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 Hot List
Batiste: A lightweight, soft, transparent fabric.
Brocade: A Jacquard-woven fabric with raised
designs; traditionally popular for fall and winter, now also
worn in warmer weather.
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.
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