Hanky Panky: Practical Guide to the Brand, Products, Fit, and Care

Hanky Panky has built a reputation for comfortable, minimal-seam lingerie that balances fashion and function. The brand is widely associated with stretch lace thongs and soft bralettes that work under everyday outfits without adding bulk. Whether you are new to the label or looking to refine your sizing and care routine, this guide covers brand context, product materials, fit logic, maintenance, and the realities of purchasing and returns across retailers.

Brand overview and history

Founded in the late 1970s in New York by two cofounders with a design background, Hanky Panky focused early on soft, body-conforming lingerie that could layer smoothly under clothes. Over time, the company became closely linked to signature stretch lace, known for a wide range of colors and forgiving fit. Many customers associate the brand with domestic production for core lace styles and with consistent pattern blocks that remain in the line season after season. This continuity makes it easier to replace a favorite cut or colorway, since silhouettes are updated gradually rather than reinvented each year.

Product range and materials

The assortment centers on panties, thongs, boyshorts, and bralettes, with periodic collections in cotton, modal, mesh, and rib knits. The signature lace is typically a nylon and elastane blend that offers four-way stretch and lies flat, so it disappears under clothing. Cotton options appeal to those who prefer natural fibers and breathable gussets, while modal and microfibers feel particularly smooth under slim skirts or trousers. The brand also offers fuller coverage cuts, high-rise silhouettes, and some wirefree bras designed for light to moderate support. Seasonal drops often add new hues or trims while keeping core fabrics and fits consistent.

Sizing, fit, and choosing the right style

Hanky Panky panties and thongs generally rely on stretch to accommodate a range of sizes. Many thongs are sold in one size that fits a span of dress sizes, with a plus option for curvier builds. Other styles use alpha sizes from XS to XL. If you sit between sizes or prefer less tension at the waist, consider the larger option for comfort. For rise, the brand distinguishes between original rise, which sits closer to the natural waist, and low rise, which sits lower on the hips; high rise options provide more tummy coverage and can smooth the midsection under knitwear. Bralettes tend to suit smaller to medium busts or those seeking lounge-level support. For fuller busts, look for wide bands, double-lined cups, or longline shapes to improve stability.

Care and maintenance instructions

Stretch lace and microfibers last longer with gentle care. Hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent helps maintain elasticity and color. If you prefer a machine, place items in a mesh lingerie bag and select a delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid bleach, optical brighteners, and fabric softeners, which can weaken fibers or leave residues that reduce stretch. After washing, press gently in a towel to remove excess water and lay flat or hang to dry away from direct heat. High heat from dryers can shrink or distort elastic, so air drying is recommended. Store lace pieces folded rather than stretched on hangers to prevent warping along the waistband or straps.

Buying options, returns, and sustainability

Customers can shop through the brand website, department stores, specialty boutiques, and large online retailers in their area. Color availability and fabric options vary by channel, so checking multiple sources can help locate specific combinations of rise, coverage, and shade. Returns policies differ across retailers; many allow returns of unworn items with original tags and hygienic liners intact, while final sale items and opened multi-packs are often nonreturnable. Review the specific policy before purchasing, especially for international orders where duties and shipping are factors. On sustainability, the brand highlights durable construction and long-wear fabrics, and some collections incorporate fibers such as cotton or modal. Packaging, production location, and fabric certifications may vary by item, so consult product pages for details and care symbols that align with your preferences.

Practical fit tips for common outfits

For clingy dresses or thin trousers, look for laser-cut edges or flat lace waistbands that reduce visible lines. Original rise thongs or high-rise briefs provide coverage without digging when seated. With denim, a mid-rise thong or bikini in microfiber resists shifting as you move. For lounge or sleep, soft rib or modal boyshorts and wirefree bralettes balance comfort with light support. If you are sensitive to lace, consider cotton front panels with lace waistbands, or fully cotton styles with a soft brushed elastic. Testing one piece in a new fabric or rise before buying multiples can help confirm feel, stretch, and coverage.

Troubleshooting common issues

If the waistband rolls, try a higher rise or a style with a wider elastic band that disperses pressure. If lace feels scratchy, a quick rinse with a fabric-safe rinse solution and air dry can help, or switch to modal or cotton blends. If the crotch panel shifts, confirm the correct size and check for gusset width; fuller coverage cuts often provide better stability. When bralette straps slip, adjust slider placement and tighten the band first, since band fit provides most of the support in wirefree styles. Color transfer can occur with saturated dyes on first wear; washing dark or bright pieces before use can reduce the risk.

Conclusion Hanky Panky emphasizes stretch lace expertise, stable silhouettes, and straightforward care, making it a practical choice for those who prefer lightweight lingerie that disappears under clothes. With attention to sizing nuances, fabric feel, and care routines, most shoppers can assemble a reliable rotation that balances comfort, coverage, and durability across daily wear.