You are starting to embark on your Wedding Gown search and you have suddenly been thrown into a world talking about silhouettes and styles and different fabrics.
Bridal Fabric Guide 101
Fabric is one of the most important aspects of your wedding dress. It affects the texture, drape and movement of each and every dress (and how it’ll appear in photographs) When describing your dream dress to your consultant, it can help to have a basic knowledge of a few of the top bridal fabrics. After silhouette, a wedding dress is best described in the fabric you’re envisioning!
Here are a few of the top fabrics used to construct dresses found at Dion for Brides:
Tulle: A netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon. Tulle can be soft (as seen on veils or as a A-line or ballgown skirts such as ballerina skirts) or stiff (used in layers under skirts to give them body and volume).
Silk: A Natural Fiber made from silkworm cocoons. Silk fabric comes in many different varieties including shantung duchesse, zymboline and mikado. Softness will vary across all the different styles of silk.
Mikado: The word "mikado" is used in Japan to refer to the emperor, and this eponymous fabric is imbued with all the royalty and elegance that its name suggests. Silk Mikado is also known as Zibeline silk, though Mikado is by far the most well known term for this type of bridal fabric.
Whether made of polyester or made from silk, Mikado offers a particularly attractive luminous finish that lends itself perfectly to the creation of the most vibrant wedding dresses. The fall of the
Mikado fabric is majestic, which allows the sewing of grandiose and well-structured dresses. The fabric is well suited to wedding dress silhouettes such as A-line, ballgown, mermaid, mini or tea length.
Satin: A heavy, tightly woven fabric that’s glossy on the front and dull on the back.Satin fabric has long been considered and remains today as an exceptional fabric. It lends itself very well to the making of bridal dresses because of the great elegance associated with it.
The diversity is distinguished by the wide range of styles available. Crepe, satinette, or classic satin, stretchy satin, double satin, royal satin or duchess satin.
Organza: A sheer fabric more flowy than tulle, but stiffer than chiffon. A favourite choice for multilayered skirts.Organza is a wonderful choice for a sheer fabric that has some structure and crispness. Unlike chiffon which is drapey and floaty, organza holds its shape and therefore is a wonderful choice for garments that require a little structure but also when a gauzy finish is required.
Taffeta: A light, crisp, lustrous fabric with a paper feel. This fabric is distinguished by its brittle and crispy texture that rustles slightly during movements. High-level couturiers and stylists often rely on taffeta as an element to accompany or complement other fabrics in a dress, to provide contrast, or to create additional decorative elements.
Pro-Tip: Organza and Taffeta are light weight fabrics perfect for summer weddings!
Georgette: Also called crêpe Georgette because of its crepe texture, Georgette fabric is one of the hidden gems of the world of sewing. It takes its name from the French milliner Georgette de la Plante and is mainly recognized by its slightly wrinkled surface.
It has a tight weave, with strongly twisted threads that crumple when they relax. Unlike its rough appearance, the fallen of the fabric is fluid and loose. It follows the movements of the body and brings out all the grace of the person wearing it.
Charmeuse: A lightweight, semi-lustrous fabric with a soft texture.
Chiffon: A delicate, semi transparent fabric with a soft finish. Most often seen layered on skirts or veiled.
Crepe: If you are looking for a soft, fluid drapey fabric then crepe is more than likely the choice of fabric for you. For wedding dresses, crepe is a flowing fabric that looks and feels luxurious. In addition to looking beautiful and opulent, the crepe comes from strongly twisted fibers so it is a durable and versatile fabric to work with and to wear. It doesn't crease easily which adds to its appeal too.
There are many options of crepe fabric such as a thick or slightly transparent fabric. It can have a granular appearance and is not as smooth to the touch as a satin for example. Crepe is very well suited to fitted gowns as it has the benefit of some stretch.
Brocade: A heavy, intricate woven fabric with 3-D designs.
Damask: Similar to brocade with designs expressed in texture.
Illusion: Although not made of one specific fabric, this fine translucent netting is usually seen on neck panels, back panels or sheer sleeves.
Pro-Tip: Illusion netting is very delicate. Be careful to put on your jewellery after you have your gown on to ensure you don't snag it on your wedding day.
Lace: Lace is a delicate and classic open fabric fabric whose very fine stitches form decorative patterns and is renowned the world over for being a couture, luxury fabric choice which is why it appears so much in bridal collections.
It is believed that lace would have seen the light of day in the region of Venice, almost five hundred years ago. It is still widely used in women's fashion in addition to bridal today. Intended for a multitude of uses both in haute couture and mainstream fashion and accessories, lace is timeless, refined and elegant.
Made by made by looping, twisting, or knitting thread in patterns. There are many different types of lace including Chantilly, Guipure, Embroidered Tulle, Glitter Lace and Beaded Lace.
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