As you prepare for your big day, the search for the perfect wedding dress can feel overwhelming. The key to finding the gown of your dreams lies in choosing the right fabric.
There is a lot to consider while looking for the perfect wedding dress since there is a wide variety of silhouettes, fabrics, price ranges, and designers from which to choose. Yet, you might feel more confident in your gown choice after learning the basics of wedding dress fabrics and when to wear them.
When it comes to the weather, not all fabrics are made equal for bridal gowns. It has been argued that bridal fashion is not seasonal, but that is only partially true. For instance, a cotton dress may look inappropriate for an autumn ballroom reception, just as a heavy satin dress remains an unpleasant choice during the summer.
Before you go dress shopping, familiarise yourself with the various bridal gown fabrics now on the market. Learn the difference between batiste and damask by reading this guide on the materials used in bridal dresses.
Below is a closer look at the latest bridal fabric trends for 2023 to help you find the perfect fabric to make you look and feel stunning on your special day.
1. Batiste
This sheer bridal fabric is typically an overlay or a veil, and it is constructed with a delicate, simple weave that allows the transparency to shine through. The warm weather of spring and summer makes this material the epitome of a classy garden party.
2. Brocade
Jacquard (raised) motifs woven into the cloth define brocade, which can be manufactured from silk or synthetic fibres. The fabric’s rigidity and lightness make it ideal for structured wedding dresses worn in the Autumn and winter seasons.
3. Charmeuse
This sumptuous bridal fabric is as soft and delicate as its name suggests, with a glossy exterior and a matte interior. The silky drape of silk (or a synthetic counterpart) makes it a popular fabric for voluminous silhouettes that are typically cut on the bias.
Gowns with a looser cut look better when made of a soft, flowing fabric. The ultralight fabric works all year round, but it’s especially good in the spring and summer seasons.
4. Chiffon
Chiffon, one of the airier fabrics, is typically worn as an outer layer, combined with other chiffon pieces, or as an accent.
The woven silk or rayon used to create this matte fabric gives off an airy, dreamlike quality, making it ideal for a bohemian wedding.
Its feathery build is perfect for spring and summer nuptials, and its floaty quality works beautifully with flowing shapes and goddess frocks. But, keep in mind that the fabric is rather delicate and is quickly damaged by snagging, pulling, or fraying.
5. Crepe
Crepe is a crinkled and gauzy fabric that is best suited for fluid silhouettes. It is typically made of soft silk or lightweight rayon. The form-flattering fabric is not only flattering on its own but also complements other styles, such as bridal jumpsuits and minimalist designs.
This is a sophisticated fabric that can be worn year-round, and it looks great in simple silhouettes like a mermaid or A-line dresses.
6. Damask
Damask is a lightweight material that, like brocade, features embossed patterns. Its pattern (in dull jacquard) is usually the same shade as the base fabric, and the fabric as a whole work best for tailored, boxy cuts.
Although it can be used at any time of year, damask is more commonly associated with lavish, formal weddings.
The guidelines listed above are sufficient to help you make the right purchasing decisions for the big day.
