Bridesmaids’ Dress Fabrics

The key to comfort!

When shopping for bridesmaids’ dresses, most brides and maids tend to focus on the cut/style of the dress. It makes sense; when you look back at your wedding photos the style of the dress is really what stands out the most. That is, of course, unless your bridesmaids are grimacing because they’re uncomfortable. Then, it will probably be their sour faces that make the biggest impression. To avoid that discomfort, consider the fabric of your bridesmaids’ dresses just as much as their style. No matter how cute the dress, if it’s made of a fabric that itches, pulls, clings, etc., your girls simply won’t look/feel their best. To get you started, here is a brief overview of the major fabrics you’ll likely come across as you shop:

Can't decide on one fabric? You don't have to! Mix and match like these gorgeous models in Jenny Yoo! Oh, and if you like tulle, give us a call because this month her tulle stunners are on sale! Photo credit to Caroline Tran

Can’t decide on one fabric? You don’t have to! Mix and match like these gorgeous models in Jenny Yoo! Oh, and if you like tulle, give us a call because this month her tulle stunners are on sale! Photo credit to Caroline Tran

1) Tulle – Don’t freak out! Tulle gets a bad name from the horrid prom dresses of our past, but in the bridal world, it is the perfect choice for anyone searching for a soft, ethereal, and romantic look! Keep in mind that this fabric is lightweight and breezy, lending it more towards warmer weather weddings. If you want it for your winter wedding then definitely go for it, you just may want to opt for a warm, winter color to counterbalance the light fabric.
2) Raw silk – Sometimes called silk shantung or silk dupioni, this is a great fabric for the bride who just can’t decide. It’s not too heavy or too light, not super expensive, and it generally comes in a ton of colors. See, a real crowd pleaser! One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this fabric does have a unique texture. What may at first glance look like a blemish is actually the raw quality that gives this silk its name.
3) Lace – Somewhat new to the bridesmaids’ world, this fabric is something you’re probably familiar with from looking for your bridal gown. While it can be a little heavy, in a shorter style it still totally works for a Summer wedding. As gorgeous as it is, keep in mind that lace tends to be one of the more expensive fabric options for bridesmaids.
4) Chiffon – This is the most easy-breezy fabric in the bunch. If you’re having your wedding outdoors, prepare for some stunning photos of your girls’ dresses blowing in the breeze. Swoon! Its only downfall is that because of how light and thin it is, you’re going to be more prone to snags when you’re in chiffon.

Still unsure? Give us a buzz to make an appointment; we’ll be happy to go over all of the fabrics with you in person!