Wedding Gown fabrics - Look good & Feel Good

The bridal gown must not only look good to the eye but must also feel good on the body. The same style gown can have completely diverse looks when made from different fabrics. How formal the wedding is and when its going to be held are two important criteria for deciding on the fabric for the bridal gown. However some fabrics like satin and silk can be worn throughout the year and are reputed for their elasticity and durability. Other factors like the cut, the design and the texture influence the bride's decision.

The commonly chosen types of fabrics would be:

• Chiffon: right for the classic bridal gown because of its delicate feel and extremely popular for overskirts and wraps.
• Duchess Satin:with a glossy and luxurious finish, it is better for fall and winter weddings and looks best in structured formal designs.
• Silk Georgette:ideal for spring and summer wedding this soft draping fabric that owes its origin to silk essentially and other man-made fibers is mostly used in making veils and trains and simply as a layer over the gown.
• Organza:like Georgette but only more stiff and crispier used to make trains and veils and because of its flowing texture is well suited for full skirts and sleeves. It can be comfortably worn all year around.
• Velvet:is essentially a thick weighty rich fabric that is either patterned or engraved and made from cotton or silk and best when worn in winter. This type is ideal for skirts, bodices, sleeves and loose gowns.
• Crepe:this is soft and lightweight with a crumpled look which looks great on full skirts and loose styles and can be worn throughout the year.
• Taffeta:a heavy fabric made from silk available in both gloss and matte effect and just the right fabric for ballgowns.
• Tulle:a fine net stiffer when compared to organza and well suited for loose style gowns, skirts, trains, veils etc.
• Batiste:a soft and light see-through fabric.
• Charmeuse:more like satin when touched but extremely light weight.
• Damask:like brocade work with embedded designs but lighter.
• Peau de Doie: a quality-rich satin-like cloth with grains on the surface.
• Moire:A heavy Taffeta in a wavy format.
• Illusion:net-like used to make veils.
• Jersey:with ribs lengthwise and crosswise and known for its elasticity.
• Silk Mikado:much heavier than pure silk.
• Pique:ribbed lengthwise and needs to be given a wrinkle-free finish.
• Shantung:almost like silk but has a slubbed texture.
• Italian satin:known for its beauty and versatility this fabric is smooth and suits any style and any season. It compliments nearly all skirt shapes and does not get wrinkled on use.
• Cotton and linen dresses are also fast gaining popularity when it comes to beach or summery weddings. No matter what the type of fabric,it has to make the bridal wear look and feel special.