Since the early days, brides have commonly asked how to do this or that.   For simplicities sake, our experts have put together a list of commonly asked questions regarding veils, trains, dresses and gowns.  Feel free to email us if you don't find your question here. Have a question?  Email us or visit our forum

Tell me more about the fabrics used in Bridal Wear?

Fabrics can be differentiated by their most distinguishable characteristics, which can include:
A. Weave - a smooth or textural quality
B. Weight - heavy to light
C. Luminous Qualities - high-luster (shiny) to deluster (dull)
D. Thickness - one-ply (thin) to six-ply (thick)
E. Translucency - opaque, sheer, or transparent
F. Pattern - Woven or embossed

DEFINITIONS:
I. Silhouette - outline, the shape of the garment. A soft silhouette requires a soft, drapeable fabric, a stiffer silhouette requires a crisper fabric.
II. Hand - the way the fabric feels and drapes. This is a subjective judgment - the fabric must be felt and folded to see if it is appropriate for the design.
III. Warp - warp threads run parallel to the selvage forming the length of the fabric.
IV. Weft - filling threads running crosswise in the fabric - interlacing with the warp threads.

WEAVES AND FIBERS:
All fabrics have two names: the fiber and the weave. The first, fiber, is the actual thread from which the fabric is made. (ex. silk, cotton, nylon, polyester, acetate, etc.). The weave refers to the construction of the fabric; the number of warp threads over which the weft (filling) threads pass before going under. The most common in bridal fabrics are:
I. Plain Weave - the filling thread passes over and under one warp thread in alternating rows.
II. Satin Weave - produces a very smooth surfaced fabric. The filling threads pass under several warp threads - usually 4 to 5 - before passing over one warp thread. When made in cotton this fabric is called sateen.
III. Jacquard Weave - fabrics with a woven design using a jacquard attachment on the loom. Brocade is a heavier luxurious fabric made on a jacquard loom. Damask is a medium to heavy cotton or linen fabric made on a jacquard loom.