Wedding Dress Fabric Guide to Find the Perfect Style

When it comes to wedding dress fabrics you want to feel as good as you look. There are many types of fabric and each have something different to bring to your wedding day look

The 12 most common wedding dress fabrics include charmeuse, chiffon, crepe, jersey, lace, Mikado, organza, satin, shantung, silk, taffeta, and tulle. These fabrics can range from very lightweight, like taffeta and chiffon, to heavier fabrics, like satin and Mikado. Lightweight fabrics will create a less heavy dress with less structure while heavier fabrics will create heavier dresses with more structure. While most wedding gowns can be worn anytime of year, if you are planning a winter wedding, you may feel more comfortable in heavier fabrics while for a summer wedding, lightweight fabrics will feel like a better fit. In addition to the fabric types, there are two main material finishes; sheen and matte. Sheen is a luster or glow on the dress fabric (it looks a little shiny) while matte fabrics are dull with no glow or shine.

With all of these different characteristics it is important to know what fabrics are available and what each one has to offer.

Important Characteristics of Wedding Dress Fabric:

Each fabric possesses their own characteristics that make them preferable for certain scenarios. 

• Weight - Fabric weight literally describes how heavy a fabric is. Weight is determined by the material, weave, and thickness of the fiber used. Heavier materials are more appropriate for cooler months as they trap more heat, while lighter materials are cooler and better suited for warmer months..  

• Structure - Fabric structure relates to its ability to hold a shape.  Some fabrics are able to hold a desired shape, while others are loose and flowing. 

• Finish - Finish describes the visual aesthetics of fabric, typically sheen or matte are common descriptors. Sheen fabric has a shiny reflective look, while matte fabric does not. Texture, pattern and weave, may also be used to describe the finish of a fabric.

12 Common Wedding Dress Fabrics:

Charmeuse -

Charmeuse is usually made with silk, but textile manufacturers can also make this fabric using polyester and rayon (a synthetic fiber). This fabric has a sheen look on the front side with a matte finish on the backside of the dress. It resembles a lightweight satin and is typically very shiny. Because it is lighter weight, it drapes nicely and is most often found in slinky, sheath style gowns. Charmeuse is commonly used for form-fitting dresses because it hugs the curve and is more common in prom dresses than in wedding gowns.

Chiffon -

This fabric can be made from silk, polyester, nylon, or rayon threads. Chiffon is sheer, matte and lightweight, which makes it great for weddings in warmer months and when travel is necessary. It is most often seen in sheath style gowns because it is great for draping but not for structure. The feel of this fabric is very soft and flowy. Chiffon is often used for summer and outdoor weddings due to the fact that the material will help keep you cool and because it’s flowy nature feels appropriate for an outdoor setting.

Crepe -

Crepe fabric can be made out of pretty much any type of fiber, including raw silk, cotton, wool or synthetics, such as polyester and rayon. This fabric is a light weight, tightly woven opaque fabric with a matte finish and is often seen in sheath style dresses. Like charmeuse, crepe is typically used in form fitting styles that cling to the body or gently drape. This fabric is most popular for sheath or subtle fit-and-flare silhouettes, and is often used for non-traditional bridal options, like wedding jumpsuits. A full crepe dress is perfect for a bride wanting a “clean,” unadorned option.  Crepe skirts can also be paired with a lace or beaded bodice for a more opulent or romantic look.

Jersey -

Jersey is a soft, stretchable fabric that was originally only made from wool. These days jersey is made from cotton, cotton blends, and synthetic fibers. This fabric is matte in nature and is medium-to-heavy in weight. Jersey is a stretchy fabric that clings to the figure and is only seen in sheath style gowns. This style of fabric is very popular in prom and bridesmaids dresses, but is not yet often seen in wedding gowns.  If you love the look of jersey, a crepe gown would be a great choice!  Though not many wedding dresses come in jersey, select dresses may be lined in jersey making them extremely comfortable to wear. Snags in this fabric cannot be repaired – so be very careful with this fabric and skip the rhinestone embellishments and accessories around jersey dresses.

Lace -

Lace fabric was originally made from silk and linen though it is mostly made out of cotton thread and synthetic fibers nowadays. There are a huge variety of different lace types and patterns ranging from very understated and demure, to bold, modern patterns.  The finish of the fabric is usually a subtle sheen, but can vary greatly depending on the type of lace.  Due to the nature of the fabric it can range anywhere from lightweight to heavy. Being so versatile, lace can be made and shaped into a variety of styles for wedding dresses and can be seen in fitted styles as well as ball gowns. This soft, romantic fabric is great for outdoor or garden weddings. Elaborate beading and embroideries are often used to embellish the fabric making it feel very rich and opulent. Whatever lace you choose this fabric is an ageless choice that goes with classic or modern dresses and themes. 

Mikado -

This material is a textured fabric that has a smooth, slightly grainy feel and is thicker and heavier with a shiny finish. Because Mikado is heavier than other fabrics, it is ideal for winter weddings. Mikado is often a choice for brides who want a more structured gown that will hold its shape throughout the day. This wedding dress material is a popular choice for fit-and-flare, trumpet, or A-line silhouettes. Mikado is an exemplary choice for formal dress codes, due to its high-shine finish.  Mikado is often used as a more versatile (and durable) alternative to silk satin.   

