Hi,
I am getting married in June this year, and I am currently designing the dresses for my bridesmaids. The dresses are going to be long sleeve and tight fitted. I’m wanting to use a beaded fabric and a lining. I’m not sure what is the most suitable fabric to use for this design. My concerns are that if I don’t choose the right fabric, the long sleeves may split at the elbow because of the tight fit that I want them to have. I want my bridesmaids to be comfortable in the dress and be able to move in it properly. I’d like the fabric to have a nice lustre and probably a bit of stretch for comfort.
Any information and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
By: Naomi
Hi Naomi,
With the description of the sleeves for your bridesmaid dresses you will need to use a fabric with some lycra content or your bridesmaids won’t be able to move their arms. Both the elbow and the top of the sleeve areas will need stretch plus ease to allow the arms to move. Pay special attention to how your bridesmaids are going to get their arms into the sleeves by measuring around the hands. Remember, the hands need fit through the wrist area as the bridesmaid puts the dress on so an opening with a zipper or button closure is necessary.
There are stretch silks available such as our Silk Charmeuse Stretch seen at http://www.fabrics.net/Silk-Charmeuse-Stretch-s/71.htm You will need to find beaded lace to match or contrast the Charmeuse, though, but the Charmeuse will have the stretch and the luster you require.
Hope this helps!
Judith
There is a great poly/lycra blend satin on the market now too. I have worked with it and used it to self line a dress, works great! Wears like a swim suit, looks like a wedding dress.