The Complete Guide To Wedding Gown Fabrics
A wedding gown is one of the most important garments a woman will ever wear. Choosing the right wedding gown fabric is an important decision when it comes to your special day. The fabric can affect how the gown feels, moves, and looks, and it can also impact your comfort level.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right fabric for your wedding gown. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular wedding gown fabrics, their characteristics, and which types of gowns they’re best suited for?
The Most Popular Wedding Gown Fabrics
- Chiffon
- Crepe
- Lace
- Lycra
- Mikado
- Organza
- Satin
- Silk
- Tulle
Chiffon:
A light, sheer fabric that is perfect for romantic, airy gowns. Chiffon is made from silk, rayon, or polyester, and has a flowy drape that is perfect for A-line dresses or sheath gowns. It’s a popular choice for beach weddings and garden weddings.
Picture 1: Off the Shoulder floral printed wedding Dress. Wedding gown by Maggie Sottero.
Picture 2 : A Pleated Chiffon Skirt. Wedding gown by Maggie Sottero
Crepe:
A matte, textured fabric that is perfect for creating a sophisticated, minimalist, modern look. Crepe fabrics can be made from a variety of fibers, including silk, cotton, wool, and synthetic materials.It has a subtle sheen that gives it a luxurious feel. It has a textured and matte finish, and is often used for fitted gowns with clean lines.
Crepe and silk are not the same fabric. While silk crepe is a type of fabric that combines the texture of crepe with the softness and lustrous sheen of silk, it is important to note that not all crepe fabrics are made from silk.
Crepe is available in a range of colours, and can be used for a variety of styles, from sheath to trumpet gowns. Crepe is a popular choice for wedding dresses due to its flowing and elegant drape, its versatility, and its ability to create both soft and structured looks. It is a timeless and classic fabric that can be adapted to a variety of styles and bridal aesthetics.
One of the advantages of crepe is that it is a versatile and durable fabric that is relatively easy to care for. It can be hand-washed or dry-cleaned, and is less prone to wrinkling and creasing than other lightweight fabrics like chiffon or organza.
Pictures: Mermaid gown by Grace Loves Lace.
Picture 1: Minimalistic masterpiece for the most elegant bride, boat neckline & crepe skirt with hidden pockets and shortened sleeves by ¾ is a perfectly subtle detail to add more class. Gown by Olivia Bottega.
Picture 2: A dress to truly impress – minimalist style and dense crepe fabric unite together in a perfect silhouette for your special day.. Gown by Olivia Bottega.
Lace:
A delicate, intricate fabric that is perfect for adding texture and detail. Lace is made from a variety of materials, including silk, cotton, and polyester. It has a delicate and intricate pattern. It can be used as an overlay on a satin or chiffon gown, or as the main fabric for a sheath or fit-and-flare gown. It’s a popular choice for vintage, bohemian to modern weddings.
Picture 1: This Illusion off-the-shoulder sleeves frame the strapless sweetheart corset mermaid gown by Wona Concept Atelier.
Picture 2 : A-line dress on spaghetti stripes is made of different kinds of lace. A corsage is decorated with beads. Lines of V-shaped low neck and underarms cuts are decorated with beads. A fantastic skirt passes into a long train., gown by Wona Concept
Picture 1: This bridal gown is made of high-quality lace and veiling with diverse patterns. Gown by Wona Concept.
Picture 2: Splendid bridal gown is a truly feminine dress. Big lace flowers decorate the whole dress. A dress is embellished with short sleeves and a V-shaped low neck. Gown by Wona Concept.
Lycra and spandex :
Lycra is a synthetic elastic fabric that is commonly used in athletic wear and swimwear due to its stretch and comfort. While it is not typically used for traditional wedding dresses, it can be incorporated into some modern and contemporary wedding dress designs for a unique and form-fitting look.
Lycra and spandex are not the same fabric, but they are similar in some ways. Lycra is a brand name for a type of synthetic elastic fiber that is used in many types of clothing, including athletic wear and swimwear. Spandex is a generic term used to refer to any type of synthetic elastic fiber, including Lycra. Lycra is a specific brand of spandex that is known for its high quality and consistency.
Lycra wedding dresses can be designed with various styles and silhouettes, from body-hugging sheaths to flared mermaid or trumpet styles, as well as more relaxed and flowy A-line or ballgown styles.
