Knowing what type of fabric you want before heading to the salon or to get a bespoke gown made for you will help your search.
photography by Kristen McKelvie
As a bespoke designer, this is a hot topic around my studio, so I wanted to clearly lay out the pros and cons of each fabric because there isn’t one that is perfect for all brides/dresses. Choosing between natural, artificial, and synthetic fibers are your biggest step because it narrows down the fabric selection and your designers vastly. I encourage you to think about what means most to you on your wedding day, having a luxe smooth breathable fabric that is more expensive and harder to care for, or a more available, less expensive, easily cleaned, wrinkle-resistant fabric that is not breathable or absorbent. After all this research, I can say that, in my opinion, a cupro silk alternative looks like a great middle ground-breathable, silk-like smoothness, absorbent, and smooth, but it does wrinkle easily, so keep the steamer close.
Main Dress Fabrics
Natural Fibers
Artificial Fibers aka Regenerated Cellulosic Fibers
Main Dress Fabrics
Synthetic Fibers
Main Dress Fabrics
Polyester is most commonly used, because it is readily available in many colors and fabric types, has easy care, and is wrinkle resistant.
It is what most designers in bridal salons use for main dress fabrics and linings.
My Darlin’ gown below is made with polyester chiffon and polyester lining but still looks luxe!
Lace Fabrics
The ‘Jes’ gown below is made with a 3D Guipure Lace fabric and cotton lining.
Lining Fabrics
Is your Wedding dress fabric missing from my list? Comment below. And if you have any questions about choosing your wedding dress fabrics, please ask away!
