Wedding Dress Fabrics

Ever wondered about the different fabrics we use for our beautiful gowns at Blanche Bridal?

Or which fabrics work well together; and what they are even called to begin with?

We created a little guide to shed some light on wedding dress fabrics:

1. Tulle:

This sheer fabric has an open weave that looks like netting and can be anything from soft to stiff. It can incorporate lace designs and is very delicate. Tulle is mostly made of silk, rayon or nylon and is used for top-layers in our gowns, skirts, veils and more.

2. Lace:

Most of our gowns are adorned with this beautiful fabric. It is delicate, graceful, and comes in many varieties, often beaded, embroidered, or simply plain. Examples are Chantilly, Alençon, Venise or Guipure lace. The name is typically the city where it was originally produced.

3. Satin:

Satin is actually not a fibre but a finish and is either made of silk, polyester or a blend. It’s sometimes called ‘Duchess Satin’ and is a heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen on one side. Satin blends and synthetics are less expensive than pure Satin and also wrinkle less.

It is the most common, versatile and durable wedding dress fabric. With its’ smooth finish and supportive structure it is often used for ball gowns, creating ruches and drapes. Satin is supportive and suitable for every body shape, and, as it is a thicker fabric, good for cooler weather weddings.

4. Taffeta:

Taffeta has a slight sheen and is similar to Satin but lighter, smooth and crisp. It is suitable for structured ball gowns and full skirts.

5. Chiffon:

Chiffon is delicate, sheer, transparent and lightweight. It’s a light woven fabric, made from silk or rayon and often used as layers or as an overlay (for overskirts for example).

It gives a floaty, weightless look and is great for destination weddings in warm weather. Because chiffon is so delicate, it frays and snags easy though.

6. Organza:

Organza has a similar look to chiffon but is stiffer. It is a structured, crisp and sheer woven fabric, traditionally made from silk.

We mainly use it for trains, detachable skirts, sleeves, backs and overlays. Organza is very delicate, as Chiffon and is also good for warmer weather weddings.

7. Silk:

Silk is the most expensive fabric, but also one of the most popular.

Examples are raw silk, Silk Gazar (four-ply silk organza: Kate Middleton’s wedding dress fabric) and Silk Mikado (brand of blended silk, usually heavier then 100% silk).

8. Charmeuse:

Charmeuse is glamorous, lightweight and sheer. It has a glossy shine and a touch of satin, and is usually made of silk, but can be made synthetically too.

This fabric is not very forgiving and shows every flaw, keep that in mind.