Fabrics

Batiste

A lightweight cotton fabric, in a thin grading to be almost transparent.

Brocade

A fall and winter appropriate woven fabric, heavier in weight with raised floral or ribbon design.

Charmeuse

A lightweight, semi- satin fabric known for its softness, as a blend of silk or rayon.

Chiffon

A very soft, delicate fabric in silk or rayon, extremely sheer and thus often layered for modesty.

Crepe

A thin, lightweight fabric with a rippled texture compared to a citrus fruit, often in silk or polyester.

Crepe de Chine

A version of crepe made from silk and featuring tiny bumps as texture in the fabric.

Damask

A lighter-weight silk, linen, cotton, or synthetic fabric featuring woven patterns of fruit, flowers, or other motifs.

Duchesse Satin

A light blend of silk and rayon (or polyester) that resembles a satin finish.

Dupioni

Most often 100% silk, a thicker, shinier version of shantung.

English net

Not to be confused with tulle, this netting is softer and has a bit of stretch to it.

Faced satin

A soft version of satin, made from 100% silk.

Gabardine

A firm fabric with a diagonal pattern to the stitching.

Georgette

A sheer, light blend made of polyester or silk with a less-than-smooth, non-shiny texture by design.

Illusion

Sheer, thin netting often used for sleeves and as a modesty cover for décolletage.

Jersey

A very soft knit fabric, most often 100% cotton as an informal fabric at weddings.

Moiré

A heavy silk taffeta with a wavy pattern, as well as a watermark pattern woven into it.

Organdy

Sheer and transparent, but firmer and stiffer than other fabrics.

Organza

A stiffer, heavier version of chiffon, popular for skirts due to its flowing nature.

Peau de Soie

A soft silk which is actually a heavier, non-shine satin with slight ribs and texture.

Rayon

A step below silk, with a bit more stretch.

Satin

A smooth fabric with lots of shine, woven from silk or polyester, with notable shine on one side of the fabric and a duller texture on the underside.

Shantung

Woven from silk, shantung resembles dupioni, but it of a much lighter weight and texture.

Silk

The most popular fabric for wedding dresses, with softness and shine.

Silk Gazar

A layered silk organza, often in four layers.

Silk Mikado

A heavier, thicker form of blended silk, often a choice for cooler-weather weddings.

Taffeta

Thicker fabric with movement, with slight ribbing in the weave.

Tulle

Silk, nylon, or rayon semi-sheer netting, most often seen in veils and crinolines.

Velvet

A thick, soft fabric with a short, felted pile and may be made from silk. Velvet with more of a matte or patterned design may be crushed velvet.

Laces

Alencon

A popular, delicate design of lace including images of flowers and arches on netting, with the edges embroidered with or without accenting such as beading.

Battenberg

Floral or geometric designs created by forming loops of linen connected by threadwork.

Chantilly

Intricate floral, scallop and ribbon designs set on a fine net background.

Duchesse

Featuring floral or lace arch and scroll designs, often with raised stitching for more texture.

Guipure

Large, repetitive patterns of florals or geometrics set in circular pattern, connected by delicate threadwork.

Lyon

A lighter-weight version of Alencon, with a thinner cord.

Schiffli

A very lightweight lace with intricate embroidery, often floral, with intertwined design and connecting threading.

Spanish

Based on a standard net background featuring a rose motif.

Venice

Also known as ‘Venise,’ a strip of embroidery-style heavy lace not attached to netting, often in floral and geometric designs. This type of lace is often used to be cut into appliqués.