Organza -

Organza is a fabric that can be made from either silk or synthetic fibers. Organza is a very lightweight, translucent fabric often with a high sheen. Synthetic organza is more durable than the original silk organza, but care should be taken with all organza dresses as they can fray and tear if not treated properly.

Due to the weight this fabric is great for destinations and outdoor weddings. Even though it is lightweight, organza has more body and structure and is most often seen in A-lines and ball gowns. Organza is a great choice for brides who love the look of a ball gown but want a more lightweight option. Organza is also often used in conjunction with other fabrics on multi-layered skirts to give the dress lightweight body.

Satin -

Satin can be made out of silk, polyester or nylon. This material is a relatively heavy weighted, opaque fabric. Satin can have a shiny finish, but most satin wedding gowns are made of matte satin for a higher end look. This is the most traditional bridal gown fabric. Satin is best for indoor, more formal weddings due to its heavy material.  This fabric is most often found in A-lines and ball gowns but can also be found in highly structured mermaid or fit and flare styles.  

Shantung -

Silk shantung is made of fibres spun jointly by two silkworms. The silkworms come from two joined cocoons and during the weaving process, results in a yarn of irregular thickness. The fabric is coarse and has a rough appearance and while it is used mainly in upholstery fabrics, thinner variations can be used in bridal and evening wear. This fabric is characterized by its “slubs” which are not seen as flaws but natural variations in the fabric adding to its beauty.  Polyester shantung fabrics are also available which imitate the appearance of silk shantung, but are much more durable.  

Silk -

Silk is an all-natural, premium fabric made from the fibres of silkworms. The most common silks found in bridal gowns are silk chiffon, silk organza, silk satin, and silk shantung. Silk fabrics give off a delicate appearance that is lightweight with a soft sheen.  Silk is a very traditional bridal fabric found primarily in high-end gowns.  

True silk gowns contain “slubs” which are a natural part of the silk making process and add to its beauty.

An important note: though silk is a very traditional fabric, it is much harder to maintain and is often more delicate than poly versions of the same fabrics.  Silk dresses cannot be steamed and must be pressed only, and contact with water will leave spots.  Poly fabrics are more worry-free.

Taffeta -

Taffeta is a woven fabric that can be made from silk or synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. Taffeta fabric has a lustrous, high-sheen appearance with a moderate weight making it opaque. This is the lightest weight fabric that will also provide good structure. Taffeta is great for indoors or outdoors weddings. The most common style of dresses that material is found in is A-lines and mermaid styles.

Tulle -

This fabric can be made from various fibres including silk, nylon, and rayon though polyester is the most common material used for tulle. This fabric's netting-like structure makes it very light weight and is often used in multiple layers on skirts to give more volume especially in ball gowns and mermaid silhouettes. Tulle can also be used to give an ethereal, boho vibe as the top layer in less structured gowns.

What are the Best Fabrics for Summer Weddings?

• Charmeuse - lightweight and slinky for an understated, glamorous look

• Chiffon - extremely lightweight and flowy - perfect for beach weddings

• Organza - lightweight body for hot summer days.

• Crepe - a very easy going fabric that works well for outdoor events

• Lace - a versatile choice that feels at home in an outdoor setting

What are the best fabrics for winter weddings?

• Jersey - matte and medium-to-heavy in weight making it ideal for fall and winter weddings 

• Mikado - great texture and structure and heavier in nature, perfect for a bold, structured look

• Satin - heavier weight, structured fabric with great body

• Crepe - available in both light weight and heavier versions, works great for winter weddings especially when paired with a beaded bodice

• Taffeta - similar in look to satin and Mikado, but less heavy and easier to wear

What are common wedding dress embellishments?

• Lace Appliques - These are decorative pieces of lace that are designed and cut into shapes and attached directly to the top layers of your wedding dress. Most appliques tend to be floral or botanical in nature but can also feature swirls, feathers, and other similar designs.  Many dresses that appear to be made of lace fabric are actually made of hundreds of lace appliques sewn on individually.

• Beading - Beads come in various shapes and sizes and are made from glass or crystal.

• Sequins - Shiny disks that glimmer and are iridescent.

• Pearls - These can be attached to dresses and can be either natural or faux. 

• Fringe - You create a fringe when a piece of fabric is cut into very narrow strips resembling ribbons or threads. Brides who love a boho aesthetic will add fringe to their sleeves. 

• Ribbon - Ribbon is often used as delicate edging and can be used around the waist as a belt.

• Rhinestones - Reflective glass or crystal stones that look like diamonds.  Can be sewn on individually or used in a strand to create intricate patterns and designs.  

• Horsehair Trim - Wide band of stiff netting material sewn at the bottom edge of skirt layers to give great body and structure.  Can be used either as a decorative element or hidden inside the dress.

• Embroidery - decorative designs sewn directly onto the top layer of the dress using contrasting thread colors.