Hillary Hoffpower is a writer with over six years of experience in the wedding industry. Her work has also appeared in The Bridal Guide and WeddingWire.
There are many factors to consider when looking for the right wedding dress, as there are many styles, silhouettes, price points, and designers to choose from. However, if you have a basic understanding of wedding dress fabrics and when to wear them, you’ll have an easier time making your decision.
According to bridal fashion expert Mark Ingram, not all wedding dress fabrics are the same, especially depending on the season. “People say wedding dresses are out of season, but that’s not true.” Heavy satin dresses, for example, remain an uncomfortable choice in summer, just like cotton sundresses in autumn. Ballroom receptions may look out of place. “Of course, the bride has every right to do and choose what she likes,” adds Ingram. “But in my opinion, when it comes to your wedding dress and how important it is to your day, I prefer to apply most of the old rules of etiquette.”
In addition, Ingram explained that the style and silhouette of the dress ultimately dictated the direction of the fabric. Some materials are better for structured styles, others are perfect for flowy, airy looks, and still others are perfect for iconic ball gowns. “My favorite fabrics to work with are more structured fabrics like mikado, grosgrain and gazar,” says Ingram. “I work with form and structure, and these fabrics give it an architectural rather than a romantic feel.”
So, before you start shopping for a wedding dress, take a look at what to expect from the different types of wedding dress fabrics today. Next, with the help of Ingram’s expert advice, here’s what you need to know about wedding dress fabrics to help you tell the difference between cambric and brocade.
Mark Ingram is a bridal fashion expert and curator with over 40 years of experience in the industry. In addition to his own eponymous line of wedding dresses, he is the founder and CEO of Mark Ingram Atelier, a well-known bridal salon in New York.
This sheer fabric is light, soft, and made from plain weave, usually as an overlay or veil. Perfect for warm spring or summer weather, this material is the epitome of a sophisticated garden party.
Brocade can be made from silk or synthetic fibers and is characterized by jacquards (raised patterns) woven into the fabric. Since the material is dense but lighter than satin, it is ideal for a structured dress that can be worn to a formal autumn or winter wedding.
Rich and sophisticated as the name suggests, this luxurious fabric has a glossy finish and a matte interior. Often made from silk (although synthetic alternatives do exist), its soft drape makes it popular in flowy styles that are often cut on the bias. “Soft, curvy, form-fitting fabrics are often best worn with loose, tight, or bodycon dresses,” says Ingram. This ultra-light material is also suitable for year-round wear, but is typically a flirty must-have for spring and summer.
Chiffon is one of the lightest fabrics and is often used as an overlay, layered or as an accent piece due to its sheer style. Made from silk or viscose, flowy and flowy, this matte material is perfect for boho style brides. Its light and airy construction also makes it a great choice for spring and summer weddings, and its fresh look suits sheer silhouettes and goddess styles. However, it is worth noting that delicate fabrics can be very fragile and easily snag, pull, or fray.
Made from soft silk or lightweight viscose, crepe is a sheer and wrinkled fabric that works best with softer silhouettes. This slender material is perfect for accentuating curves, but also pairs well with clean, minimalist designs and even bridal jumpsuits. Simple cuts like mermaid dresses or A-line dresses are classic choices for this fabric, and it’s a lovely textile that’s perfect for year-round use.
Brocade is similar to brocade in that it has a convex design and is a lighter material. Its pattern (dull jacquard) is usually the same color as the backing, and the monolithic textile is best for constructed styles with structured silhouettes. Brocade is a great year-round choice for more sophisticated formal wedding styles.
Lightweight and breathable, the Dotted Swiss is made from muslin with evenly spaced polka dots. This material is ideal for spring or summer outdoor weddings, especially for sweet and feminine celebrations such as garden receptions.
The slightly rough dupioni is composed of coarse fibers and has an attractive organic beauty. One of the richest types of silk, it holds its shape making it the best choice for more dramatic silhouettes like ball gowns.
This fabric, woven from silk, cotton or viscose, has a structured ribbed surface and a cross-ribbed effect. The textile also maintains a structured design (suitable for more modern or minimalist dresses), making it suitable for year-round wear.
Made from wool or silk, gazelle looks sleek and crisp, not unlike organza. In particular, silk yarn, the most common type of bridal wear, has taken center stage as the fabric for Kate Middleton’s wedding dress. This tough yet translucent material holds its shape well and is best suited for structured, romantic designs and full skirt styles such as ball gowns, which are great for year-round wear.
Transparent and transparent georgette is woven from polyester or silk with a crepe surface. While its soft silhouette makes it the perfect top layer for a wedding dress, the flowy fabric is perfect for feminine silhouettes that move with the body. As a rule, this material should be worn during the warm season.
“The most popular fabric for wedding dresses is lace,” says Ingram. “As a category of fabric, it is extremely versatile in terms of patterns, textures, weights and finishes. Lace is universally loved in most cultures. It’s soft, feminine, romantic and soft enough to fit any figure.”
