You can't just pick any fabric for your wedding dress. The right fabric for structured designs, the right fabric for flowing, light looks, and the right fabric for ball gowns. Find out what to expect when it comes to fabrics before you go wedding dress shopping! Get to know 6 popular bridal fabrics and why they're great choices.
Satin
Many people mistake satin for a fiber, but it's actually a finish. Pure silk satin, polyester satin, or a blend are all available. Almost any fabric can be used, including lace, tulle, taffeta, etc. Fabrics made from natural fibers generally breathe better, but can also be more expensive or wrinkle easier, which is why blends and synthetic fabrics are so popular.
Wedding dresses are most commonly made from satin, a fabric that is versatile, durable, and common. For more structured gowns, satin has a smooth finish and a lot of body. Suitable for ball gowns, ruched styles, and draped dresses, it is a supportive fabric that works for every body type. Silk makes up the majority of bridal satins.
Especially with duchess satin, satin is a good choice for cooler weather weddings because of its thickness.
Chiffon
A lightweight woven fabric, chiffon is extremely sheer and lightweight. Because it is so sheer, it is usually layered or used in conjunction with a more substantial fabric. Despite its floaty, weightless appearance, this fabric frays and snags easily.
Charmeuse
Charmeuse has a wonderful drape and glossy sheen, and it is a light, rich fabric. Silk is the most common fabric, but synthetic fibers are also available. The charmeuse fabric is slinky with a gorgeous liquid effect, but it isn't so forgiving as other fabrics. Charmeuse is incredibly luxurious, but it can also show every flaw because it is usually cut diagonally across the grain to encourage its drape.
Organza
It is traditionally made from silk and is sheer, lightweight, and woven. The stiffness of organza differs significantly from that of chiffon. Organza is more structured than chiffon, but still light and ethereal, making it perfect for weddings in warmer weather. Be careful of snags and pulls because it, too, is a delicate fabric.
Lace
A wedding dress made from lace adds so much grace to any bridal look. Lace comes in an astonishing variety of styles, commonly used as overlays or details. Similarly to tulle, it is prone to snagging due to its open weave. The city where lace was first produced usually names it after the city in which it was produced. Lace comes in a variety of styles, including:
Chantilly: an open lace that’s incredibly detailed with a defined border
Venise: a textured, heavier lace that’s used typically in winter weddings
Alençon: lace with a net design and cord edging
Tulle
Ballerina's tutus are made from tulle, which is a lightweight, net-like fabric. This fabric resembles netting due to its sheer weave and open weave. Lace designs can also be incorporated into the fabric. Tulle ball gowns have an airy and transparent feel, but they will become more structured if they are ruched. The fabric is incredibly delicate, and jewelry will easily snag it.
While you can find other fabrics beyond satin, charmeuse, chiffon, organza, tulle, and lace, these are the most traditional fabrics used for wedding dresses.
So, which is best for your wedding? For your wedding dress, no fabric is better than another. Your wedding dress should reflect your personal preferences and what you want. Winter brides might prefer satin, while summer brides might prefer organza, which is lighter and better suited to summer. The best fabric for you will depend on how your dress moves and looks.
If you’re ready to find your dream wedding dress, book your appointment with us at Malmrose Bridal today!