede ribbon straps gently; they are designed to be adjusted, not pulled hard.
• If you prefer a lighter, stretchier feel, compare this with the Molder Bodice before deciding.

How should I style the Lichen Bodice?

The Lichen Bodice is built to be seen. The extended circular neckline and lace texture make it a natural outerwear layer over a Half Slip or a simple skirt, and the adjustable ribbon lacing means you can loosen it for a softer, more relaxed look or tighten it for a sharper silhouette. For daytime, layer it under a blazer or open shirt so the neckline and lacing peek out; for evening, wear it alone with a bias-cut skirt such as the Bole Skirt.

If you want a more covered look, the Duff Sweater has a drawstring front and extra-long sleeves that can be pushed up, making it an easy piece to throw over the bodice without hiding the neckline entirely. Keep the rest of the outfit simple so the lace and coutil remain the focus.

• Pair with a Half Slip for a layered lingerie look that works in and out of the bedroom.
• Try the Bole Skirt for an evening outfit; its bias cut and drawstring gather balance the bodice's structure.
• Use the ribbon lacing to change the silhouette: looser for day, tighter for night.

What should I know about sizing and ordering?

The Lichen Bodice is available in sizes 6–22 and is cut and stitched once you order, with a 10–14 day production window. That means returns and exchanges are more limited than with ready-to-wear, so it is worth checking your measurements against the sizing page before you commit. If your measurements fall outside the standard range, the catalog notes that custom sizing can be requested.

Because the bodice is structured, the most important measurements are your underbust and natural waist. Your usual dress size is a useful starting point, but it is not a substitute for measuring. If you are unsure, contact the atelier before ordering rather than guessing, since the made-to-order timeline makes a remake slower than a simple exchange.

• Check the sizing page for the size 6–22 range and match your underbust and waist measurements.
• Allow 10–14 days for cutting and stitching before the piece ships.
• Ask about custom sizing if your measurements sit outside the standard size chart.

How do I care for the Lichen Bodice?

The Lichen Bodice mixes lace, cotton coutil, and suede ribbon, so it needs gentler handling than a simple cotton piece. Spot clean where possible, and if you do wash it, use cool water and a mild detergent, then lay it flat to dry away from direct heat. Do not wring or tumble dry it, as that can distort the coutil and crush the lace texture.

Store the bodice flat or hang it by the straps rather than folding it tightly through the laced panels. Keeping the suede ribbon straps away from prolonged moisture will help them stay supple, and storing it away from direct sunlight will protect the lace remnants from fading.

• Hand wash cool with mild detergent, or spot clean between wears.
• Lay flat to dry; avoid tumble drying and direct heat.
• Store flat or hang by the straps to protect the lacing and lace texture.

Lichen Bodice FAQ quick reference

Will it fit true to size?

Yes, it is designed to fit true to your Nearer The Moon size, with adjustable ribbon-laced panels for fine-tuning. Size up if you are between sizes and use the lacing to adjust. Measure your underbust and waist before ordering.

What does the fabric feel like?

Reworked Atelier lace remnants over structural cotton coutil, with suede ribbon straps and cotton lacing. Structured through the torso, softer where the lace sits against the skin. Expect a firm, non-stretch fit with a textured finish.

How do I style it?

Wear it as a visible layer over a Half Slip or with the Bole Skirt, or under a Duff Sweater or blazer for more coverage. Adjust the lacing to change the silhouette. Keep the rest of the outfit simple so the lace and coutil stand out.

How long until it ships?

Each Lichen Bodice is cut and stitched once you order, with a 10–14 day production window. Order with enough lead time if you need it for a specific date.

How should I care for it?

Hand wash cool with mild detergent or spot clean, lay flat to dry, and store flat or hung by the straps. Avoid heat, tumble drying, and prolonged moisture on the suede straps. Gentle care keeps the coutil shape and lace texture intact.

Catalog facts at a glance

• Molder Bodice: A lingerie-inspired bodice using reworked Atelier lace remnants stitched onto structural cotton coutil, with an extended circular neckline, adjustable ribbon-laced panels, and suede ribbon straps. This is the closest comparison to the Lichen Bodice in the catalog: same lace-and-coutil construction and adjustable lacing, so if you like one, the other is likely to suit you.
• Half Slip: A fully sheer powernet half slip with an offset front split and a wide flat elastic waistband, designed to layer over a matching knicker or be worn alone. It layers cleanly under or over the Lichen Bodice and helps create a complete look without adding bulk.
• Bole Skirt: A bias-cut, A-line maxi skirt in black with a drawstring gather at the centre back and a zip with hook and eye closure. The bias cut and adjustable back gather balance the structured bodice, making this a strong pairing for evening styling.
• Duff Sweater: A textured jersey knit deadstock sweater with a drawstring front, lettuce edge at neck, sleeves, and hem, extra-long sleeves, and handbound thumb holes. Its drawstring front and long sleeves make it an easy layer over the Lichen Bodice when you want more coverage without hiding the neckline.

The Lichen Bodice rewards a little planning: measure yourself against the sizing page, decide whether you want a structured or softer fit, and choose your styling layers before it arrives. If you are comparing options, the Molder Bodice is the closest alternative, while the Half Slip, Bole Skirt, and Duff Sweater each give you a different way to wear it. Order with the 10–14 day production window in mind, and you will get a piece that feels considered from the first wear.