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Wedding Dress Materials and Fabrics
Style, cut, texture, drape, and season are all-important factors in determining the best fabric for a wedding gown. The same style dress can look and feel quite different in a variety of fabrics, since each material is designed to produce a distinct effect. Some fabrics cling to the body, while others stand away. Some are cherished for their crispness, others for being light-as-air. Silk—a natural fiber that exudes an innate quality of refinement—is undoubtedly the most sought-after and cherished wedding dress material, noted for its resiliency, elasticity, and strength.
Silk threads are woven to create various fabrics, including satin, a densely-woven silk notable for its super-lustrous gloss; duchesse satin, a blend of silk and rayon that is lighter and more affordable than pure silk satin; charmeuse, a lightweight silk satin with a more subdued luster; and shantung, a low-sheen textured silk characterized by a rough, nubby quality. Then there are the gauzier, textured silks like chiffon, tulle, and organza—all used in multiple layers for gown skirts since they are transparent, but lightweight.
The Fabric Hotlist
- Batiste: A lightweight, soft, transparent fabric.
- Charmeuse: A lightweight, semi-lustrous soft fabric, that is satin-like to the touch.
- Chiffon: Delicate, sheer, and transparent—made from silk or rayon, with a soft finish; often layered because of its transparency, making it popular for overskirts, sheer sleeves, and wraps.
- Crepe: A light, soft, and thin fabric with a crinkled surface.
- Damask: Similar to brocade with raised designs, but woven in a much lighter weight.
- Duchesse Satin: A lightweight hybrid of silk and rayon (or polyester) woven into a satin finish.
- Dupioni: A finish similar to shantung, but with thicker, coarser fibers, and a slight sheen.
- Faille: A structured, ribbed finish like grosgrain ribbon; usually quite substantial.
- Gabardine: A tightly-woven, firm and durable finish, with single diagonal lines on the face.
- Georgette: A sheer, lightweight fabric often made of polyester or silk with a crepe surface.
- Illusion: A fine, sheer net fabric, generally used on sleeves or necklines.
- Jersey: A very elastic knit fabric; the face has lengthwise ribs and the underside has crosswise ribs.
- Moire: A heavy silk taffeta with a subtle, wavy design.
- Organdy: A stiff transparent fabric.
- Organza: Crisp and sheer like chiffon, with a stiffer texture similar in effect to tulle, but more flowing; popular for skirts, sleeves, backs, and overlays.
- Peau de Soie: A soft satin-faced, high-quality cloth with a dull luster, fine ribs, and a grainy appearance.
- Pique: A lengthwise rib weave in medium to heavy weights; wrinkles badly unless given a wrinkle-free finish.
- Satin: A heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen on one side; very common in bridal gowns.
- Silk Gazar: A four-ply silk organza.
- Silk Mikado: A brand of blended silk, usually heavier than 100-percent silk.
- Silk-faced Satin: A smooth silk satin, with a glossy front and matte back.
- Shantung: Similar to a raw silk, shantung is characterized by its slubbed texture.
- Taffeta: Crisp and smooth, with a slight rib; not frequently used.
- Tulle: Netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon; used primarily for skirts and veils (think ballerina tutus).
- Velvet: A soft, thick fabric with a felted face and plain underside.
