Wedding Dress Fabric

You have many options when thinking about what Wedding Dress Fabric to look for when shopping for a wedding dress but especially when you are going to design your own wedding dress.

If your wedding will be in a warm/hot summer, you should stick with fabrics that are lighter such as chiffon, light satin or crepe.

If you are getting married at a cooler/colder time of the year, you should stick with heavier and warmer fabrics such as velvet and heavier satins.

And don't forget that there are many different kinds of laces and trims that you can use as well as part of your wedding dress fabric.

Different Kinds of Wedding Dress Fabrics

Batiste

Batiste is a sheer, delicate, and somewhat plain-woven fabric. It is similar to, but maybe slightly thicker than cotton. Because it has "home-made" look and more transluscent texture, batiste fabric is great if you are going for a Victorian or vintage look.

Brocade

Brocade is a heavy fabric that is Woven with a loom. It has an ornate design with a raised texture. Because it is a rather heavy fabric, it is a popular wedding dress fabric choice for winter wedding dresses.

Chiffon

Chiffon is made from silk, or from rayon so that it is cheaper in cost. Chiffon is a sheer, flowing fabric with a delicate drape making it a great choice for a summer or beach wedding dress.

It is rather transparent, so is often used in layers on wedding dresses over skirts, on sleeves or for veils.

Crepe

Crepe is a gauzy, silk fabric with a crinkly surface. It creates a lightweight gown with great draping qualities and is really great for summer and beach weddings.

Damask

Much like Brocade with raise and woven designs in the material, but it is much lighter in weight.

Duchesse Satin

Duchesse Satin is less expensive than pure silk and regular satin. It is a light blend of rayon and silk, which makes it perfect for gowns and adding details such as embroidery or heavy beading.

Dupioni

Dupioni is a lightweight 100% silk fabric. It has a thicker, somewhat coarse finish with a subtle sheen.

Gabardine

Gabardine is a tough fabric with a tighter weave and diagonal lines across its surface. Becasue of it's toughness it is very Often used to make coats and pants.

Georgette

Georgette, a sheer, light fabric made out of silk or polyester with a crepe surface, is often used as a top layer on wedding dresses due to its wonderful draping quality.

Organza

Organza is a gauzy, stiff fabric made from silk or synthetic material.

Peau de Soie

Peau de Soie is a synthetic or silk fabric with a matte finish.

Polyester

Polyester is a very durable fabric but is often looked down upon. It can be woven into different materials to resemble other more expensive fabricsend its durable properties.

Satin

Satin material consists of silk threads that are densely woven together create the shiny, firmer fabric. Satin is a curve hugging material so make sure that your dress isn't too tight.

Shantung

Shantung is a plain-woven cotton or silk fabric that has a rough texture, lines, and more of a matte finish than a sheen. It is also known for having beautiful draping properties.

Silk

Silk is a lustrous and natural fiber that has amazing draping qualities. Many other fabrics are made from silk threads including satin, duchesse satin, chiffon, dupioni, shantung, organza and tulle.

Taffeta

Taffeta is a crisp, rustling fabric that may come in either a matte or lustrous finish. It is made from silk or synthetic fibers and is the good choice for a wedding dress with a full skirt.

There is another type of Taffeta, called "Moire Taffeta," which features subtle, wavy lines throughout the fabric.

Velvet

Velvet has a soft-pile and a luxurious feel. This fabric is perfect for a winter wedding due to its weight and drape.

All bridal pictures from House of Brides and material pictures from HouseFabric.com. Don't forget to check out all my resources for shopping for wedding dress fabric online.

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