Fabric

Learn more about what your favorite dress is made of.

ACETATE: A man-made fiber that is flexible but firm.

ORGANZA- A crisp, sheer, lightweight plain weave fabric, with a medium to high yarn count. Usually made of silk or rayon or nylon or polyester. Most commonly used in designer evening dresses, designer special occasion gowns and designer red carpet dresses as well as wedding gowns. By using this fabric layered over another fabric is easy to hide some "body" flaws or add volume to dress. Recommended care is the dry clean but it can be hand washed. Low heat iron and steam possible but with extra attention to beading and embellishments if applicable. As the fabric is easy to work with, an experience seamstress should be able to tailor it quickly and easily.

SATIN FABRIC- A traditional fabric utilizing a satin weave construction to achieve a lustrous fabric surface. Satin is a traditional fabric for evening and wedding garments. Most used examples of satin weave fabrics are: slipper satin, crepe-back satin, faille satin, bridal satin, moleskin and antique satin. The satin fabric can be easy modified/ altered without leaving signs of stitches or holes on fabrics. This material works great with any body styles.

CHARMEUSE- A fabric with a pearly satin finish and crepe back

CHIFFON- A light, transparent, sheer fabric woven from tightly yarns resulting in a crepe-like texture. 

BEADS- Usually glass beads that can be machine or hand sewn. Commonly used for decorations on designer prom dresses, designer evening dresses, designer special occasion gowns etc. Need special attention as beauty products such as perfume, deodorant, etc can cause discoloration.

SEQUINS- Small, shiny round disk used as embellishments for designer gowns. Recommended care is spot cleaning only. All other treatment can cause discoloration of sequins. As sequins are usually hand sewn, dresses that are adorned/covered with sequins may have a higher price.

GAUZE- A thin transparent fabric. Commonly is to be silk or cotton

IRIDESCENT- A shimmery fabric effect in which two different colors reflect in the light

PAILLETTES- Large sequins usually gathered together and hang down freely for extra glitter. Recommended spot cleaning only as any other may cause discoloration. Can be removed easily from an experience seamstress.

RHINESTONES/ JEWELS: From Artificial gemstones or diamond to real Swarovski stones, the rhinestones are used to create an unique, unforgettable glitter on a designer dress. The combination of rhinestones and or the use of real Swarovski stones turn any dress into "THE DESIGNER DREAM DRESS". Depending of the quantity and of the quality of the rhinestones used, dresses covered with Swarovski rhinestones may have a higher price.

APPLIQUE- It is a decorative needlework applied to one or more pieces of fabrics that then are applied to others. Commonly used to embellish designer evening dresses and gowns. Recommended spot cleaning only. Most popular applique are floral or lace elements and motives.

MATTE- A non- shiny, flat fabric finish

FRINGE- Trim that is made of hanging cuts of material and or threads and or beads and or other embellishments. Used to bring extra attention to designer homecoming dresses, designer evening gowns etc.

FEATHERS- Can be an artificial or real bird feather. Used to add texture to a designer dress. Recommended spot cleaning only. Depending of the quality and the quantity of the feathers, dresses adorned/ covered with feathers may have a higher price.

FLOWER- ROSETTE- They are made from fabric and they have the shape/ form of a rose/ flower. Used as embellishment to garnish a designer evening dress, designer homecoming dress, Recommended spot cleaning only. They can be easily removed from an experience seamstress if needed and desired.

BROCADE- A heavy, exquisite jacquard type fabric with all-over raised pattern or floral design. Commonly used in designer evening dresses. As the material is expensive the dresses with this material may be higher in price.

JACQUARD- Woven fabrics manufactured by using the Jacquard attachment on the loom. This attachment provides versatility in designs and permits individual control of each of the warp yarns. Brocade and damask are types of jacquard woven fabrics.

RUCHED- A method used to decorate, garnish a garment, which incorporate gathering a strip of fabric and stitching it trough the center to make ruffles on both sides.

