Overview | Silhouettes | Necklines | Trains | Fabrics | Colors
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.
A lightweight, sensual soft fabric and be silk or synthetic. This is very sexy and revealing fabric, if it’s too simple of a design the dress starts to look more like a night gown than a wedding gown. If you have rock solid abs and need minimal undergarments this fabric is for you! So, what’s your secret?
This romantic fabric is both delicate and sheer. It looks great in baby doll style dresses, and also ads a wonderful dimension to ruching style bodice. This fabric looks similar to organza but it heavier, has more movement but pulls much easier. The polyester version of chiffon is stiffer than it’s natural silk counterpart and can be helpful in more structured dresses.
A crepe is also a thin fabric that has a crinkle like quality. it requires layers or a thick underlining, and is great for vintage looks.
This is the yummy “feels like butter” fabric. It’s a blend of both silk and synthetic fibers (either rayon or polyester) that results in a shiny, lustrous fabric. Commonly used in ballgowns, be careful with this fabric because it wrinkles easily!
This is a very rustic raw fabric with a great organic feel to it. Dupioni is similar to a shantung, but is thicker, has more slubs and a slight sheen. If you’re getting married outdoors in a rustic setting, this is great fabric. If it’s a colder month, chose the dupioni over the shantung.
A sheer, lightweight fabric often made of polyester or silk with a crepe surface.
No other fabric combines history, craftsmanship, and romance as well as lace. The intricate web of patterns is both flirtatious and demure making a stunning combination in a wedding dress.
Mikado is rigid well-structured fabric that creates a beautiful sheen, and a sophisticated look. It’s a great fabric for a winter wedding, or a more demure gown.
Is a romantic sheer fabric similar to chiffon but has a stiffer texture and can be used on more structured type of dresses. Organza is often used to create sheer sleeves, jackets, or wraps. Organza is a great outdoor fabric especially for weddings in a warmer months.
The most traditional and versatile bridal fabric ( and for good reason). Satin is a heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen that creates a luxurious and elegant feel.
Like Dupioni, the raw fabric shantung is know for its slubbed texture, but is lighter than its dupioni counterpart. This fabric is great for outdoor rustic settings, especially in warmer weather months.
A wonderful crisp and smooth fabric with a light shimmer to it. Taffeta is versatile fabric that works with most dresses, and is a good alternative to a tradition satin because it’s much lighter. A full ball gown with a taffeta skirt will be considerably lighter, but watch out for poor quality. If your ordering this fabric ask for a large swatch to make sure it’s a higher grade.
Netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon; used primarily for skirts and veils (think ballerina tutus). Tulle wedding gowns create a really fun look to create a wonderful party atmosphere.
Overview | Silhouettes | Necklines | Trains | Fabrics | Colors
