Whether a dress is satin, chiffon, velvet or lace affects its look, the way it hangs, how it feels on the skin and where it makes sense to wear it. Below you'll find a rundown of the main dress fabrics, the occasions each one fits, and links to dresses made from them.
A closer look at each fabric
Slick, shiny and fluid
Satin pours over the body with a glossy finish that picks up light, which is why it shows up so often at evening events, weddings and cocktail parties. It gives less than jersey, so size with a little ease in mind. To clean, use a cold delicate cycle or take it to a dry cleaner.
Shop: satin dresses · black satin
Sheer, weightless and breezy
This thin, see-through woven fabric drifts as you walk, making it a natural fit for summer weddings, outdoor parties and long maxi dresses. It usually sits over a lining. It stays cool in the heat and looks good in photos when there's a bit of wind.
Shop: chiffon dresses · maxi
Soft, dense and cozy
Velvet has a thick, soft pile with a low glow, and it belongs to cold-weather dressing: winter parties, holiday events and formal nights. Deep shades like emerald, sapphire and wine make the most of it. Because it holds heat, wear it in the cooler months. To smooth wrinkles, steam it rather than pressing it with an iron.
Shop: velvet dresses
Delicate, patterned and romantic
Lace is an open fabric worked into detailed designs, a popular pick for weddings, bridal showers and cocktail events. You'll often see it layered over a solid base or used on sleeves and bodices. Treat it carefully so the pattern doesn't snag.
Shop: lace dresses · white lace
All the sparkle
Sequin fabric is stitched with small shiny discs that throw light everywhere, so it's a favorite for parties, New Year's Eve and prom. It weighs more and breathes less than other fabrics, so keep it for big nights out. To clean, flip it inside out, hand-wash in cold water and dry it flat.
Shop: sequin dresses · glitter
Full, airy and playful
Tulle is a fine net that gives skirts lift and volume — picture a full prom or formal gown. It weighs very little yet keeps its shape, and several layers are stacked to build fullness.
Shop: tulle dresses · prom
See-through and current
Mesh is a transparent knit used on sleeves, cutout panels and overlays, and it fits right in for a night out. It shows a little skin while keeping you covered. It stretches, so it's easy to move and dance in.
Shop: mesh dresses · cutout
Fabric comparison chart
| Fabric | Texture | Wear it for | Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Satin | Slick, shiny | Evening events, weddings, cocktail parties | Cold delicate cycle / dry-clean |
| Chiffon | Sheer, weightless | Summer weddings, maxi dresses | Hand-wash in cold water |
| Velvet | Soft, warm | Winter, holiday events, formal | Steam instead of ironing |
| Lace | Patterned, fine | Weddings, bridal showers, cocktail | Hand-wash, treat with care |
| Sequin | Shimmering, weighty | Parties, New Year's Eve, prom | Turn inside out, hand-wash, dry flat |
| Tulle | Fine net, voluminous | Prom, full formal skirts | Spot clean / delicate wash |
| Mesh | Transparent, stretchy | Nights out, cutout styles | Cold delicate cycle |
Matching fabric to season & event
Fabric questions
What kind of fabric is chiffon?
Chiffon is a thin, see-through woven material that falls softly and moves easily. It feels cool on the skin, which makes it a common choice for summer weddings, long flowy maxis and sheer overlays.
How is satin different from silk?
Silk is a fiber that comes from nature, while satin is a type of weave — frequently made with polyester — that leaves one side shiny and the other dull. Satin gives you a shine close to silk's for a lower cost.
Can you wear velvet in summer?
It's generally not a good idea — the dense pile holds in heat, so velvet works best in fall and winter. In hot weather, choose chiffon, satin or mesh instead.
Which fabric works best for a summer wedding guest dress?
Chiffon or a lightweight satin — both let air through, hang nicely and look good in photos on a warm day.
What's the right way to wash a sequin dress?
Flip it inside out, hand-wash it in cold water with a gentle detergent, then dry it flat. Don't wring it or put it in the dryer — heat and rough handling can pull the sequins loose.
Browse dresses by fabric
Know which fabric you want? Browse dresses made from it — new styles are added regularly, and orders of $60 or more ship free.
Browse all dresses →Other guides: size guide · dress code guide · wedding color guide · body shape guide.