The Main Types of Bridal Gown Fabrics

Charmeuse

A sleek fabric that exudes a sense of elegance that’s known as a more subdued version of satin, as it has slightly less of a light-catching sheen. This material is perfect for more form-fitting gowns, especially around the bodice and hips.

Chiffon

This is a delicate, lightweight material that’s quite transparent and made up of silk or rayon, though it is often used more as an overlay instead of the main dress fabric – think overskirts and boleros as well as some illusion detailing in the bodice.

Crepe

A softer fabric with the appearance of wrinkles and a stretchy texture. It’s great for beach or desert weddings, as it’s quite breathable, and it is perfect for added draping in your ensemble.

Dupioni

Another fabric with a distinct sheen, this material includes raised fibers to give it a slightly coarser or rougher look while maintaining a sense of regality. It is slightly heavier than the above fabrics, which makes it perfect for any season.

Jersey

This fabric has elasticity and a hint of shininess to it featuring both lengthwise and underside ribs that make it perfect for a more formal wedding celebration – and like Charmeuse, it works well with fitted dresses.

Lace

One of the most popular fabrics of modern weddings, this is an open-weave material that – like chiffon – is used as an accent to the existing material of a wedding gown. It comes in many different forms and can be used to add a hint of graceful femininity to your look. 

Organza

Think of this material as the more rigid cousin of chiffon and tulle. It’s still incredibly lightweight and complements princess-like ball gowns expertly, but it is more structured and will stay in place much better than its flowy counterparts.

Satin

This is actually a kind of silk: it is heavier, but very smooth, with a distinct sheen. It’s a popular fabric, mostly used for structured and draped elements of wedding gowns. It’s considered an idyllic option for formal, cold-weather weddings.

Silk

The most sought-after and expensive fabric for wedding dresses, it looks highly delicate, but is in fact a durable material. It’s a bit more breathable than satin, so it can be used for events in all climates, and comes in a wide variety of types. 

Taffeta

For those brides who want to embody a Victorian-age monarch on their wedding day, this mixture of silk and synthetic fibers is perfect. It has a very bold sheen, a slight rib, and fits an array of silhouettes, but perhaps looks best in ball gowns and A-line dresses.

Tulle

One of our all-time favorite fabrics, tulle is a light and airy material. Its design is net-like and, like chiffon, is often utilized in bridal accents, such as sheer sleeves, voluminous ball-gown skirts, and veils – it gives you a bit of a ballerina-esque look.

Discover some of our favorite ball gowns and A-line dresses from real weddings and find out what you need to know about bridal gown fittings.

Opening photo by UniiQue Impact Productions