Lingerie Review: B by Ted Baker Pure Peony Chemise

Disclosure: I purchased this chemise myself.

I’ve always rather liked Ted Baker’s handbags (and their baby clothes!), but it was only recently that I realised the brand has a lingerie and nightwear line too – no doubt because the line, B by Ted Baker, is a Debenhams exclusive and I don’t go there often. I’ve developed a major thing for digital, botanical prints lately, so I was instantly drawn to Debenhams’ B by Ted Baker section which was simply brimming with beautiful, realistic florals on everything from bras to kimonos. The scalloped trim on the Pure Peony chemise sealed the deal for me.

At the checkout, the chemise was popped into a B by Ted Baker gift bag which was a lovely touch that made the shopping experience that much better – I felt like I’d indulged in a luxury splurge when I’d actually only spent £30. The two friends I was shopping with and I all walked out with a B by Ted Baker gift bag swinging on our arms – the range really is that irresistible when you see it up close!

 

 

Appearance

What can I say about this Pure Peony print that you can’t see in the photo? It’s on a very pale, pinkish-cream background and is somewhere in between photo-realism and a watercolour painting. The fabric is satin but with just a subtle sheen rather than a shine.

I absolutely love the shape of the chemise too. The racer back style is unexpected, and trimmed with the same scalloped edging as the cups – the scallops are embroidered for a stark outline and one that holds its shape. The chemise is finished off with a little bow and rose-gold ‘B’, which seems to be the jewellery colour de rigeur right now. I think this looks like a significantly more expensive chemise than its £30 price tag.

Verdict: 9 / 10

 

 

Construction

The chemise is made from 100% polyester, but on the outside at least looks and feels almost like silk – it’s super soft and smooth. Inside, you can see that it’s a cheaper-made garment because all of the seams are loosely overlocked, but that goes with the price tag. To be honest, I don’t care what the inside of my clothes look like so long as they don’t seem like they’re going to fall apart, and the sewing here seems secure enough.

The only little thing I’d change is the placement of the B by Ted Baker label inside the racer back – it’s nice for branding on the hanger, but means you can see the stitching on the outside of the chemise. I’d rather this label had been sewn into the seams with the fabric care one.

Verdict: 6 / 10

 

 

Fit

This Pure Peony chemise is available from a UK 8 to a UK 18. I bought the UK 8 and as you can see it’s a really good fit on me despite technically being a size too big. It has a slightly loose, flared cut which means the sizing can be a little flexible. The cups are a wide triangle shape with a little ruching at the centre for depth, and fit me well – there’s room for someone with a larger bust too.

The straps are fixed-length, I would have preferred them to be adjustable but again that goes with the low price. The chemise is a few inches above the knee on me at 5’3, so bear in mind if you’re taller it’s going to be closer to a mini length.

Verdict: 7 / 10

 

 

Durability

Long story short, I’ve machine-washed and tumble-dried this and it’s held up just fine. Yes, yes, I know I normally recoil in horror at the thought of tumble drying lingerie, and extol the benefits of a gentle hand wash. However the care label here says it’s okay to machine wash at 40 degrees and tumble dry on a low heat, and the garment has absolutely no elastic anywhere – even the straps are non-stretch – so I just thought, why not? And it looks exactly like it did before.

I’ll probably air dry it moving forwards, but it’s nice to know that this chemise can be super easy to care for. I know that will be a major plus for some people reading this!

Verdict: 9 / 10

 

 

Value for Money

The Pure Peony chemise costs £30 and I really couldn’t be happier with it for that price. The quality is perfectly acceptable, and it looks like it could have cost double that. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from B by Ted Baker again.

Verdict: 10 / 10

 

On Debenham’s website, the Pure Peony chemise is currently only in stock in a UK 10-14. There is also a cami and shorts set, plus a bra, knickers and thong – I think the bra and scalloped-hem shorts would look awesome together! The brand also has a slightly different, dark grey version of the Pure Peony chemise if the delicate pink colour scheme isn’t your thing.

What do you think of B by Ted Baker’s Pure Peony chemise, and the line in general? Are you a regular visitor to Debenhams’ lingerie department?