Lycra can be a good choice for brides who want a wedding dress that is both comfortable and form-fitting. However, it is important to note that lycra may not be as breathable as natural fabrics like cotton or silk, and may not be suitable for all types of wedding venues or climates.
Pictures: Made from a luminescent lycra fabrication, this backless wedding dress, and figure-hugging gown. Gown by Grace Loves Lace.
Mikado:
A heavy, luxurious fabric that is perfect for creating a sculptural look. Mikado is made from silk, polyester, or a blend of the two. It is a woven fabric that has a slightly stiff and textured feel and has a subtle sheen and a slightly stiff texture. Although Mikado can contain silk, it is not considered a pure silk fabric.
It has a heavy and rich texture, and a lustrous sheen that adds depth and dimension to the gown. Mikado is available in a range of colours, and can be used for a variety of styles, from ballgowns and A-line dresses, and is a popular choice for formal weddings. Mikado is a popular choice for wedding dresses because of its ability to hold structure and maintain its shape, which makes it ideal for dramatic silhouettes and voluminous skirts.
Picture 1: A super fitted U-shape bodice designed to beautifully display your décolletage and a classic full skirt with a side split make this gown the perfect juxtaposition of classic and edgy. Dramatic, chic and oh-so feminine. Gown by Karen Willis Homes. Photo by @teneilkablephoto
Picture 2: This wedding dress is a minimalistic pearl Mikado A-line gown with an on-trend square neckline, side pockets, and a modest side split. Gown by Sophia Tolli.
Organza:
A crisp, sheer fabric that is perfect for creating structure and volume. Organza is made from silk, polyester, or a blend of the two, and has a similar look to chiffon but with a more rigid texture. It’s often used in ballgowns and A-line dresses, and is a popular choice for formal weddings.
Picture 1: Strapless princess-cut wedding dress, wrapped in a garden of organza and beaded flowers. Gown by Pronovias.
Picture 2: Off-the-shoulder twisted top is made in a bow manner, twisting around your waist and making the whole bodice look royal and sophisticated.. Gown by Olivia Bottega.
Satin:
A classic, high-shine fabric that is perfect for formal weddings. Satin is made from silk, polyester, or a blend of the two. Satin is known for its draping quality, making it an ideal choice for structured and fitted wedding gowns. It has a heavy drape and is often used in ballgowns and A-line dresses. It’s a popular choice for brides who want a more structured gown.
Picture 1: This Asymmetric Sweetheart Strapless Satin wedding dress. Wedding Dress by Wona Concept.
Picture 2: And a romantic deeply plunged V-neck corset with neat satin straps. A voluminous full satin skirt softly falls into a cathedral-length train by Wona Concept.
Picture 1: An elegant off the shoulder wedding dress with a flared skirt creates an hourglass shape. Wedding Dress by Grace Loves Lace.
Picture 2: A classic V neckline and open back. Crafted from a luminescent, textured satin, this double layered gown is designed to glide over the body with its bias cut. Wedding Dress by Grace Loves Lace.
Picture 1: This wedding dress accentuates the bride’s figure and her natural beauty. The dress itself is made of glossy satin. The wedding gown is entirely decorated with geometrical patterns and beads embroidery. Long sleeves and fantastic tail finish the look. Gown by Wona Concept.
Picture 2: A pretty classic satin fitted low-back mermaid gown with closed boat neckline and wide satin straps, an additional cape completed with a gorgeous chapel train in butter soft satin. Gown by Wona Concept.
Silk:
Silk is a popular and luxurious fabric choice for wedding dresses. It is a natural fiber that is known for its softness, durability, and lustrous sheen. It is often used for luxury and high-end wedding gowns, especially when it is combined with intricate lace, beading, or embroidery. There are several different types of silk fabrics that are commonly used for wedding gowns, including silk charmeuse, silk chiffon, silk crepe, and silk organza. { Read more of different types of silk below }
Pictures: A luxurious bias-cut, double-layered Crepe de Chine silk gown, with fine silk straps, a v-neckline and daring low back. Gown by Grace Loves Lace.
