A popular, lightweight fabric for wedding dresses that is soft and drapes beautifully. It is very smooth, has a semi-lustrous satin face and a dull back. It is typically made of either silk or polyester.
View our selection of Polyester Charmeuse
A plain woven sheer fabric with a soft drape.
Not just for bridal gowns, chiffon also appears in evening dresses and
scarves. Chiffon can be made from silk, polyester, or rayon. Chiffon might
pose some problems for a novice sewer. Cutting silk chiffon may also prove
difficult. We recommend laying out silk chiffon on tissue paper and then
pinning it to the paper. All layers are then
cut as one.
View our selection of Polyester Chiffon
Crepe Back Satin
Note the difference in reflective qualities between the crepe side (lower left) and the satin side.
A reversable satin fabric that has been a mainstay for wedding dresses. Consider using both sides of the fabric for a dyed-to-match look. Binding the neckline or hemline of bridal gowns with the crepe side is very effective. (If the crepe side is seen as the right side of the fabric, the fabric is called satin back crepe.)
View our selection of Crepe Back Satin
A sheer lightweight fabric, often made of silk or polyester. It is slightly heavier and more opaque than chiffon. The twisted crepe fibers from which georgette is made gives it a springy quality that makes it seem to move on its own. While this quality makes georgette somewhat more difficult to sew the results are well worth the effort.
View our selection of Polyester Georgette
A medium to heavy, drapeable fabric with a satin weave and delustered finish. This is a traditional fabric for wedding dresses that is also used for bridesmaids gowns, mothers-of-the-bride dresses and elegant cocktail suits. The dull luster is more flattering to most body shapes and sizes than high luster satins. Polyester delustered satin is more forgiving than silk satins. Polyester doesn't water spot as easily, and the seamstress often finds it easier to sew. Note how the sample drapes in soft sumptuous folds. In French, peau de soie means skin of silk.
View our selection of Peau de Soie
A crisp, sheer, lightweight plain weave fabric made of silk, rayon, nylon, or polyester. In silk, the stiffness comes from the natural gum that remains on the fibers after processing. In man made fibers, the stiffness is engineered. In bridal gowns with an overskirt, organza is a beautiful choice, having just enough body to stand out yet still move nicely. In bridal gowns that have large puffy sleeves, an interlining of organza will hold the shape without adding bulk. It is also used as an interfacing where sheerness is a factor. Organza pinafores and Peter Pan collars are traditional for little girls.
A plain weave fabric made from yarns that create a highly irregular slubby surface. In silk, the irregular, rough filaments are reeled from double cocoons that were spun side-by-side. Bridal dresses made with dupioni have a distinctive rustle and a wonderful luster!
View our selection of dupioni
America's most popular anti-static, cling-free lining. Hang Loose has a soft hand that drapes smoothly making it an excellent choice for fitted bridal gowns. 100% polyester. 48 inches wide.
View our selection of Hang Loose Lining
Underlining
The qualities that make the bridal fabric special often make it fragile as well. To achive the sheen in satin, many yarns float across the surface. When pulled tightly in a bridal gowns, the fabric can actually separate.
White cotton broadcloth can be used as an underlining in the bodices of bridal dresses. The firm weave can stabilize a satin or other bridal fabric allowing bridal dresses to have a much tighter fit. Underlining with a firmly woven cotton will also improve the comfort level, because cotton is absorbent and breathes.
View our selection of White Broadcloth