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 A fabric is the key to the success of any dress. It is in a constant state of change and is the result of a promising new technology or simply a new twist on an old technique. As new fabrics and ideas become available, people crave for more new things. More than bearing a designer’s label, the fabric is an important part of determining the price of a dress. A fabric is also one of the main factors in determining whether your clothes will travel as well as you do. All fabrics drape, but each drapes differently and will often reveal the personality of a dress. There are various kinds of fabrics available in the market. Listed below are a few of them. Get to know each fabric at its basic level.
 Chiffon is an elegant sheer fabric which has a graceful drape. It is easily washable and is not very expensive. It is necessary to line a dress made out of this fabric.
Georgette has a grainy sheer texture. It is not soft like chiffon and has less lustre and more crepe. But it drapes well and is easy to maintain. There are many varieties of georgettes like crepe georgette, double georgette and satin georgette.
Organza is a very sheer and crisp fabric. It is strong and durable with a firm and smooth texture. The fabric may crush but its crispiness is easily restored with an iron. Organza has a stiff drape that falls away from the body in wide cones. This fabric needs to be dry cleaned.
 Organdy is often confused with organza though they are different fabrics. Organza is made of silk fibre whereas organdy is made of cotton. Organdy is a very light, thin, stiff cotton fabric treated with a chemical finish to maintain the fabric’s crispiness
in spite of several washes.
Brocade is a rich elegant fabric woven on a jacquard loom and is usually stiff. Blended brocade fabrics are cheaper than silk brocades. Silk brocade has been historically associated with royalty, as this fabric was used by the kings and queens of older decades.
Velvet is a true luxury fabric. It is very soft, elegant and more flattering to wear. It looks and feels expensive and has a graceful drape that falls close to the body. This is one winter fabric which is worth the investment but it will not necessarily be appropriate all year round.
Velveteen is the cotton cousin of velvet. It resembles velvet but both the fabrics are just the opposite, because velvet is winter wear and velveteen is summer wear. Velveteen can be washed at home.
Nets and laces are fancy fabrics. These fabrics are strong and durable. Easy to wash and are good to make glamourous dresses.
 Cotton is a comfortable fabric especially worn in summer. This fabric is clean and crisp and feels cool against the body heat. It is a strong fabric and is easily washable at home. This fabric creases and at times has to be preshrunk.
Satin is a fabric with a sheen. It is a synthetic fabric but very tough. It is easily washable and drapes well.
Silk fabrics are unrivalled by any other fabric. They are always desirable and esteemed. No other fabric drapes on the body in the same way. There are many categories of silk.
Pure silk is a mystical fabric. Its lustre and beauty is unmatched by any other fabric. It is easy to dye and is tougher than cotton. Dry cleaning is recommended. It is necessary to line this fabric, otherwise the fabric gets stained due to perspiration.
Raw silk is stiff and adds bulk to a person if pleated or gathered. Dry cleaning is recommended. Beware of shrinkage in the lengthwise direction. This fabric looks semi-lustrous.
 Tussor silk is a course and rough fabric with an uneven appearance. But sometimes the texture changes because it is chemically coated to give a smooth paper like appearance. Its natural colour ranges from tan to gold to brown. It is a strong fabric but does not drape well. Dry cleaning is recommended.
Matka silk is also known as spun silk. It is a course fabric and is
hand woven. This fabric is washable at home.
Crepe silk has a beautiful drape that falls into soft, wide flares. It is durable and is washable at home. But crepe fabrics tend to shrink a lot. It is an expensive and luxurious fabric with a dull sheen.
Easing into a life of stylish simplicity requires understanding the basics, and which fabrics feel nice to wear. Knowing the guidelines, trusting our instincts, and our senses can make the difference in what we enjoy wearing.
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