Can someone please explain the different dress fabrics? And what is seasonal for a fall wedding?
by techdude on Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 | 5 Comments
I’m getting married next October 30th (2010) and have no idea what organza or taffeta or any of that is. Can someone explain and recommend a dress for my indoor wedding. And please don’t say ANYTHING because I don’t want to wear a summery dress by mistake. I am that clueless haha.
The Fabric Hotlist
Batiste: A lightweight, soft, transparent fabric.
Charmeuse: A lightweight, semi-lustrous soft fabric, that is satin-like to the touch.
Chiffon: Delicate, sheer, and transparent—made from silk or rayon, with a soft finish; often layered because of its transparency, making it popular for overskirts, sheer sleeves, and wraps.
Crepe: A light, soft, and thin fabric with a crinkled surface.
Damask: Similar to brocade with raised designs, but woven in a much lighter weight.
Duchesse Satin: A lightweight hybrid of silk and rayon (or polyester) woven into a satin finish.
Dupioni: A finish similar to shantung, but with thicker, coarser fibers, and a slight sheen.
Faille: A structured, ribbed finish like grosgrain ribbon; usually quite substantial.
Gabardine: A tightly-woven, firm and durable finish, with single diagonal lines on the face.
Georgette: A sheer, lightweight fabric often made of polyester or silk with a crepe surface.
Illusion: A fine, sheer net fabric, generally used on sleeves or necklines.
Jersey: A very elastic knit fabric; the face has lengthwise ribs and the underside has crosswise ribs.
Moire: A heavy silk taffeta with a subtle, wavy design.
Organdy: A stiff transparent fabric.
Organza: Crisp and sheer like chiffon, with a stiffer texture similar in effect to tulle, but more flowing; popular for skirts, sleeves, backs, and overlays.
Peau de Soie: A soft satin-faced, high-quality cloth with a dull luster, fine ribs, and a grainy appearance.
Pique: A lengthwise rib weave in medium to heavy weights; wrinkles badly unless given a wrinkle-free finish.
Satin: A heavy, smooth fabric with a high sheen on one side; very common in bridal gowns.
Silk Gazar: A four-ply silk organza.
Silk Mikado: A brand of blended silk, usually heavier than 100-percent silk.
Silk-faced Satin: A smooth silk satin, with a glossy front and matte back.
Shantung: Similar to a raw silk, shantung is characterized by its slubbed texture.
Taffeta: Crisp and smooth, with a slight rib; not frequently used.
Tulle: Netting made of silk, nylon, or rayon; used primarily for skirts and veils (think ballerina tutus).
Velvet: A soft, thick fabric with a felted face and plain underside.
If you like the sounds of any of these, just do a search for an actual fabric website and there should be swatches to look at.
For Fall, I would suggest velvet, Moire or a matte satin.
First, here are the definitions for organza and taffeta:
Organza: Organza is a thin, plain weave, sheer fabric traditionally made from silk, the continuous filament of silkworms. Nowadays, though many organzas are woven with synthetic filament fibers such as polyester or nylon, the most luxurious organzas are still woven in silk.
~from Wikipedia
Taffeta: A lustrous, medium-weight, plain-weave fabric with a slight ribbed appearance in the filling (crosswise) direction. For formal wear, taffeta is a favorite choice. It provides a crisp hand, with lots of body. Silk taffeta gives the ultimate rustle, but other fibers are also good choices.
~from Dressking.com
Now, here are some ideas. Remember that you should wear what YOU love in the end, not what you think fits in with the season best, although that should be a consideration.
(by the way, this has organza)
I tried to give you a variety of dresses, and all of them are ones that I think would work for Fall. There are so many other dresses that would work too, but YahooAnswers only allows 10 links. If you tell me your preferences, I can give more ideas. Good luck!
My best advice is to head out to a small privately owned bridal boutique, set an appointment and bring ALL your questions with you. Ask that one of the older well-experienced associates help you. She will be able to tell you about styles for a fall wedding and let you look at and feel fabrics.
Try on lots of dresses in various styles. You might think you don’t like a certain style but you won’t Know until you try it. After trying a few dresses and getting your opinion, a good bridal consultant will be able to get a sense of your style and what looks good on you and select dresses that are perfect for your style and body type
But…don’t feel you HAVE to buy the dress at that store. Bridal boutiques are used to brides shopping at a variety of stores.
Chiffon, Taffeta,Satin,Organza