Fabrics 101

What it is…	Ups	Downs	Costs
Silk A soft, lustrous fiber obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm that is spun into thread and woven into cloth. It’s the most popular gown material and is often woven to create different fabrics including satin, taffeta, organza, chiffon, lace, and tulle.	Comfortable, refined, elegant; many different options	Difficult to clean, press, and steam	Varies depending on weave, but usually starts at $1,000
Satin - Advertisement - Woven from natural (silk) or synthetic fibers (nylon), this fabric has a high thread count (many layers of fiber are used). The most traditional choice, particularly in silk satin.	Popular; doesn’t wrinkle easily; drapes well	Difficult to remove stains; heavy; can be hot	Polyester starts at $700; silk at $1,000
Duchess Satin Similar to satin, duchess satin is also woven from silk or synthetic fibers but has an even higher thread count than satin, making it heavier	Silk duchesse satin is considered the most luxurious gown fabric with a high sheen; polyester duchesse satin (aka matte satin) has a subtle shine.	Heavy; difficult to clean; stains easily	Polyester starts at $1,000; silk at $2,000
Taffeta Woven from silk or synthetic fibers (such as polyester), taffeta looks slightly ribbed. - Partner Content - Faces of Westchester 2024 Q&A Topic: Preventing Dental Cavities in our Pediatric Population	Lightweight, so best for gowns with lots of material and pick-ups	Can look wrinkled and make a squishing sound when walking	Polyester starts at $400; silk at $3,000
Tulle This net-like, gauzy material is primarily used in the lining of the skirt and for veils.	Adds lots of volume, to create a Cinderella-esque, full skirt; popular for summer weddings	Rips easily	Nylon and rayon tulle start at $500, silk tulle at $1,000
Chiffon Woven on a machine using either silk or synthetic fibers such as nylon, this fabric is often used as an overlay on the skirt.	Romantic, clings to the body, easy to move in	Can shrink when traveling in very humid weather	Polyester starts at $300; silk at $2,000
Organza - Advertisement - Woven from silk or synthetic fibers (such as polyester) in a plain-weave technique (fibers are criss-crossed together), this crisp, sheer fabric usually is used as lining and can come in a shiny or sparkly finish.	Lightweight, falls easily; best if bride wants a full skirt with sheer overlay; popular for summer weddings	Wrinkles easily	Polyester starts at $600; silk at $2,000
Brocade Made from silk or synthetic fibers, raised designs are woven into the fabric to create this stiff material.	Holds its shape well; popular for fall/winter weddings	Heavy	Polyester starts at $500; silk at $2,000
Charmeuse Charmeuse is machine-woven from silk or synthetic fibers, often used in lingerie and is lighter and softer than satin. It is usually shiny on one side and matte on the other and contours the body.	Best for women who want to show off their figures; tight and hugs the body	Very clingy; not a good choice if you don’t want to show off every curve	Polyester starts at $500; silk at $2,000
Lace Can be made with silk or cotton and available in various weaves, including Chantilly (embroidered).	Romantic; currently very popular	Tears easily	European lace usually starts around $3,000.