How to Choose the Best Wedding Dress Fabric for You
Many already have an idea of the design for their dream wedding dress in mind. However, it is important to actually think about its construction.
Whether you’re buying a gown or having it made, the fabric will determine the structure and fit that you will be able to achieve.
If you’re looking at wedding gowns and you’re not sure which fabric suits your style best, read up on the most popular fabrics and why they might be the one for you:
Silk
Silk is the classic choice for a wedding dress because it creates an elevated look. There are so many different styles and weaving that change how silk falls, but the most popular are charmeuse, faille, and mikado.
If you’re looking for a draping fabric that has a glossy finish, charmeuse is the way to go. Timeless silhouettes like the column and slip dress will work well for this. Faille and mikado have a more constructed form, which makes them a little more forgiving in terms of maintenance.
Mikado has more sheen and thickness than faille, which makes it a favourite for a-line bridal dresses. Meanwhile, faille has a fine-ribbed texture that adds dimension and is easy for draping.
Satin
Satin is traditional, but it is also versatile. It is good to note that it is not so much a type of fabric but a finish. Silk satin is the most breathable, while polyester is the least expensive to create (assuming the amount of material and form is the same). In general, satin is the most durable type of dress you can choose. It also works for varied shapes and sizes.
That said, it can also be prone to wrinkling, so you need to take care when handling the gown.
Chiffon
This lightweight fabric is perfect for both flowy gowns and heavily layered ones. It’s also one of the fabrics that will require you to be more mindful of possible frays and tears because of how delicate it is. However, it creates an ethereal feel that is perfect for any gown’s top layer. Keep in mind that chiffon is also very sheer, so you will need to have multiple layers or a thicker base layer.
Lace
You may think lace is stiffer and better suited for slinky silhouettes only, but it’s actually more forgiving for fuller-figured bodies. It’s matte and doesn’t need to be cut diagonally across the grain, so it can cater to more shapes and won’t crease so easily.
Lace is also perfect for brides that want more details in the design of their dress. Depending on how it’s trimmed and incorporated, it can work perfectly for both formal and boho weddings. Knit lace is great for contouring easily to your body, Venetian works for motif patterns and heavier coverage, embroidered allows for beading, and chantilly is a more open lace with a cordonnet border.
Tulle
Tulle is a wonderful fabric for a ball gown shape. It’s great at producing volume, so princess-style silhouettes look magical in this fabric. It is sheer and lightweight but just stiff enough to be netted and bunched up for that bigger layering.
Alternatively, you can go for the less stiff organza. It’s still more rigid than chiffon but retains a lighter feel while providing more structure. Keep in mind that both tulle and organza are very delicate and prone to snags.
Conclusion
Every bride is different. The perfect fabric is the one that suits your preferences and themes. Once you’ve picked a fabric that suits your style, you can feel confident and simply bask in your big day.
Wilkins Bridal offers a gorgeous selection of bridal gowns in Christchurch, New Zealand. Whether you’re having a fun summer wedding or a chic winter bash, you can find the perfect dress tailored to fit you. Check out the latest arrivals now and book your first fitting.
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