Bridal Gown Fabrics

I hear all the time in my bridal salon, "I want a satin dress. That's silk, right?" WRONG! Satin describes the weave of the fiber and doesn't tell you anything about the fiber itself. The fiber can be polyester or silk. In fact, satin, organza, and all of the terms below refer to fabrics that can be silk or polyester. When it's silk, you'll hear us say it's a silk satin or a silk organza. When it's polyester, they tend to leave out that part and just say it's satin, or organza. Silk -- a natural fiber that exudes an innate quality of refinement -- is undoubtedly the most sought-after and cherished wedding dress material, noted for its resiliency, elasticity, and strength.

Threads are woven to create various fabrics, including satin, a densely-woven thread notable for its super-lustrous gloss; duchesse satin, a blend of silk and rayon that is lighter and more affordable than pure silk satin; charmeuse, a lightweight silk satin with a more subdued luster; and shantung, a low-sheen textured silk characterized by a rough, nubby quality. Then there are the gauzier, textured silks like chiffon, tulle, and organza -- all used in multiple layers for gown skirts since they are transparent, but lightweight. All the desciptions below simply describe the types of weaves and can apply to either silk or poyester.

Charmeuse: A lightweight, semi-lustrous soft fabric, that is satin-like to the touch.

Chiffon: Delicate, sheer, and transparent -- made from silk or rayon, with a soft finish; often layered because of its transparency, making it popular for overskirts, sheer sleeves, and wraps.

Crepe: A light, soft, and thin fabric with a crinkled surface.

Duchesse Satin: A lightweight hybrid of silk and rayon (or polyester) woven into a satin finish.

Dupioni: A finish similar to shantung, but with thicker, coarser fibers, and a slight sheen.

Georgette: A sheer, lightweight fabric often made of polyester or silk with a crepe surface.

Mikado: A brand of blended fibers, usually heavier than 100-percent silk.

Organza: Crisp and sheer like chiffon, with a stiffer texture similar in effect to tulle, but more flowing; popular for skirts, sleeves, backs, and overlays.

Satin: A heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen on one side; very common in bridal gowns.

Shantung: Similar to a raw silk, shantung is characterized by its slubbed texture.

Taffeta: Crisp and smooth, with a slight rib.

Tulle: Netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon; used primarily for skirts and veils (think ballerina tutus).