Fabric
Learn about fine fabrics used for prom and Formal Dresses. Find out what they're made of, their best uses, how they fit, how to care for them, plus alteration tips and expert advice.
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Satin
Description: A light, middle or heavy weight fabric that is lustrous or matte depending on its weave.
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Satin
Description: A light, middle or heavy weight fabric that is lustrous or matte depending on its weave.
Content: Silk or polyester, rayon
Uses, Fit: Heavier weaves hide flaws, drapes well, great for pageant, trains, bridal gowns, any body styles
Care: Dry clean, can be spot cleaned or hand washed
Alteration Tips: Easy to sew and forgiving (stitches won't show easily)
Expert Advice: Pick a satin dress if you know you'll need lots of alterations (i.e.: pregnancy, petite) or if you need to wear the dress multiple times as it will hold up well.
Tulle
Description: Fine netting, small open weave for a gauzy effect
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Tulle
Description: Fine netting, small open weave for a gauzy effect
Content: FSilk, nylon, or rayon
Uses, Fit: FLayered in ball gown skirts, gives lift to crinoline slips, creates unique layered color combos, creates sheer panels, for bridal veils.
Care: FDry clean, spot clean, hand wash, low iron, steam press
Alteration Tips: FCan be easily sewn, doesn't require edging, hemlines can be simply cut
Expert Advice: FAdditional lining under a tulle skirt can make it more comfortable against the skin. Will catch and tear easily, so it requires a delicate touch.
Chiffon
Description: Sheer, light material with a loose mesh-like weave
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Chiffon
Description: Sheer, light material with a loose mesh-like weave
Content: Silk or synthetic fibers (silk chiffon has a slightly rough feel)
Uses, Fit: Great for bridal, evening wear, or light summer dresses. Fabric flows nicely and drapes beautifully. Usually used as an overlay. Not recommended for a tailored look.
Care: Dry clean, gently hand wash, low iron or steam
Alteration Tips: Can be difficult to work with because it is lightweight and slippery. Fabric can fray easily.
Expert Advice: Chiffon is classic and stylish and works well for delicate shirring or ruching detailing.
Taffeta
Description: Crisp, smooth woven fabric, often with a noticeable weave texture. Can have two different colors woven together for an iridescent effect.
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Taffeta
Description: Crisp, smooth woven fabric, often with a noticeable weave texture. Can have two different colors woven together for an iridescent effect.
Content: Synthetic or silk fibers
Uses, Fit: Great for ball gowns or wedding gowns. Can be seamed together or fitted. Great for adding volume to a garment, hides flaws well.
Care: Dry Clean Only, dry iron. Some taffetas (thicker, course weave) can water spot although newer, improved taffeta does not. A last effort to remove water spots is to wet entire garment, hang and allow to drip dry.
Alteration Tips: Fabric can fray at edges exposed the different color fibers. Fabric is easily sewn and should be easily altered.
Expert Advice: Choose iridescent taffeta for a bold, rich look that changes with the lighting.
Organza
Description: Thin, plain weave sheer fabric, with a shimmery finish.
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Organza
Description: Thin, plain weave sheer fabric, with a shimmery finish.
Content: Traditionally made from silk, but is generally made from polyester or nylon
Uses, Fit: Usually layered over another fabric. Great for a flowing effect or to create volume. Mostly used in formal wear.
Care: Dry Clean or spot treat. Can be carefully hand washed (depending on embellishments), ironed or steamed.
Alteration Tips: Can be sewn easily and holds creases.
Expert Advice: Organza has a shimmery look that makes it a truly feminine fabric and great for prom and bridal wear.
Lace
Description: Lightweight open weave, open spaces created by patterns are integrated throughout the fabric.
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Lace
Description: Lightweight open weave, open spaces created by patterns are integrated throughout the fabric.
Content: Cotton or poly, if stretch, woven with lycra
Uses, Fit: Use as trim or embellishment is popular, but some gowns are made entirely of lace. Popular for use in bridal wear, but also common for prom, mother of the bride, etc.
Care: Dry Clean, spot treat, iron or steam
Alteration Tips: Very delicate, must be handled gently. Moderately difficult to sew.
Expert Advice: Contrasting linings can give lace dresses a beautiful layered color effect. You'll find subtle hue differences in bridal and more bold options for prom wear.
Crepe
Description: Gauzy texture with a crimped look and crisp appearance.
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Crepe
Description: Gauzy texture with a crimped look and crisp appearance.
Content: Silk or Polyester, Rayon
Uses, Fit: Usually used for bridesmaids or bridal. Fabric can be slightly giving, can be tailored or draped.
Care: Dry clean only. Low iron or steam
Alteration Tips: Fairly easy to sew, fabric does not slip.
Expert Advice: Excellent fabric for suits or smart, tailored styles.