Source: Style Lovely
Do you have a dream design for a stunning gown in mind which you wish to bring to life? Translating what you have envisioned into a gorgeous gown will require a number of steps. Choosing the right silhouette or shape for your gown is just one part of the design process, careful selection of the perfect fabric and colour is what will ensure that the gown holds the desired shape well and is suitable for the occasion at hand. Be it wedding gowns or party wear gowns, here are some tips on how to pick the perfect fabric and colour to complement the gown style and make you look your very best for the event
Commonly Used Gown Fabrics and the Gown Styles they Pair Well With
Fabric selection is a crucial step of the gown making process because different fabrics will impart a different look and fall to the same gown. Some fabrics have a glossy sheen to them while others do not impart any lustre to the gown. Similarly, some fabrics are stiff and structured whereas others are soft and flowy, thereby making them more suitable for specific silhouettes. A combination of fabrics can also be used in the construction of the gown, wherein a stiffer fabric is used to impart the desired shape to the gown and a softer fabric is used as an overlay, to impart a delicate finish to the outfit.
Once you have selected the silhouette for your gown as per the occasion and your body type , you can choose the fabric that is most suitable for that silhouette accordingly. Here is an overview of the properties of different fabrics to help you make the right choice as per the look you are planning to achieve
Structured Fabrics
1. Satin
Source: Singapore Brides
Satin is a structured fabric with a glossy finish that adds movement to the gown. It is a popular choice for both bridal gowns as well as party wear gowns for formal events because of its lustre. This fabric pairs well with an A-line or ball gown silhouette and is more suitable for cooler weather because it is quite heavy
2. Crepe
Source: Vows Bridal
A fabric that can be shaped with ease, Crepe is known for its crinkled, matte finish and flowy nature. French Crepe is often used in evening gowns because it holds its shape well despite being lightweight. This fabric adds an elegant, feminine touch to the garment and is extremely comfortable to wear
3. Charmeuse
Source: tulleandchantilly
Charmeuse is a light-weight fabric with a rich sheen that adds a hint of glamour to the outfit. This fabric looks similar to satin and can be used for making elegant mermaid and trumpet gowns. Thanks to the beautiful fall and marvelous shine of the fabric, it is an ideal candidate for formal events and is often used in bridesmaids gowns
4. Velvet
Source: dressforthewedding
Velvet is a strong fabric that imparts a rich sheen to the outfit, making it the perfect choice for Indian evening gowns. It provides an elegant drape to the gown and is ideal for mermaid and sheath silhouettes because it hugs the body in a flattering manner. If you plan to look regal for an upcoming event then velvet should be the fabric of choice for you
5. Brocade
Source: insideweddings
Brocade is a stiff fabric with a jacquard weave which can be identified by the raised design on the fabric. This fabric has an elegant and rich finish and is perfect for Indian wedding gowns, especially for the colder months. Brocade is often used to impart structure and stiffness to fuller skirts
Soft Fabrics
1. Chiffon
Source: modwedding
Chiffon is a light-weight, sheer fabric without a sheen. It is easy to move around in and is perfect for daytime events. This fabric pairs well with a flowy A-line silhouette and is an ideal candidate for summer wedding dresses. If a soft, feminine look is what you have in mind then this is the right fabric for you
2. Lace or Net Fabric
Source: thebridalbox
Lace is often used as an overlay in wedding gowns to add a vintage and feminine feel to the outfit. Sheer netting and lace are also used to create illusion necklines and sleeves. Lace comes in different weaves, such as Chantilly and Eyelet, and each weave imparts a different look to the garment
3. Organza
Source: Wedding Wire
Organza is a fine fabric which looks similar to chiffon but has a slight sheen. It is also stiffer than chiffon and is often used to add volume to ball gowns. This fabric comes in handy for creating fuller skirts, gown trains, as well as wedding veils
Other Fabrics
Apart from the commonly used fabrics as above, there are many other fabrics that can be used in a gown design. Listed below are some of them. You can also refer to this article by for more information on all kinds of fabrics that can be used
1. Georgette
Source: tulleandchantilly
Georgette is a sheer and flowy fabric with a crinkled texture and no sheen. It is used for creating wedding dress overlays and floaty evening gowns. This fabric has a bouncy nature which imparts a fun but feminine look to the outfit but its matte finish makes it less suitable for party wear gowns
2. Taffeta
Source: easyweddings
Taffeta is a smooth and crisp fabric with a slight lustre, which looks similar to satin but is lighter. This fabric is sometimes used for imparting structure to ball gowns and fuller skirts. Its iridescent finish imparts a nice sheen to the outfit
3. Tulle
Source: Wedding Wire
Tulle is an airy, gauzy material that is often used in gown linings to impart a fuller appearance to the skirt. It is a beautiful and delicate fabric that is ideal for wedding veils as well as poofy ball gowns. Tulle is, therefore, mostly used in prom dresses as well as Christian wedding gowns
Choosing the Perfect Colour for your Gown
While the fabric of the gown largely determines its structure and finish, the colour is what transforms the mood of the outfit. Different colours look better during different times of the day and pair better with different skin tones. You will need to select a colour for your gown that looks flattering on you and is also appropriate for the occasion. Here are some factors that you must consider to choose the perfect colour for your gown