Tulle:
A lightweight netting fabric that is perfect for creating volume and texture. Tulle is made from silk, rayon, or polyester and is often used in ballgowns, A-line dresses, and layered dresses. It’s a popular choice for brides who want a dramatic, fairy-tale look.
Picture 1: The ethereal 3D motifs cascade beautifully into the dreamy tulle skirt. Gown by Enzoani.
Picture 2: A’s soft tulle, A-Line skirt features a wide waist band that cinches and flatters the figure for a super chic two-piece bridal look. Gown by Enzoani.
Are silk and organza different?
Yes, silk and organza are different fabrics, although they can both be used for wedding dresses.
Silk is a natural fiber that is made from the cocoons of silkworms. It is known for its softness, durability, and lustrous sheen. Silk is often used for luxurious and high-end garments, including wedding dresses. There are different types of silk fabrics, such as silk charmeuse, silk chiffon, and silk crepe, each with their own unique properties.
Organza, on the other hand, is a lightweight and crisp fabric that is made from synthetic or silk fibers. It has a stiff texture and a subtle sheen, and is often used for formal wear and wedding dresses. Organza is known for its translucence and can be used for overlays, ruffles, and structured details.
While both silk and organza can be used for wedding dresses, they have different properties and can be used for different purposes. Silk is soft and flowing, while organza is more structured and crisp. The choice of fabric will depend on the style and design of the wedding dress, as well as the preference of the bride.
Choosing the right fabric for your wedding gown is an important decision that will affect the overall look and feel of your dress. By considering the characteristics of each fabric and which types of gowns they’re best suited for, you can find the perfect fabric for your dream wedding dress.
Are mikado and silk different?
Yes, Mikado and silk are different fabrics. Mikado is a type of fabric that is made from a blend of silk and synthetic fibers, while silk is a natural fabric that is made from the cocoon of the silkworm.
While both Mikado and silk can be used for wedding dresses, they have different properties and textures, and are used for different purposes. Silk is soft and flowing, while Mikado is more structured and crisp. The choice of fabric will depend on the style and design of the wedding dress, as well as the personal preference of the bride.
What is the most expensive wedding dress fabric?
The most expensive wedding dress fabric is typically silk that is derived from silkworms. Silk is a natural fiber that is known for its softness, durability, and lustrous sheen. It is often used for luxury and high-end wedding gowns, especially when it is combined with intricate lace, beading, or embroidery.
There are several different types of silk fabrics that are commonly used for wedding dresses, each with its own unique properties.
Silk Charmeuse, one popular silk fabric for wedding dresses is silk charmeuse. Charmeuse is a lightweight and silky fabric that drapes beautifully and has a subtle shine. It is often used for sleek and elegant wedding dresses, and can be a great choice for fitted styles.
Silk Chiffon, another common silk fabric for wedding dresses is silk chiffon. Chiffon is a lightweight and sheer fabric that has a delicate and flowing texture. It is often used for romantic and ethereal wedding dresses, and can be a great choice for layered or gathered styles.
Silk crepe is another popular fabric choice for wedding dresses. Crepe is a lightweight and matte fabric that has a slightly textured surface. It is often used for modern and minimalist wedding dresses, and can be a great choice for clean-lined and structured styles.
Silk organza is a crisp and transparent fabric that is ideal for structured wedding dresses. It has a stiff and textured feel, and is often used for ruffles and layered skirts. Organza is available in a range of colours and can be used for a variety of styles, from mermaid to princess gowns.
Silk is a versatile and elegant fabric choice for wedding dresses. It can be used for a variety of styles, from modern to classic, and is sure to make you feel beautiful and luxurious on your special day.
The cost of the wedding dress fabric will depend on the quality of the silk, the amount of fabric needed, and the level of embellishment or detail required. However, it’s important to note that there are other factors that can also contribute to the overall cost of a wedding gown, such as the designer, the construction, and the amount of labor required to create the gown.
What is the best wedding dress fabric?
There is no one “best” wedding dress fabric, as the choice of fabric will depend on a variety of factors, including the style of the wedding dress, the personal preferences of the bride, and the overall look and feel of the wedding.
Ultimately, the best wedding dress fabric will depend on the bride’s individual preferences and the style and theme of the wedding. It’s important to choose a fabric that will make you feel comfortable and confident on your special day.
Best of luck for finding your dream dress! xoxo
