| Just what is charmuese, and what does it have to do | | | | rayon, Tulle is often used for skirts and veils. |
| with your wedding dress? In addition to silhouette and | | | | OrganzaA sheer, stiff fabric of silk or synthetic |
| neckline, fabric plays a key role in selecting the right | | | | material, Organza is similar to tulle, but less coarse and |
| gown, since the same style of dress looks and feels | | | | more flowing. |
| very different in a variety of fabrics. And while most | | | | Silk Gazar |
| of us can discern between satin and lace, what about | | | | A four-ply silk organza. |
| shantung, crepe or organza? | | | | Illusion |
| This handy guide to wedding dress fabrics will help you | | | | A fine, sheer net fabric, Illusion is typically used on |
| sort through the sea of Silk Mikado and Chantilly Lace | | | | necklines or sleeves. |
| to find the most appropriate fabric for your wedding | | | | Brocade |
| day look. | | | | A popular winter fabric, Brocade is a Jacquard-woven |
| Silk | | | | (a type of loom) fabric with an ornate raised design. |
| The most common, cherished, and priciest wedding | | | | Brocade is a popular winter fabric. |
| gown fabric, silk is a smooth and soft natural fiber. Silk | | | | DamaskSimilar to brocade with raised designs, but |
| threads are woven to create tons of other fabrics - | | | | lighter in weight. |
| such as satin, duchesse satin, shantung, charmeuse, | | | | VelvetA soft, thick fabric with a felted face and plain |
| chiffon, organza and even tulle. | | | | underside - also a winter fabric. |
| SatinVery common in wedding gowns, satin is a | | | | Crepe |
| densely woven silk with a lustrous sheen on one side. | | | | A soft silk fabric with a gauzy texture and a crinkled |
| Duchesse Satin | | | | surface. |
| More affordable than pure silk satin, duchesse satin is | | | | GeorgetteA sheer, lightweight fabric, Georgette is |
| a lightweight blend of silk and rayon (a less expensive, | | | | made of polyester or silk with a crepe surface. |
| synthetic fiber). | | | | EyeletFeaturing open-weave embroidery - breezy |
| Charmeuse | | | | Eyelet is typically associated with spring and summer. |
| Lightweight and soft, Charmuese is a satin-like fabric | | | | Peau de Soie:French for "skin of silk," Peau de Soie is |
| with a slightly more subdued luster. | | | | a satin-faced silk or synthetic fabric with a dull luster, |
| ShantungA plain-weave silk or cotton fabric, Shantung | | | | fine ribs, and a grainy appearance. |
| is notable for its rubbed, rough texture. | | | | Jersey:An elastic knit fabric, Jersey has lengthwise ribs |
| DupioniDupioni silk has a similar finish to shantung, but | | | | on the face and crosswise ribs on the underside. |
| with a thicker, coarser finish and a slight sheen. | | | | Faille: |
| Silk Mikado | | | | A woven fabric of silk, cotton or rayon, Faille is a |
| A blended silk, Silk Mikado is usually heavier than | | | | heavier fabric with a structured, ribbed finish. |
| regular silk. | | | | Gabardine:A tightly-woven, tough fabric with a durable |
| ChiffonSoft, sheer, and transparent, Chiffon can be | | | | finish and single diagonal lines on the face, Gabardine is |
| made from silk (more expensive) or rayon (more | | | | often used to make suits, overcoats and trousers. |
| affordable). Due to its delicate transparency, chiffon is | | | | Batiste: |
| often layered and is popular for sleeves, overskirts, | | | | A lightweight, soft, and transparent fabric in plain |
| and wraps. | | | | weave. |
| TaffetaA crisp, smooth and light-weave fabric with a | | | | Polyester:An inexpensive synthetic fiber that can be |
| slight rib, Taffeta is made from silk or synthetic fibers. | | | | woven into almost any fabric |
| Moire | | | | Rayon:A smooth manufactured fabric that is similar to |
| A heavy silk taffeta, Moire is noted for a subtle, wavy | | | | silk, but more elastic and affordable. |
| design. | | | | For even more advice to help you plan your wedding |
| OrgandyOrgandy is a stiff, transparent silk or rayon | | | | look, visit the complete wedding dress guide at - |
| fabric. | | | | Elegant Galas Made Simple. |
| TulleA fine, starched netting made of silk, nylon, or | | | | |