There are a myriad of bridal materials available, but how can you decide which one will work best for your ideal wedding gown? Do not worry; we have everything covered for you in our guide to wedding dress fabrics. When choosing the ideal wedding dress, there are many factors to take into account. The process can be less intimidating by knowing what kinds of fabrics you prefer and how they should be worn. Although tulle and lace are common wedding dress fabrics, there are other choices as well. In this handy guide, you'll discover the most popular wedding dress materials and how they are used.
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Crepe
Brides who wish to highlight their curves should choose crepe, a mid-weight silk-blend fabric that hugs the body and drapes nicely. The most typical styles for it are sheath or fit-and-flare, as well as unconventional bridal options like jumpsuits! This wedding dress material is preferable for minimalist wedding gowns since it is smooth and crisp. Although the fabric is equally gorgeous on its own, embellishments like bows and buttons instantly transform a simple gown into a spectacular piece.
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Silk
Silk is used frequently for dramatic ball gowns or fit-and-flare shapes since it is one of the most luxurious and elegant materials for wedding dresses. Wedding gowns are typically made of a variety of silk fabrics, such as faille, gazar, shantung, dupioni, charmeuse, and crepe de chine. The appearance of silk can be anything from extremely structured and stiff to flowing and light, depending on how it is stitched.
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Mikado
Mikado is another type of silk. It is more sturdy than other silk blends, like chiffon, making it ideal for the bride who wants a structured gown that will maintain its shape. Fit-and-flare, trumpet, or A-line shapes are popular choices for this wedding gown material. Since Mikado has a high-shine finish that gives it a dazzling appeal, it is also fantastic for formal dress guidelines.
Brocade
Brocade is differentiated by a jacquard that is woven into the fabric and can be created from silk or synthetic fibers. The fabric has an excellent body and is stiff but lighter than satin, making it ideal for a structured gown in the fall or winter but too heavy for the summer. The formal settings are where the exquisite material works best.
Satin
This is when things become a bit complicated. Despite being frequently associated with bridal dresses, satin is essentially a form of weaving pattern and not a raw material. Satin can be made from a variety of materials, including silk, nylon, and polyester. You're most likely to run into terminology like "silk satin," "charmeuse satin," "duchess satin," and "crepe back satin" when looking for your wedding gown. Generally speaking, satin is a delicate, lavish fabric with a small sheen that will help you create a chic, contemporary style on your wedding day.
Tulle
This netting is stiff and transparent and is typically made of nylon, silk, polyester, or a combination of these materials for bridal dresses. Tulle is a gorgeous wedding dress material choice for brides who want a stunning silhouette, such a ball gown or mermaid. Its layers create a voluminous, fairytale-inspired effect. Tulle skirts are frequently worn under dresses to enhance fullness or combined with lace, sequins, beading, or horsehair trim. Another lovely choice is colored tulle (consider blush, pastel blue, or even black!).
Organza
Organza is a sheer material that resembles tulle but is less firm. It is typically woven from silk to generate a delicate, airy fabric for your wedding dress that flows with you. Or to put it another way, organza is ideal for twirling! Adding more layers of organza will provide depth and drama without adding too much weight, while adding less layers of organza will make slimmer skirts breezy and effortless. When used as a skirt overlay, organza is frequently embroidered, embellished with appliqués and beading, and allows other fabrics (such as lace, tulle, satin, etc.) to show through from underneath.
Chiffon
Chiffon is not just one of the most well-known fabrics for bridal gowns, but it is also a common choice for bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride dresses. This wispy, light-weight, airy fabric is sometimes mistaken for organza due to its similar features. The distinction is that chiffon is matte and slightly less stiff than chiffon, whereas organza has a little sheen. Chiffon is a sort of weaving pattern, similar to satin, and can be created using silk, polyester, nylon, or rayon threads. We absolutely love chiffon for beach weddings because it will keep you comfortable in warm weather and looks lovely when it is blown in the breeze.
Lace
You probably know what lace looks like because it is one of the most well-known and identifiable forms of wedding dress fabric, but did you know that there are dozens of different lace styles? Each variety of lace, from Chantilly and Guipure to Alençon, laser-cut, point d'esprit, and even cotton, has distinct qualities that will give your wedding dress a distinctive appearance. Regardless of the style of lace you pick, it is indisputably classic and a great option for brides who prefer a vintage or classic look. Sparkly beading is frequently used as an accent on lace to enhance the romantic appeal.
Taffeta
Taffeta is created from silk or synthetic fibers and comes in a variety of styles. The better the taffeta's quality, the stiffer it is. This crisp, adaptable fabric can be found in practically any shade and occasionally seems sparkling due to the weaving technique. It is rich for winter and light for summer. The structured appearance of the flexible fabric makes it ideal for full-skirted ball gowns and A-line dresses.
Neoprene Scuba
Neo-preen is a very recent fabric in the bridal industry. It is frequently referred to as a scuba since it shares many characteristics with swimwear and snorkeling gear. Don't worry, brides—this material is unquestionably one of the most popular ones in the bridal market right now. Neo-preens are made of two layers of fabric that are fused together securely to produce a lovely and supporting thickness and weight while still maintaining a fantastic level of drape. It is often used in gowns with a more fitting design because this material is recognized for being supportive and able to offer a little bit more coverage.
Batiste
This simple weave, lightweight fabric is delicate and typically comes in the shape of an overlay or veil. This cloth embodies a chic garden party and is ideal for the spring or summer months when it's warm outside.
Voile
Voile is a semi-transparent material made of cotton or wool that is lightweight and breathable. It is ideal for casual weddings due to its laid-back appearance. Natural drape in the fabric makes it ideal for flowing, less structured forms.
While you’re choosing your dream dress fabric, it’s important to consider when you’re having your wedding. Some fabrics are too light for winter weddings, while others are thick and heavy for summer beach weddings for instance. We hope you make the right choice and create the wedding dress of your dreams.
Main image credit: @aljamilamag