For most of us, the words “Charmeuse”, “Dupioni” and “Peau de Soie” make us think we are talking about the latest in celebrity baby names. However, when shopping for your wedding gown, knowing that these are actually types of bridal fabrics might come in handy! So here is the “411” on some of the most common fabrics used in the bridal industry with some hints about which fabrics work best for various seasons and wedding venues.
Fabric Terms
Brocade: A Jacquard-woven fabric with raised designs; traditionally popular for fall and winter weddings.
Charmeuse: A lightweight, semi-lustrous soft fabric, that is satin-like to the touch. A great alternative to the traditional bridal satin.
Chiffon: Delicate, sheer, and transparent — made from silk or rayon, with a soft finish; often layered because of its transparency, making it popular for overskirts, sheer sleeves, and wraps. Perfect for summer, outdoor or destination weddings.
Crepe: A light, soft, and thin fabric with a crinkled surface.
Duchesse Satin: A lightweight hybrid of silk and rayon (or polyester) woven into a satin finish. A more formal bridal fabric great for ballroom, evening and/or candlelight weddings.
Dupioni: A finish similar to shantung, but with thicker, coarser fibers, and a slight sheen. A very versatile bridal fabric that can be dressed up or down to suit many different seasons and venues.
Georgette: A sheer, lightweight fabric often made of polyester or silk with a crepe surface.
Moire: A heavy silk taffeta with a subtle, wavy design.
Organdy: A stiff transparent fabric.
Organza: Crisp and sheer like chiffon, with a stiffer texture similar in effect to tulle, but more flowing; popular for skirts, sleeves, backs, and overlays. A great fabric for outdoor, garden or vineyard weddings.
Peau de Soie: A soft satin-faced, high-quality cloth with a dull luster, fine ribs, and a grainy appearance.
Polyester: An inexpensive man-made fiber that can be woven into just about anything, including duchesse satin
Rayon: Similar to silk, but more elastic and affordable.
Satin: A heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen on one side. The most traditional bridal fabric great for formal, indoor or winter weddings.
Silk: The most sought-after, cherished fiber for wedding dresses (and also the most expensive); there are several types with different textures: raw silk and silk mikado are just two examples.
Shantung: Similar to a raw silk, shantung is characterized by its rubbed texture. A luxurious and very versatile bridal fabric great for almost any season or venue.
Taffeta: Crisp and smooth, with a slight rib. Another classic bridal fabric great for almost any season and venue.
Tulle: Netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon; used primarily for skirts and veils (think ballerina tutus).