Source: chicvintagebrides
1. Time of Day
While gowns can be worn for both evening and daytime occasions, you must choose an appropriate colour as per the timing of the event. Lighter hues and softer colours look beautiful during the day whereas deeper and darker colours are more suitable for the evening. Even if you have a specific colour family of choice, you can opt for different shades for a day or night look respectively. For example, if you want to wear green then opt for a light, minty green for the day or a rich, emerald green for the night
2. Season
Another factor that you must consider is the weather. Soft pastels and bright neons are perfect for the summer but do not go well with grey or gloomy weather. For an event in the rainy season, opt for blues, purples, and greys. Deep brown, mustard yellow, and maroon are foolproof autumn colours whereas jewel tones such as a rich ruby or a deep amethyst purple work great for winters. Consult your designer to select the most weather-appropriate colours as per the time of the year and the latest trends
Source: weddingandweddingflowers
3. Occasion
Different gowns in the same fabric can look formal, glamorous, or festive depending upon the choice of colour. As an example, a black velvet gown is perfect for a formal event, while a red velvet gown with golden embellishments works well for festive occasions. Here are some colour recommendations for gowns as per different occasions
3a) Wedding Gowns
Source: glamour.com
While Christian wedding gowns are traditionally white, you can also opt for muted golden, blush or blue undertones in the gown for a slightly different take on the conventional look. Here are some more inspirations
3b) Reception/ Engagement Gowns
Source: praiseweddingcommunity
Both wedding reception gowns and engagement gowns allow you to experiment with jewel tones and festive colours. You can opt for shades of pink, blue or green for these occasions depending upon the time of day and season
3c) Bridesmaid Gowns
Source: insideweddings.com
The colour of bridesmaid gowns can be coordinated with your wedding theme colours or can be a deeper colour in the same family as your wedding gown. You can also opt for mismatched bridesmaid gowns wherein the gowns are in different colours belonging to the same or complementary colour families
3d) Party Gowns
Source: dresses2019
Colourful and embellished gowns are the right pick for parties and festivals. You can choose the colour family as per the festive occasion, for example, red for Christmas, golden for New Year’s Eve, and pastels for Easter
Source: Shopify
3e) Prom Gowns
When it comes to choosing a colour for your prom dress, you can either pick a bright and youthful colour that resonates with your personality, such as fuchsia or peacock blue, or can opt for an elegant and timeless colour, such as black or royal blue
Source: onefabday
4. Embellishments
Embellishments and embroidery in the same colour as that of the fabric looks sophisticated while elevating the look of the outfit. On the other hand, 3D embroidery, patch-work or applique work in contrasting colours to the fabric provide a bolder finish for a statement outfit. You can opt for embellishments in the same colour family as your gown’s fabric for a more conservative look and in contrasting or shimmery shades for festive occasions
5. Skin Tone
Source: instyle.com
You would want the colour of your gown to complement your features and skin tone to the tee. Therefore, ask your designer what colours would look best on your skin tone to make the perfect choice. If the veins on your forearm look greenish, you have warmer undertones to your skin and will look best in warm-toned colours such as red, mustard, and orange. On the other hand, if the veins on your forearm are bluish or purplish then your skin has cooler undertones and cool-toned shades such as aqua, pink, and mauve will suit you more. Refer to this article by Instyle Magazine to find out your skin tone and the colours that will complement you the most
6. Body Type
Source: dailymail
Different body types have different star features and problem areas. Choose brighter colours for the areas that you wish to highlight as per your body type and darker colours for the areas from which you wish to divert the attention. Colour blocking is a great way to create the illusion of a curvier or slimmer figure. This will allow you to flaunt your best assets and will make you feel more confident in the gown
When it comes to choosing the right fabric and colour for a gown, the innumerable options can be quite overwhelming. However, if you have a clear vision of the desired look, you can easily narrow down your choices based on the factors described above. So keep these tips handy while finalizing your gown’s material and hue to end up with a phenomenal outfit
9 thoughts on “Tips to Choose the Right Fabric & Colour for your Gown”
i am thakful to sharing this amazing post
thanks for sharing such a unique collection
Thank you for the appreciation 🙂
nice information thanks for sharing valuable content with us.
Thank you, this was so informative! Thank you for writing it, and for the pictures you choose to go with it!
Thank you so much for your kind words of appreciation
Please,what kind of fabric can I used for graduation
Hi Pearl, It is difficult to suggest the fabric without knowing the design you have in mind for your graduation ceremony. Let us connect offline & we will help you with the right selection. Please call or WhatsApp us at +91 98867 65047
The definite bits of knowledge and master direction make it a significant asset for anybody exploring the universe of outfit design. The blog is both instructive and motivating, and it is clear that you are committed to improving the shopping experience.