RUFFLE- A method used to decorate, garnish a garment which includes gathering a strip of fabric by stitching it along one edge or cutting that fabric in a curve to produce a rippling effect

SATIN WEAVE- A basic weave, characterized by long floats of yarn on the face of the fabric. The yarns are interlaced in such a manner that there is no definite, visible pattern or interlacing and in this manner, a smooth and somewhat shiny surface effect is created. The shiny surface effect is further increased through the use of high luster filament fibers in yarns which also have a low amount of twist. A true satin weave fabric always has the warp yarns floating over filling yarns. The heavier the weaves are the better they can hide flaws, will drape better.

SEAM- A closure between two pieces of material, made by stitching, turning and restitching so as to conceal all raw edges.

VISCOSE- The most common type of rayon. It is produced in larger quantity than rayon.

RAYON- A manufactured fiber composed of regenerated cellulose, derived from wood pulp, cotton linters or other vegetable matter. There is different names for rayon fibers which depends of the various manufacturing processes. The most commonly used production methods for rayon are the cuprammonium process and the viscose process.

VOILE- A crisp, lightweight, plain weave cotton-like fabric, made with high twist yarns in a high yarn count construction. Similar in appearance to organdy and organza. Used in blouses dresses and curtains.

GEORGETTE- A sheer lightweight fabric, often made of silk or from such manufactured fibers as polyester, with crepe surface. Commonly used in designer dresses.

TAFFETA- A lustrous, medium weight, plain weave fabric with a slight ribbed appearance in the filling, crosswise direction. For formal wear, taffeta is a favorite choice. It provides a crisp hand, with lots of body. Hides flaws well. Silk taffeta gives the ultimate rustle, but other fibers are also good choices. The recommended care is dry clean, however if you need to wash the garment remember to never use hot press or machine dry, leave it to dry naturally. Fabric is easy to handle therefore should be easy to alter and adjust.

SILK- A natural filament fiber produced by the silkworm in the construction of its cocoon. Most silk is collected from cultivated worms. It is a lightweight soft and smooth fabric or it can be a woven fabric with the same soft and smooth feel and texture. The use of silk as an overlay on a dress, makes the dress more expensive, delicate but with a flowing effect. Usually it is recommended to dry clean a silk garment as the dress may shrink if washed. Low heat steam may help garment to regain/ keep it's shape. Handle gently as fabric is delicate.

WILD SILK- is a thicker shorter fiber produced by worms in their natural habitat. All silk comes from Asia, primarily China.

SHANTUNG- a hard-finished, low lustered, medium weight fabric in a twill-weave construction.

METALLIC- An inorganic fiber made from minerals and metals, blended and extruded to form fibers. The fiber is formed from a flat ribbon of metal, coated with a protective layer of plastic, which reduces tarnishing. Metal used in apparel fabric is purely decorative.

EMBROIDERY- An embellishments of a fabric or garment in which colored threads are sewn on to the fabric to create design. Embroidery may be done either by hand or machine. Very popular attribute to designer dresses.

ELASTICITY- The ability of a fiber or fabric to return to its original length, shape or size immediately after the removal of stress.

COTTON - A unicellular, natural fiber that grows in the seed pod of the cotton plant. Fibers are typically 1/2 inch to 2 inches long. The longest staple fibers, longer than 1 1/2 inch, including the Pima and Egyptian varieties, produce the highest quality cotton fabrics.

VELVET- A medium weight cut-pile constructed fabric in which the cut pile stands up very straight. It is woven using two sets of warp yarns, the extra set creates the pile. Velvet is a luxurious fabric, is made with a filament fiber for high luster and smooth texture. Used the most on designer evening dresses, designer special occasion gowns and red carpet gowns. The most comments way to clean is dry clean. It can be pressed and low heat steamed but never ironed. Alteration is possible but recommended to use a professional seamstress as the material is very expensive and it could require a seamstress with longer experience.