This elegant material, woven from silk or cotton, comes in a variety of styles, including French lace, such as Chantilly (very thin and open), Alencon (trimmed with rope in bright patterns), and Viennese (heavier and more textured). Its unique versatility makes it suitable for year-round use, although some heavier fabrics (such as Italian Venezia) are better for colder months.
”Lace needs the support of tulle, organza, or lining to keep its shape, as lace is often very soft,” advises Ingram.
Mikado, a denser silk with a lustrous finish, is very popular and its thickness provides structure that can be adapted to architecture and intricate designs. Ingram notes that mikados can be molded and sewn with a few stitches, so “sexy, tight mermaid dresses and strapless ball gowns” are perfect. This material can be worn all year round, but the weight may be better suited for cooler temperatures.
Usually made of polyester or thick silk taffeta, cloud patterns appear in the light to give the illusion of glistening water. (It has a slightly wavy pattern.) The fabric can be heavy, so it’s best worn in winter.
While organza is as sheer and airy as chiffon, its silhouette is more structured, making it perfect for warm weather weddings. Traditionally woven from silk, it has a lustrous finish and crisp drape. In addition, this material is often used in layered looks to add volume to ball gowns, trains and veils. Perfect for whimsical foam dresses and princess moments, this sheer fabric is the epitome of romantic and glamorous garden parties. However, be careful as delicate fabrics can easily get caught and pulled.
This jersey has a waffle weave on the outside. Even though it’s a heavy style, its preppy look tends to work best in spring and summer. The material is also informal, allowing for clear styles and structured silhouettes.
Polyester mesh, this material is stitched together to form a diamond pattern. While this fabric is commonly used to make veils, it can also be used to make dresses. Plus, its light texture is a great choice for spring, summer, or even fall holidays. Sophisticated design and vintage romance are the real highlights of this textile.
Polyester is an inexpensive synthetic material that can be woven into almost any fabric. Polyester satin, especially for wedding dresses, is a very common alternative to silk as it is more wrinkle resistant and less delicate. This material can also be worn all year round but can be a little uncomfortable in summer as it is not very breathable.
Although natural fiber fabrics tend to be more breathable, they are often more expensive and require more maintenance as they tend to wrinkle. This is why synthetic alternatives are gaining popularity, although Ingram mentions that “often they are too heavy, too hard, or too hot for the wearer.”
Viscose is a smooth, silk-like fabric that is more elastic and affordable. Lightweight and breathable semi-synthetic fabric is ideal for summer weddings, but can be worn all year round. Even though it is cheap, it wrinkles easily. Durable fabric is a great choice for draped styles or structured designs.
“For decades, most brides preferred shiny silk satin,” says Ingram. “The beauty of satin lies in the sheen, feel and drape.” Thick and smooth, satin is made from silk and nylon fibers and has a high thread count. Silk satin is one of the more traditional wedding dress fabrics, but because satin has a special finish, it can also be made from polyester or blends. The density of this durable fabric is great for any season, but a thicker fabric like Duchess is best for cooler months. Luxurious and sexy, this material holds its shape well and is suitable for structured designs such as ruffles or ball gowns. “What most modern brides don’t like is the wrinkle and waviness factor, which unfortunately cannot be avoided with silk satin,” adds Ingram.
Shantung silk is woven from silk or cotton in a plain weave with a fine weave that gives it a worn texture and a raw, natural look. Its medium weight is great for all seasons and retains volume that looks and feels rich. The fabric drapes beautifully and fits all shapes and sizes.
One of the most traditional and expensive fabrics, silk is not only timeless, but also versatile. It is durable, comes in a variety of textures and styles, and is perfect for any season, but can become quite brittle during the warmer months. Silk is spun into threads and woven into fabric and is known for its soft sheen. Varieties include silk gazar, silk mikado, fay, shantung, and dupioni.
Taffeta is available in a variety of styles and is made from silk or synthetic fibers. Heavy for winter and light for summer, this vibrant, versatile fabric can be made in almost any color, sometimes shimmering through the weaving process. The soft fabric also has structural qualities that are perfect for A-line dresses and full skirt ball gowns.
Sheer mesh open weave tulle has a light vibe but can be folded down for added structure. It is very delicate and is often used as a lining for dresses and, of course, as a veil. It comes in different weights and firmness. Typical bridal fabrics are gaining popularity in sexy illusory styles with few sleeves, cutouts or cutouts. This lightweight and often inexpensive fabric can also be used in lace patterns and can be worn all year round. Remember that the fabric is prone to snags.
The velvet is soft, thick and felted with a heavy composition, perfect for a fall or winter wedding. This luxurious fabric is often perfect for royal looks and vintage inspiration.
Light and airy, the veil is made of cotton or wool and has a translucent appearance. The fabric’s natural drape is perfect for flowing silhouettes without being overly structured, and its laid-back aesthetic makes it ideal for informal weddings.
Zibeline has a unidirectional, straight fiber weave and a glossy finish. When it comes to wedding dresses, silk siebelin is the most common option found in most designs. This structured fabric is also great for structured silhouettes like fitted flares or A-line silhouettes.
Post time: Jun-30-2023
