Knowing the basics about wedding dress fabric types and which you prefer can make your wedding shopping experience an easier ride. In this guide, we’ll be talking about everything you need to know about wedding dress fabrics — from what each type of fabric is made of, to what type of fabric you should choose based on your body type and style preference.
Types of Wedding Dress Fabrics
Wedding dress fabrics come in many different types of materials. Here are a few common types of fabrics used for bridal gowns:
- Silk – One of the most timeless wedding dress fabrics out there! It’s lightweight yet durable and luxurious to the touch. Depending on the type of silk used, this smooth fabric can be made for glamorous ballgowns or modern slip dresses.
- Mikado – Mikado is a structured textile made of polyester or an acetate blend and provides a crisp, firm grip without adding weight. This is a great fabric for brides wanting to wear a luxurious fabric luxurious on their wedding day but one that’s not too heavy.
- Tulle – Tulle is a fine netting made from silk or rayon that creates a voluminous, romantic bridal look, frequently used in ballgown skirts. Beading, sequins, lace and other details are often added to the fabric to complete the look.
- Chiffon – Chiffon is one of the lightest fabrics for wedding dresses. Made from woven silk or rayon, the matte fabric is a beautiful choice for spring or summer weddings due to its lightweight, delicate appearance.
- Crepe – Made of soft silk or lightweight rayon, crepe has become an increasingly popular fabric for modern brides. It hugs and shapes the body while still draping beautifully.
- Lace – Lace is an extremely popular wedding fabric that has plenty of versatility in patterns, textures and styles. It is typically placed over other fabrics like tulle or satin as a dazzling finishing touch.
- Satin – While often mistaken for a fabric, satin actually refers to the fabric’s finish! Made from a blend of fibers, satin features a light sheen for a classic bridal look. You’ll often hear it referred to as silk satin, charmeuse satin and duchess satin, while out shopping.
Why is it Important to Choose the Right Fabric for my Dress?
You want to choose a wedding dress that will fit, flatter and accentuate your curves and make you feel beautiful. Fabric choice is personal and varies from bride to bride. The best choice of bridal fabric can often depend on the style, season, location and silhouette a bride wants to achieve. Some fabrics will look better for modern, structured designs, while other fabrics will shine for flowy, ethereal looks.
Wedding Dress Fabric Types
Now that we’ve discussed the different types of wedding dress fabrics, keep scrolling to see the different pretty wedding dress fabrics on various silhouettes and styles!
Silk Wedding Dress
Modern meets couture with Martina Liana Style 1486. Made from Silk Zibeline fabric, this fit-and-flare wedding dress is sure to wow with its structured sweetheart neckline. This silk wedding dress also features soft pleating and an asymmetrical bodice for a contemporary bridal look that is both glamorous and minimal.
Mikado Wedding Dress
A modern minimalist bride’s dream, Style D3460 by Essense of Australia is created using luxurious Matte Mikado fabric with a voluminous skirt and in-seam pockets. This minimal gown exudes sophistication, yet remains undeniably beautiful. Featuring wide-set straps, this dress has a rounded neckline and an open scoop back for support. Chic side cutouts and a striking side slit add a touch of sexy to this unforgettable bridal look.
Satin Wedding Dress
A classic matte satin wedding dress updated with modern style and contemporary touches, Essense of Australia Style D3596 is a fabulous option for any bride who is looking for timeless beauty. The elegant lace up ribbon back and sparkly floral lace details accent this stunning ballgown, while the voluminous pleated skirt and long train give this dress an upscale sensibility.
Tulle Wedding Dress
If you’re a fan of tulle wedding dresses, then you need to add the All Who Wander viene gown to your list of favorites. This boho A-line wedding dress is effortlessly elegant with a corset-style lace bodice and illusion plunge neckline. Amp up the tulle even more with detachable Chantilly lace and French tulle sleeves. Vintage-inspired buttons adorn the back before flaring into a free-spirited frothy skirt with a side slit and sweeping train.
Chiffon Wedding Dress
Achieve a sweet and simple bridal look with Stella York Style 7410. This classic A-line wedding dress features a chic plunging neckline and floral lace appliques around the bodice adorned with beads and sequin for subtle sparkle. We love this breezy look for all kinds of weddings, from a rooftop wedding in the city to backyard weddings in the summer!
Crepe Wedding Dress
Smooth and sleek, Essense of Australia Style D3589 is the definition of a chic wedding dress. The liquid crepe fabric drapes beautifully down the body while falling into a stunning column silhouette. Shoestring spaghetti straps and a luxurious cowl neckline exude Old Hollywood glamour into a modern-day bridal look. In the back, a low-scooped open detail meets a row of fabric-covered buttons before falling into a sweeping train that will turn heads!
Lightweight Wedding Dress
A dress as free-spirited as the bride who wears it, the All Who Wander cedar gown is a lightweight A-line wedding dress covered head-to-toe in intricate graphic lace. Featuring a modern V-neckline, spaghetti straps and sheer side cutout details along the bodice — this flowy gown was made for the carefree boho bride who wants to make a statement!
Sheath Lace Wedding Dress
There is nothing more romantic than a head-to-toe lace gown, and this breathtaking sheath dress confirms just that! Available in either a stunning sleeveless option or delicate optional lace long sleeves, Martina Liana Style 1440 is made with tulle fabric and an organic all-over lace. The striking matte floral lace creates a stunning illusion back detail that leads down a fitted skirt and finishes into a beautiful ethereal train.
How are Wedding Dresses Lined?
The lining of a wedding dress adds structure and support to the bodice, helping to keep it from stretching out while you wear it. It can also be added under certain wedding dresses for those wanting a more modest look. Wedding dresses can be lined with multiple types of fabrics from silk to blends of polyester. Ask your bridal stylist at your appointment for lining specifics of the gown you choose!
How to Find the Best Dress Fabric for You
When choosing the best type of fabric for your wedding dress, consider what style suits you best. Are you a classic bride? Romantic? Modern? From there, you will notice a trend of fabrics. Modern brides tend to go with clean fabrics like crepes and satins, while a boho bride will want more texture with tulle and lace.
Second, think about the climate on your wedding day. If it’s going to be hot out, you’ll want to avoid fabrics that are heavy and will make you sweat. Instead, opt for light and airy fabrics like chiffon or organza. They’ll help keep you cool and comfortable all day long.
Finally, don’t forget about comfort! Even if you love the look of a certain fabric, it’s not worth wearing if it will make you uncomfortable. Be sure to test any fabrics you’re considering before making your final decision. Whatever your taste, there’s a fabric that will work for you. Dresses by designers like Essense of Australia, Martina Liana, All Who Wander and Stella York design gowns in a variety of fabrics, silhouettes and styles that will suit nearly any bride.
Find a bridal store location near you and book an appointment today!