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.