Wedding dress fabric guide: What material is right for you?

We are carrying on our wedding dress guide and we are breaking down all you need to know about wedding dress fabrics and materials.

So we totally get it, weddings are a lot! There is so much new information at each step of the planning process and wedding dress shopping is no different! There are some key fabrics used throughout the wedding dress world and knowing them can help make dress shopping easier.

1. Tulle Fabric

Tulle is a hexagonal woven net fabric. It is commonly made from nylon, cotton, or silk. Silk is usually the choice for higher price veils.

It is a popular fabric for wedding dress creation. It is used for ballgowns layered up to great a full skirt. Or to add an ethereal extra layer for structured dresses.

Weight: Lightweight | Structure: loose to medium hold | Finish: sheer net fabric

2. Satin Fabric

Satin is a smooth, lustrous fabric. It is made from silk, acetate, or polyester yarns. You will see this fabric in many different types of clothing. It is often used for special occasion dresses, pajamas, and linings.

When it comes to wedding dresses though it gives off a classic and luxurious look. It drapes beautifully and can be used on its own or as an overlay on another fabric.

Weight: Lightweight to heavyweight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: lustrous sheen

3. Lace Fabric

Lace is an intricate fabric made by interlocking threads in a mix of different patterns. It is often made of cotton, nylon, or polyester. It can also be made of natural fibers like linen or silk.

It is a very delicate fabric that is often used as an overlay on another fabric for a hint of luxury.

Weight: Lightweight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: matte with intricate patterns

4. Chiffon Fabric

Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric. It is made from silk or polyester yarns. It has a soft, smooth finish and drapes beautifully.

It is often used in evening wear and wedding dresses as an overlay to add a bit of mystery.

Weight: Lightweight | Structure: loose hold | Finish: sheer and soft

5. Organza Fabric

Organza is similar to chiffon in that it is a lightweight, sheer fabric. It is made from silk or polyester yarns. But it has a stiffer finish which gives it more structure.

It is often used in wedding dresses as an overlay or to add volume to skirts.

Weight: Lightweight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: sheer with body

6. Brocade Fabric

Brocade is a decorative woven fabric. It is made from silk, wool, or synthetic fibers. It has a raised design that is often floral or geometric in nature. It is a luxurious fabric that is often used for special occasion clothing like wedding dresses.

Weight: Medium weight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: decorative

7. Crepe Fabric

Crepe is a lightweight fabric with a crinkled surface. It is made from silk, wool, or synthetic fibers. It drapes beautifully and has a bit of stretch to it. It is often used in dresses and skirts.

Weight: Lightweight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: crinkled surface

8. Silk Fabric

Silk is a smooth, soft fabric. It is made from the cocoons of silkworms. It is a luxurious fabric that drapes beautifully. It is often used in slip-style wedding dresses and that a floaty and flowing in design.

Weight: Lightweight to heavyweight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: lustrous sheen

9. Georgette Fabric

Georgette is a lightweight, sheer fabric. It is made from silk or synthetic fibers. It has a crepe-like surface and drapes beautifully. It is often used in dresses, skirts, and blouses. Full feather Georgette fabric is popular with alternative wedding dress designers.

Weight: Lightweight | Structure: loose hold | Finish: sheer with body

10. Velvet Fabric

Velvet is a smooth, soft fabric. It is made from silk or synthetic fibers. It has a raised nap surface and drapes beautifully. It is often used for winter wedding dresses and makes for a great winter wedding cape!

Weight: Medium weight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: lustrous sheen

11. Mikado Fabric

Mikado is a heavier fabric. It is made from silk or synthetic fibers. It has a smooth, grainy surface and drapes beautifully. Again this is a great winter wedding dress fabric as a heavier weight. It is used as a satin silk alternative for structured dresses like a fit and flare silhouette.

Weight: Medium to heavy weight | Structure: stronghold | Finish: high sheen

12. Taffeta fabric

Taffeta is a crisp, smooth fabric. It is made from silk or synthetic fibers. It has a high sheen surface and drapes beautifully. Taffeta is often used for fitted wedding dresses as it doesn’t wrinkle easily. It can also be used to add volume to skirts like in an A-line silhouette.

Weight: Lightweight to heavyweight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: lustrous sheen

13. Satin Fabric

Satin is a smooth, soft fabric. It is made from silk or synthetic fibers. It has a high sheen surface and drapes beautifully. Satin silk is often used for fitted wedding dresses as it doesn’t wrinkle easily. It can also be used to add volume to skirts like in an A-line silhouette.

Weight: Lightweight to heavyweight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: lustrous sheen

14. Charmeuse Fabric

Charmeuse is a smooth, soft fabric. It is made from silk or synthetic fibers. It has a shiny side and a dull back. Used like silk in slip wedding dresses and floaty A-line style dresses.

Weight: Lightweight to heavyweight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: high shine

15. Jersey Fabric

Jersey is a smooth, soft fabric. It is made from wool or synthetic fibers. It has a slight stretch to it. Jersey is often used for fitted wedding dresses and is a popular winter wedding dress fabric.

Weight: Lightweight | Structure: medium hold | Finish: matte

What are the best spring & summer wedding dress fabrics?

For warmer weather, it is best to go with lightweight fabrics. It also depends on the style of your dress, if you are wanting a structured design choose a breathable natural fabric like cotton or linen. Silks, lace, and chiffon work well as they are lightweight and floaty so perfect for a hot summer day.

Some of the best fabrics for spring and summer wedding dresses include:

• Silk
• Organza
• Chiffon
• Cotton
• Linen
• Lace

What are the best Autumn & winter wedding dress fabrics?

For colder weather, you will want to choose a heavier fabric to keep you warm. Again it also depends on the style of your dress, if you are wanting a structured design choose a breathable natural fabric like wool or cashmere.

Some of the best fabrics for autumn and winter wedding dresses include:

• Wool
• Cashmere
• Mikado
• Taffeta
• Velvet
• Satin

We hope this blog broke down some of the different wedding dress fabrics for you to understand and hopefully help in the shopping process. Think about your style and budget first and then look at your season and venue to pic the perfect wedding dress fabric for your big day.

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