Dress Fabrics
Fabric decides how a dress drapes, breathes and holds its shape. This hub explains the fabrics dresses are commonly made from so you can judge the feel and care from the name. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Soft and draping
Jersey
A soft, stretchy knit that drapes and moves with the body.
What defines it
Jersey is a fine knit fabric with natural give, soft against the skin and quick to drape.
Who it suits
It suits everyday and t-shirt dresses where comfort and easy care matter.
Crepe
A fabric with a lightly crinkled surface and fluid drape.
What defines it
Crepe has a subtly textured, matte surface from twisted yarns, giving good drape with a little body.
Who it suits
It suits smart and occasion dresses that need to hang well without clinging. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Viscose
A soft, breathable fabric with a fluid, cool feel.
What defines it
Viscose is a plant-based fibre that drapes softly and breathes well, with a light sheen.
Who it suits
It suits summer and everyday dresses wanting movement and comfort.
Structured
Ponte Roma
A firm double-knit that holds its shape and controls the figure.
What defines it
Ponte Roma is a dense, stable knit with a smooth face, holding a clean line while keeping some stretch.
Who it suits
It suits fitted and work dresses that need structure. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Scuba
A smooth, slightly spongy knit that gives a sculpted shape.
What defines it
Scuba is a fine double-knit with a soft foam-like hand that moulds and holds a bold silhouette.
Who it suits
It suits structured occasion and bodycon dresses.
Cotton Poplin
A crisp, tightly woven cotton with a smooth finish.
What defines it
Poplin is a plain-woven cotton with a fine, crisp surface and a clean drape.
Who it suits
It suits shirt dresses and summer daywear that need to look pressed.
Light and sheer
Chiffon
A sheer, floaty fabric with a soft, airy drape.
What defines it
Chiffon is a very light, semi-transparent weave that floats and layers, usually over a lining.
Who it suits
It suits occasion and summer dresses wanting movement and softness.
Satin
A smooth, lustrous fabric with a glossy face.
What defines it
Satin is a weave with a shiny, fluid face and a matte back, catching the light as it moves.
Who it suits
It suits slip and evening dresses wanting a luxe sheen.
Lace
An openwork fabric with a decorative, patterned surface.
What defines it
Lace is an open, patterned fabric used as an overlay or panel, usually backed by a lining for cover.
Who it suits
It suits occasion and evening dresses wanting texture and detail.
Broderie Anglaise
A cotton fabric patterned with embroidered cut-outs.
What defines it
Broderie anglaise is a light cotton worked with embroidered eyelet holes in a repeating pattern.
Who it suits
It suits summer and daytime dresses with a pretty, textured finish.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fabric for a summer dress?
Light, breathable fabrics like viscose, cotton poplin, chiffon and broderie anglaise suit summer because they let air move and stay cool. Jersey is comfortable but can feel warmer.
Which dress fabric holds its shape best?
Ponte Roma and scuba hold their shape best because both are firm double-knits that sculpt the figure and resist creasing. They suit fitted and structured styles.
What fabric drapes best for an evening dress?
Satin, crepe and chiffon drape beautifully for evening wear. Satin adds sheen, crepe gives fluid body, and chiffon floats. All hang close to the body without clinging.