TULLE- A lightweight, extremely fine, machine-made netting. Usually with a hexapon shaped mesh effect. End-uses include dance/ball gowns, wedding/ bridal veils, designer ball dresses- where the tulle is used mostly to create a layered multi color effect. The best way to clean is dry clean, spot clean. It could be hand wash, low heat steamed and ironed. Alterations are possible with an experience seamstress. As the material is delicate it requires special attention when handled.

RIBBON- A fillet or narrow woven fabric of varying widths, commonly one-quarter to three inches, having selvage edges, chiefly or rayon, silk or velvet. Used for trimming or decoration...Usually you can find ribbon on the designer dresses we offer as decoration in the form of waist belt. 

JERSEY FABRIC- The consistent interlooping of yarns in the jersey stitch that produces a fabric with a smooth, flat face, and a more textured but uniform back. Jersey fabrics may be produced on either circular or flat weft knitting machines. The designer dresses made of jersey always have a small percentage of Lycra. The jersey could be made of cotton, polyester or rayon. This fabric is a "body hugging" material and it guarantee a great fit for great bodies. It is very important that you get the right size or to have a helping lingerie underneath, as the fabric is not forgiven for body flaws.Very easy to take care off as it can be dry cleaned, hand washed, spot cleaned, ironed and steamed with attention to any beading or embellishments. The fabric allows touch-up by an experience seamstress, but it could be hard to work with as is slip.

JERSEY STITCH- A basic stitch used in weft knitting in which each loop formed in the knit is identical. The jersey stitch is also called the plain, felt or stockinette stitch.

PRESS- A device that is uses heat and pressure to remove wrinkles, creases and smooth fabrics during garment construction or as a part of a normal care process for a garment.

PONTE DI ROMA- A fabric made in a double knit construction, usually produced in one color rather than color patterns. This fabric has an elastic quality made with a slight horizontal line. The fabric looks the same on both sides.

POLYESTER- A manufactured fiber introduced in the early 1950's and is second only to cotton in worldwide use. Polyester has high strength, excellent resiliency and high abrasion resistance. Low absorbency allows the fiber to dry quickly. As it is a comment material is cheaper then most others. Recommended way to keep it looking new is dry clean.

PLISSE- A lightweight, plain weave, fabric, made from cotton or rayon or acetate and characterized by a puckered striped effect, usually in the warp direction. The crinkled effect is created through the application of a caustic soda solution, which shrinks the fabric in the areas of the fabric where it is applied. Plisse is similar in appearance to seersucker. It is commonly used in designer dresses.

PLEATS- A portion of the fabric folded over and secured by stitching or pressing

EYELET- A type of fabric which contains patterned cut-outs, around which stitching or embroidery may be applied in order to prevent the fabric from raveling.

PEAU DE SOIE- A heavy twill weave drapeable satin fabric, made usually of silk or a manufactured fiber. Most commonly used in designer evening dress, designer special occasion gowns, designer red carpet dresses

NYLON- Produced in 1938, the first completely synthetic fiber developed. Known for its high strength and excellent resilience, nylon has superior abrasion resistance and high flexibility.

NET- An open fabric, which is created by connecting the intersections in a woven, knitted or crocheted construction to form a mesh like appearance that won't ravel.

MESH- A type of fabric characterized by it's net-like open appearance and the spaces between yarns. Commonly used in the form of stretch mesh to create an illusion effect, used as an overlay and can be garnished with beads, sequins or ruching, gathers, crystals etc...Recommended care is dry clean, low ironing or steaming, carefully hand washed with attention to embroidery if applicable. The stretch mesh brings forgiveness to body flaws as it is very good to cover them.

LINING- A fabric that is used to cover the inside of a garment to provide a finished look. Commonly the lining is made of a smooth lustrous fabric. Almost all of the designer dresses offered on our site are lined with a smooth lining.

LAME- A woven fabric using flat silver or gold metal threads to create either the design or the background in the fabric