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Your 'B' - 'Z' Guide of Fabrics

This page will give you an insight into different fabrics and may help you decide which ones are suitable for you and your dress. It should be noted that, like paints, fabrics vary from one manufacturer to another, and from roll to roll. This is especially applicable to handmade silks.

The 'marks out of ten' next to each denotes each fabrics popularity of use in our experience.

Brocade - 8/10
Silk or synthetic / semi-satin fabrics with woven patterns

A decorative fabric available in a huge variety of patterns and colours. Brocade is used for bodices and detailing such as bands, borders and panels.
Typically, gold and silver are used.

Chiffon - 7/10
Silk or polyester / sheer fine fabric

There are several forms of chiffon made from either silk or man made fibres.
Chiffon is extremely light and thin being see through in appearance. Available in a variety of colours, it is typically used as an 'overlay' for skirts or dresses or to add detailing such as rouching, flowers, bows etc.
Chiffon does crease and may need ironing if not hung. Also come in embroidered forms.

Dupion Silk - 10/10
Plain or embroidered / slubbed (fine ridge lines) texture / low sheen

100% Dupion silk is Indian in origin, and handmade. This is a very rich silk with clearly visible slubs running through it. Available in any colour, this is an excellent luxurious fabric for bridal gowns. It is particularly suitable for gowns with trains as the properties and weight of the fabric help to 'steer' the dress behind you.
Dupion does crease, but as with all silks creases are easy to 'snap out'.

Georgette - 2/10
Similar to chiffon / heavier

Either made from silk or polyester, Georgette is similar to chiffon except it is
heavier and less sheer but has the same suitability and uses.

Lace - 4/10
Sheer or heavy in appearance dependant on pattern and embroidery

An infinite number of designs and qualities are available. Good quality lace is expensive. Lace has many uses for bridal gowns - overlays, sleeves, shrugs, coats, detailing etc. Other colours are available, but ivory or white is most common. Lace has a low crease factor.

Morocain - 4/10
Crepe texture (both sides) / medium weight

Morocain is similar to peachskin in feel and properties - flowing and drapey,
but is made from silk - and so creases more easily. It is also known as
Double Crepe Silk and is available in a variety of colours.
There is also a softer version which feels like suede with a crepe appearance -
Sand washed Double Crepe Silk (Peau de Soie)

Organza - 5/10
Sheer / stiff / lightweight silk or polyester (Crystal Organza)

Made from silk, Organza is very similar to chiffon, but tends to be slightly stiffer
and thicker in feel, and has a sheen to it (can be plain, shot or metallic).
As with chiffon, organza is typically used for overlays, shrugs, jackets and detailing. Organza, like chiffon, does crease and may need ironing. There is a polyester version (Crystal Organza) which tends to have more of a 'twinkle' to it.

Peachskin - 8/10
Suede feel / crepe appearance / medium - heavy weight

As the name suggests, this fabric feels like the skin of a peach and is available in any colour. This soft synthetic fabric is ideal for Empire Line or basic single form dresses. Also used as an overlay - Pool Trains and Fishtails look particularly good as the fabric is very flowing and drapey. This is an ideal fabric for an overseas wedding as it is not too hot or heavy and takes up minimal space. Peachskin is extensively used for
Bride's Maid dresses and wraps.
Peachskin does crease, but creases fall out if the dress is hung.

Shimla - 2/10
Fine silk with fine slub lines

As opposed to Dupion silk, Shimla is 'power woven' (machine) resulting in a very fine fabric with minimal fine slub lines (ridges). Available in a variety of colours.

Satin -Back Crepe - 6/10
Silk or polyester

As the name suggests, this fabric has two distinctive sides - one of shiny satin, and the other of a crepe appearance - It can be used either way round to create the desired look, and often both sides are used for different elements of the same item eg crepe side jacket / satin side lapels. The properties and uses of this fabric are the same as peachskin.

Shantung - 2/10
Slubbed texture / medium weight

Shantung is commonly though of as silk, but there is a polyester version. It has a fine texture with fine slubs (ridges) and is medium weight.

Silk Duchess Satin - 10/10
Low sheen or matt / heavy

There are several forms of this fabric made from silk (there is also a synthetic fibre version - Poly Duchess Satin). This fabric is used extensively for bridal gowns and Bride's Maid dresses, and it is available in any colour. This is a relatively heavy fabric, shiny in appearance. This is NOT ideal for overseas weddings as it is relatively bulky, can be hot, and does crease and may require ironing.
Can also be used for wraps, shrugs, capes and muffs.

Taffeta - 7/10
Crisp stiffish silk

This is a plain weave silk. Whilst medium in weight, it feels stiff and crisp. Sheer and shiny, a 'two tone' effect is apparent. There is also a polyester version - Crystal Taffeta.

Thai Princess Silk - 10/10
Fine silk / fine slub lines / light

A very light weight cool silk. Particularly good for summer weddings.
Hand woven with fine slubs (ridges) and a crisp feel.

Thai Silk - 10/10
Plain weave / no slub lines

Thai silk is available in 1 or 2 ply. As with Thai Princess Silk it is very fine and light,
but has a plain weave with no slub lines (ridges)

Tulle - 7/10
Very fine net / stiff in appearance and feel / light

Tulle is a synthetic net fabric. Typically used for skirts, Tulle is layered or wrapped to create a lot of volume. Most people's idea of a 'fairy tale' dress has a Tulle skirt (see 'Tinkerbelle' or 'Twinkle'
on our latest creations page). Available in different colours, light but stiff texture.

Velvet - 2/10
Plain / crushed (creased) / sheer patterned

Velvet is made from cotton or synthetics. It can be plain or crushed, or can have a pattern 'seemingly embossed' in it. Generally medium in weight with a very soft feel,
but hot to wear. Typically used for bodices, detailing, coats, capes, wraps and muffs.

Zibelene - 0/10
Heavy stiff silk / plain weave

This is a plain weave silk with no slubs (ridges). Very stiff in feel and appearance - possibly the heaviest silk. NOT suitable for summer weddings.

Flowers