When you try on dresses you may notice the difference in how they look, feel, and flow as there are many different fabrics are used in wedding dress construction from heavier to translucent. Style, texture, and season are key factors in determining the best fabric for a wedding gown. Some fabrics cling to the body, while others stand away. Some are cherished for their crispness, others for being light-as-air.
Silk is a natural fiber that exudes an innate quality of refinement. Warm in the winter, and cool in the summer – is the 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. A duchesse satin, charmeuse, shantung are medium weight blends. Then there are the gauzier silks like chiffon, tulle, and organza – all used in multiple layers for gown skirts since they are transparent, but lightweight. Polyester is an inexpensive man-made fiber that can be woven into just about anything, including duchesse satin.
Batiste
A lightweight, soft, transparent fabric.
Charmeuse (Satin)
A lightweight, semi-lustrous soft fabric, that is satin-like to the touch. It is a lightweight silk satin with a more subdued luster
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.
Crinoline
A stiffened or structured fabric usually used to hold out a skirt
Crepe
A light, soft, and thin fabric with a crinkled surface.
Damask / Brocade
A Jacquard-woven fabric with raised designs; traditionally popular for fall and winter
Duchesse Satin
A lightweight hybrid of silk and rayon (or polyester) woven into a satin finish. It is lighter and more affordable than pure silk satin
Dupioni (Silk)
A finish similar to shantung, but with thicker, coarser fibers, and a slight sheen.
Faille
Soft and slightly crisp fabric that holds its shape well with body to spare. Similar in weight to satin but incorporates thicker cross yarns for its characteristic rib.
Illusion
A fine, sheer net fabric, generally used on sleeves or necklines.
Lace
is perfect for adding a touch of elegance, whimsy or a bohemian flair to any outfit. Lace is the perfect choice for tops, overlays on dresses and skirts, bridal veils. It comes with different levels of stretch.
Moire
A heavy silk taffeta with a subtle, wavy design. A fabric with a wavy (watered) appearance, produced mainly from silk, wool, cotton and rayon.
Net
Stiff and lightweight, widely used for petticoats and volume layers in the skirt.
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. Very formal and elegant, heavier than typical satins.
Pique
A knit fabric with a waffle-weave appearance, pique has distinct sides. The outside resembles a honeycomb or waffle and the underside is flat and smooth.
Rayon
Similar to silk, but more elastic and affordable.
Satin
A heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen on one side; very common in bridal gowns.
Silk
The most sought-after, cherished fiber for wedding dresses (and also the most expensive); there are several types with different textures: raw silk and silk mikado are just two examples. Silk-faced Satin has a a glossy front and matte back.
Silk Gazar
A four-ply silk organza.
Shantung (Sateen)
Similar to a raw silk, shantung is characterized by its rubbed texture. It has a low-sheen texture characterized by a rough, nubby quality
Taffeta
Crisp and smooth, with a slight rib.
Tulle
Netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon; used primarily for skirts and veils.
more info at White Swan Bridal Boutique
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