Best fabrics for bridesmaid dresses that will make them feel pretty
Not all bridesmaid dress fabrics are created equal!
The materials you choose for your bridesmaid dresses will affect the photos, your wedding dress, and ultimately how they feel on the day.
We have listed the 5 best bridesmaid dress materials that will help your girls feel stunning.
Chiffon Bridesmaid Dresses
Chiffon is the ultimate bridesmaid dress material. It is both thin but sturdy, delicate but bold.
The fibers used to make chiffon are twisted before they are woven which creates a slightly rough texture. It can be made out of different materials, but silk chiffon is the smoothest. Chiffon is usually very sheer which gives it that dreamy, draped look.
This is also one of the most versatile dress materials. It is a great pick if you want to rewear bridesmaid dresses, or you are looking for any kind of versatile evening wear.
You should choose chiffon for your bridesmaids dresses if you want them to be:
- Whimsical
- Floaty
- Look like greek goddesses
Satin Bridesmaid Dresses
Satin is a smooth luxurious fabric that is known for being ultra chic and lightweight.
It is another weave material, but where chiffon is rough to touch, satin glides through your fingers. The word satin actually refers to the “weave” of the fabric, and describes the smooth silky finish you see on gowns and lingerie.
Satin bridesmaid dresses and evening gowns have an irresistible gloss finish that helps bridesmaids shine in front of the camera.
You should choose satin bridesmaid dresses for:
- Full glam vibes
- Evening weddings and events
- Soft, draped silhouettes
Tulle Bridesmaid Dresses
Tulle is a lightweight netting fabric and can be used to add romance and texture to bridesmaid dresses.
When you think of tulle fabric, think layers. It is most flattering when you choose thin flexible tulle that can be built up, rather than stiff tulle that looks boxy. This can be difficult to see when you are buying bridesmaid dresses online, so make sure you can try the dresses on at home before you buy anything tulle.
It might make you think of ballerinas and poofy wedding dresses from the 80’s, but you can still use tulle to create an ultra feminine and slightly more traditional bride tribe.
Use tulle for bridesmaid dresses for:
- Dreamy, romantic A-line skirts
- Traditional indoor weddings
- Floral themes
Crepe Bridesmaid Dresses
Most of the bridesmaid dress materials on this list are drapey and dreamy.
Crepe material is a stiffer fabric that can be used to create dramatic shapes on your bridesmaids. If you are having a full glam wedding, this might be the style you are looking for.
This material is thicker and has a bit more stretch which makes it perfect for figure-hugging bridesmaid styles.
Use crepe material for your bridesmaid for:
- Modern shapes and styles
- Dramatic waist and necklines
- Ballroom type weddings
Lace Bridesmaid Dresses
Lace is usually associated with brides, but it can add a layer of style and femininity to your bridesmaid dresses.
Lace can be a tricky fabric to deal with. Patterns that are too big can look cheap and tacky. If they are too fine, it can tear easily! Less delicate lace patterns are usually the easiest dresses to rewear.
If you don’t want to make them look too bridal, stick to minimal lace. You can add lace details around the bust or sleeves, or break the mould and add a lace shirt to a two piece bridesmaid set.
Use lace bridesmaid material for:
- Added interest
- Ultimate wedding/bridal feeling
Not sure which fabric you like the most? You can order bridesmaid dress fabric swatches to help you choose! Click here to see how you can order your fabric samples.