The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Fabric Every Bride-To-Be Should Read
Sooo, you’re at your first bridal appointment and the sales consultant sits down to casually ask the question you’ve been trying to figure out the answer to for months, “So, what types of gowns do you like?” While you may know what you like, to see it, it can be difficult to describe – especially if you don’t have the right words! No worries, we’re here to help!
Fabric vs. Fiber
Before we get into the different types of fabrics, we need to make one important distinction – the difference between fabric and fiber. Fibers are what the fabric is made from–the little strings that are woven together. Fabric is the final product. Silk is the perfect example of why this distinction is so important. When most people think of silk, they think of a smooth shiny fabric. Silk is a fiber, and it can be woven into many different types of fabric, some of which are shiny, but some are matte as well.
There are two types of fibers:
- Natural fibers are fibers that occur in nature like silk, cotton, and wool–silk being the one most commonly used in bridal.
- Synthetic fibers are man-made fibers, like polyester, nylon, rayon, and spandex.
Fabric can be made out of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or a combo of the two. Both types of fibers have their own advantages. Natural fibers, like silk drape and move beautifully, they also feel great against your skin. While the word “synthetic” typically has a negative connotation, these fibers offer a lot of benefits. They travel well and are much easier to clean than their natural counterparts.
Let’s Talk Fabric
When it comes to bridal fabrics, there are a lot of options! Here are some fabrics that you are bound to encounter at your bridal appointments.
Satin
Satin is known for its shine and for its soft and sexy feel. Satin comes in a few different styles and weights.
- Duchess Satin- This satin holds its shape and is perfect for structured bodices and big pleated skirts. Think about almost every royal wedding you’ve ever seen–Duchess Satin has probably made an appearance.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Rebecca Yale Photography WEDDING GOWN | Reem Acra
- Charmeuse- Charmeuse is the sexiest of all the satins. It is slinky and for better or worse, it shows everything.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Love by Serena WEDDING GOWN | Leanne Marshall
Taffeta
Taffeta is a lightweight and tightly woven fabric that sculpts beautifully and keeps it shape. It is perfect if you are looking for a voluminous look without wanting to be weighed down.
WEDDING GOWN |Viktor & Rolf PHOTOGRAPHER | Sally Pinera
Crepe
Crepe is a slinky matte fabric that drapes beautifully and can range from lightweight to luxuriously heavy. It is commonly used in mermaid and A-line gowns. It gives off a minimalist vibe and makes the focus all about you. Because of the weight and drape of the fabric, crepe gowns usually hug the body or highlight the silhouette when you walk.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Fiona Kelly Photography WEDDING GOWN | Charlie Brear
Shantung
Shantung is usually made from silk, though there are rare instances of a synthetic Shantung. It is a raw, organic looking fabric that is easily identified by slubs (or little imperfections). This lightweight fabric is perfect for spring or summer weddings.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Emilia Jane Photography WEDDING GOWN | Alyssa Kristin
Dupioni
Dupioni is similar to Shantung in that it has a raw natural quality highlighted by little imperfections. It is stiff and holds its shape which makes it perfect for sculptural elements and dramatic trains.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Audra Wrisley Photography WEDDING GOWN | Anne Barge
Faille
Faille is a structured, preppy fabric, identified by tiny ribbing that gives it a matte finish. It is great for dramatically sculpted bodices or simple, beautifully tailored silhouettes.
PHOTOGRAPHER | The Edges Wedding Photography
Organza
This is a sheer lightweight fabric that holds its shape and appears to float as you walk. It is perfect for whimsical tiers and wispy ball gowns.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Sarah Houston Photography WEDDING GOWN | Borrowing Magnolia
Chiffon
Chiffon is a sheer fabric that drapes beautifully. It is perfect for ornate bodices and dramatic trains.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Erika Parker Photography GOWN | Carol Hannah
Gazar
Gazar is very similar to organza but it is slightly stiffer and is usually translucent rather than transparent. It is perfect for full ballgowns or sculpted bodices.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Nicole Sarah Photography WEDDING GOWN | Monique Lhuillier at Nordstrom
Lace
This one can be a bit tricky. There are a few different types of lace, so it’s a good idea to know exactly which kinds you like (or don’t like) because they are totally different! In addition to knowing the type of lace, it’s good to know your pattern preference: floral vs geometric.
- Chantilly- This is a sexy, barely there, lace that is delicate and drapey–think lingerie. Most Chantilly laces are floral patterns.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Sarah Kate WEDDING GOWN | Jenny Packham
- Alencon- Pronounced “ə-ˈlen-ˌsän”, this is a thicker lace that has less negative space than Chantilly lace and is identified by cording that traces a typically floral motif.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Facibeni Fotografia WEDDING GOWN | Monique Lhuillier
- Guipure- Guipure is a thick lace that resembles embroidery. It comes in both floral and geometric motifs. It is the heaviest of the laces and is best for fall and winter weddings.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Leslie D Photography
Net
Net is a fabric that is sheer and has many small holes. It can be used as-is or it is often embellished with embroidery, beads, or sequins.
- Beaded Net
PHOTOGRAPHER | Carlie Statsky WEDDING GOWN | Lovely Bridal Shop
- Embroidered Net
PHOTOGRAPHER | Oliver Fly Photography WEDDING GOWN | Naeem Khan
There are different types and weights of net:
- Tulle- Tulle (pronounced tool) is a sheer net that holds its shape beautifully. It can be gathered to create an over-the-top ball gown or draped over a bodice to create a soft romantic look. Most veils are made of tulle.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Lauren Fair Photography WEDDING DRESS | JLM Couture
- English Net- A soft and heavier net that drapes beautifully and is often used in gathered A-line skirts.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Cavin Elizabeth Photography WEDDING DRESS | Styled By Two’s Company
When it comes to shopping for your wedding gown, the more you know, the easier it will be to find your dream gown. Now you’ll be able to describe exactly what you want in detail, you may even teach the sales consultant a thing or two ;)