What kind of fabric was used for wedding gowns before silk?
, by Regal Fabrics,
5 min reading time
Before silk's popularity, brides donned gowns of linen, wool, velvet, satin and even cotton. Explore the evolution of wedding dress fabrics and how they reflected societal changes over time.
Discover what kind of fabrics were used for wedding gowns before silk became the world's choice. Let's explore historical fabrics and learn why silk has won the hearts of modern brides.
Silk fabric is probably the first fabric that comes to mind when we think of a wedding gown. Its smooth texture with a delicate sheen and luxurious appeal has made it the fabric of choice for many brides over centuries. But have you ever thought about what kind of fabrics were in trend before the popularity of silk in a wedding gown?
The journey of wedding gown fabrics is what we are going to discover, and it is going to be very interesting to see what was used before silk became the main one.
This blog will not only provide you interesting historical information but also demonstrate why silk is the preferred option for countless brides nowadays.
The Progress of Wedding Fabrics before Silk: A Glimpse into the Past
Wedding gowns have changed significantly, and each period it introduced a new trend. Before silk became widely used, brides had to rely on what was available to them in their area, and quite interestingly, some of the fabrics were very different from what we know today. Let's discuss the original most repeated fabrics before silk was a widespread fabric choice.
1. Linen: The Oldest Fabric
As one of the oldest fabrics in the world today, linen fabric has been used as far back as ancient Egyptian times. Yes, it was once used widely and generally as a fabric of luxury. It was the preferred fabric worn by honour, and in fact, linen was used to wrap and dress mummies for the afterlife to signify nobility. Linen is a breathable, lightweight fabric and ideal for warmer climates.
Did you know?
Linen is derived from fibres from the flax plant, and linen ranks as one of the most eco-friendly fabrics available to use as well.
2. Wool: The Hearty Fabric
You may not think of wool fabric as wedding dresses, but wool was an essential piece of mediaeval life, especially if you lived in a colder region. Wool is durable, warm, and typically easy to procure, making it a better choice than other heavier-weighted fabrics at the time. Women of high class preferred to wear wedding dresses made of wool due to their practicality. So, What do you think? Would you wear a wedding dress of wool today?
3. Cotton: The Versatile Selection
Cotton fabric started gaining popularity in Europe during the Renaissance. Many brides loved cotton for the softness, breathability, and versatility of the fabric. Cotton wedding gowns were often adorned with beautiful lace to glamorise the simplicity of the cotton fabric. Let’s consider cotton’s significance.While cotton lacks the luxurious feel of silk, it remains a material of choice for casual bridal gowns and bohemian-style wedding gowns.
4. Velvet: The Regal Fabric
During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, velvet became a common fabric for honour and royalty. Velvet fabrics, characterised by their rich texture and vibrant colours, became known as the fabric of choice for luxury and power. Velvet wedding gowns were heavy but had an unmatched splendour.
Did you know?
Velvet is made from woven silk or cotton fibres made in a dense pile structure, giving the fabric its softness and depth.
5. Satin: The Precursor to Silk
At the time when silk was newly becoming available, satin fabric bridal gowns were an option as an alternative fabric. Satin is a subclass of textiles characterised by the specific structure weave of any fibre, and however, satin can be made from a fibre, including silk.
Prior to the time silk became available, satin was mainly made from cotton or wool fabric with a shiny, smooth surface. The surface of satin appears like silk, which made satin the first choice of bridal gowns.
So, why did silk take over as the ideal of bridal fabrics?
Silk became accessible in the 19th century as trade routes expanded, and as silk became more accessible, it was the most popular fabric for wedding gowns.
Brides around Europe and beyond became obsessed with the delicacy and sparkle of the fabric. Here are some reasons silk is still in its place:
Timeless Elegance: The beautiful, smooth, and naturally shiny surface of silk gives bridal gowns an ethereal glow.
Durability and Comfort: Silk is strong and extremely comfortable to wear, making silk a perfect option for long wedding ceremonies.
Luxurious Factor: Silk naturally shows wealth, elegance, and beauty. Wearing a silk gown is like wearing history.
If you are looking for a wedding dress and something elegant but still has a timeless, luxurious appeal and versatility, then silk is the answer.
Conclusion:
Fabrics such as linen, wool, cotton, and velvet were commonly used before silk. Silk became popular in the 19th century due to its soft luxurious appearance and comfort.
Today, silk is still the gold standard of wedding gowns because of its ageless appeal and versatility.
