Our goal at NK Bride is to give our brides the best experience, and the best product, so they can feel comfortable and confident on the big day. No matter if you know exactly what look you want, but you don’t know what the fabric is called, or if you feel completely lost, a consultation at NK Bride will give you all the clarity you need. Sitting down with brides and discussing design and fabrics is one of our favorite things to do. This guide will help you know the basic fabric types, and if you have more questions, we would love to hear from you.
Batiste is a lightweight fabric with a smooth, and often silky feel. Usually a cotton fabric, but can sometimes also be a silk. It is a sheer plain weave fabric. A good choice for a summer brides, or a vintage look.
Brocade is a heavyweight fabric with a raised design, or jacquard, of silk or synthetic fibers. Usually a fall, and winter wedding fabric, it is elegant and ornate. This style of fabric is good for more structured designs.
Charmeuse is an expensive and delicate fabric, but the shine and elegance makes it work the price. The silk-like qualities make it a favorite among brides, and it hugs the body in a soft, and subtly sexy way. This is a good choice for a bride looking for an effortless and form fitted dress.
With your design in mind, the NK Bride Head Designer, Nathalie Kraynina, with help choose the right fabrics for your dress, and show you the best options for you to pick from.
Chiffon is a lighter fabric, often used by designers as an overlay, but can also be a great choice for dresses made with layers. Chiffon has a transparent quality, and a softness that gives ethereal feelings. This can be a great choice for a bride searching for a soft dress, or a youthful look.
Crepe is another light fabric. The surface of this fabric has a crinkle texture that adds a little something extra to this soft, and thin fabric. A crepe is a good choice for a design that creates a soft silhouette.
Damask has raised patterns similar to brocade, but is made of a lighter fabric. This is a great way for a summer bride, who loves the look of brocade, but needs a lighter fabric.
Dotted Swiss is a playful fabric. It is soft and breathable, and sprinkled with dots that make it a youthful look. Perfect for spring and summer weddings, this is a must consider.
We are dedicated to helping you, and finding the perfect fabric for your dream wedding gown.
Dupioni is a popular silk blend for bridal design. It is characteristic for having a rough texture and a light sheen. This fabric is good at holding shape, making it a strong choice for a more structured dress.
Faille is a structured silk because of its woven structure, and ribbed finish. Often silk, cotton, or rayon, this can be an option at many price points.
Georgette is super lightweight and often confused with crepe. It is sheer, and soft, and appears very delicate. Perfect for top layers and warm weather wedding.
Illusion is gaining popularity in recent years, and it is a sheer mesh that blends perfectly into the skin. It is used in plunging necklines, sleeves, and cutouts.
Lace is more than just one style. Lace can be cotton or silk, and frequently is used as details in bridal design. Lace has recently become more and more popular with youthful styles that follow a more bohemian vibe.
If you are interested in reading more about lace checkout our blog post Choosing The Right Lace for Your Custom Wedding Gown: A Guide to Bridal Lace for Every Bride’s Style.
Moire is a heavy, crisp taffeta known for its water like appearance. It is characteristic for its subtle visible waves. Often used in fall wedding gowns due to the more substantial weight.
Organza is a silk, sheer, and crisp fabric that holds it shape well. It is often used in layers, or to stuff skirts. It is often compared to tulle, but it has more of a flow about it.
Point D'Esprit is a soft and iconic net sewn to create diamond spots. It is an exceptionally feminine fabric, and is always a good choice for spring and summer.
Satin is one of the most traditional wedding fabrics. Heavy and smooth, this fabric has a high thread count. Always a good fabric to consider if not for traditional alone. We’d love to talk with you more about the types of satin, so you know what’s best for you.
Shantung is a woven silk or cotton fabric that features a subtle weave. It has a rich look and feel, as well as a great drape, making it a good choice for brides.
Silk is a timeless choice, as it also has traditional roots. Silk also has many styles and options, and can be used in any season. This versatility makes it unique, as brides can use it for many styles. Silk is defined by its muted shine, and smooth texture.
While basic fabrics are a great starting place, we would be happy to discuss with you other elegant, beaded fabrics. If you are interested in more unique fabrics reach out to the NK Bride team and see what we have to offer.
Taffeta is made from silk or synthetic fibers, and the stiffness of the fabric can help you determine how cheap or expensive the fabric is. This fabric can sometimes appear iridescent due to the style of weaving.
Tulle is a sheer fabric, much like netting, with an open weave. It is often very airy, but can be used by designers with rouching to create more structure. There are many options for stiffness, and we can go through these during a consultation for a custom design.
Velvet is soft and heavy. The thickness of this fabric makes it a winter wedding fabric. The felted face and textured surfaces makes it unique and elegant.
For a more in depth fabric conversation we would love to hear from you! Choosing a dress doesn’t have to be hard, and designing it should be even easier. Designer Nathalie Kraynina is always happy to work one-on-one with our brides to achieve their perfect dress.