Sandhya Garg · Brand Pillar
The Fabric Glossary
Viscose Linen Satin · Poplin · Georgette · Velvet · Jacquard · Tapestry
Quick Answer
Breathable for heat: linen, cotton poplin and viscose linen satin. Light and floaty: georgette, with lurex for shimmer and organza for structure. Rich for evening and cold: velvet, jacquard and tapestry. The difference between jacquard and print: a jacquard's pattern is woven in on the loom, while a print sits on the surface.
Product pages name fabrics like viscose linen satin, georgette and jacquard, but almost never explain them. That's a problem when you're deciding whether a dress will work in July or in December.
This is the glossary I wish every brand published: what each fabric is, what it feels like, when to wear it and how to care for it, with one piece from the collection for each.
In This Guide
The Glossary
| Fabric | What it is | Feels like | Wear it for | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viscose linen satin | Viscose and linen with a satin finish | Cool, fluid, soft sheen | Weddings, travel, warm weather | Hand wash cold or dry clean |
| Linen | A natural fibre from flax | Dry, breathable, creases | Heat, beach, resort | Machine or hand wash; it softens |
| Cotton poplin | A tightly woven plain cotton | Crisp and structured | Day events, fit-and-flare shapes | Machine wash cold |
| Viscose | A plant-based fibre made from wood pulp | Soft and drapey | Wraps and fluid dresses | Hand wash cold |
| Georgette | A light, slightly sheer, crinkled weave | Airy and floaty | Evening, layers, embroidery | Dry clean |
| Lurex | A metallic yarn woven into cloth | Light with a shimmer | Evening and celebrations | Dry clean |
| Organza | A sheer, crisp, lightweight weave | Stiff and transparent | Sleeves and volume | Dry clean |
| Lace | An open, patterned fabric | Textured | Jackets and trims | Hand wash or dry clean |
| Velvet | A fabric with a short, dense pile | Plush and warm | Winter evenings | Dry clean; steam, don't iron |
| Jacquard | A pattern woven in on the loom | Textured, structured | Jackets and formal pieces | Dry clean |
| Tapestry | A heavy woven cloth with a built-in pattern | Substantial | Jackets, cool weather | Dry clean |
The same print looks different on every fabric. That's why I choose the fabric first.
How I Choose a Fabric
Drape vs. structure
What the Shape Needs
A wrap needs a fabric that falls. A fit-and-flare needs one that stands. Choosing wrong ruins a good pattern.
Surface
What the Print Needs
Satin makes colours glow, linen softens them, and velvet deepens them. I test each print on several bases.
Climate
Where It Will Be Worn
Breathable fabrics for heat, pile and weave for cold, and something packable for travel.
For individual fabrics in depth, see Velvet Dresses: Everything Depends on the Nap and Lace: The Only Fabric Defined by Its Holes. For washing and storage, see the Garment Care Guide.
Shop by Fabric
One Piece for Every Fabric in the Glossary
From the latest collection and the archive, so you can see and feel each one.
Breathable: For Heat and Travel
Light and Sheer: Georgette, Lurex and Organza
Rich and Woven: For Evening and Cold Weather
Most new-collection dresses run XS to 3XL; archive pieces, jackets and one-size styles vary. Stock is limited, so check the size selector on each product page · Size chart · Made to measure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is viscose linen satin?
A blend of viscose and linen woven with a satin finish. It has linen's breathability with a soft sheen and better drape, which is why we use it for most of the new collection's printed dresses.
What's the difference between jacquard and a print?
In a jacquard, the pattern is woven into the fabric on the loom. In a print, the pattern is applied to the surface after weaving. Jacquard has texture you can feel; a print is smooth.
Which fabrics are best for hot weather?
Linen, cotton poplin and viscose linen blends breathe best. Georgette is light but less breathable. Save velvet and jacquard for cool evenings.
Which fabrics need dry cleaning?
Usually velvet, georgette, beaded and embroidered pieces, and many structured jackets. Always follow the care label. Our Garment Care Guide goes fabric by fabric.
Keep Reading
Care
Garment Care Guide
Make designer dresses last.
Velvet
Velvet Dresses
Everything depends on the nap.
Lace
Lace
The only fabric defined by its holes.
Craft
Indian Hand Embroidery
The techniques in our pieces.
About the Writer
Sandhya Garg is a Project Runway Season 13 designer who won two challenges on the show and presented her collection at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. She studied womenswear at London College of Fashion and has worked at Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Liberty London and Alice Temperley. Her label has been featured in Marie Claire US, Elle, Cosmopolitan and Vogue online. Every print is drawn by Sandhya in Los Angeles and printed and made in India. Read her story.
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