We often get asked questions about the types of fabrics we stock here at Calico Laine, and which ones are the best for achieving a certain look on garments. With so many different materials to choose from in our online catalogue, we understand how hard it can be when choosing the perfect fabric to compliment a particular style! Dresses are often created for special occasions or for glamorous evening-wear! I often speak to customers who already know the style of dress they are wanting to create, yet they want something a bit different when it comes to colour and texture. So in today's blog, I would like to talk about some popular styles of dresses, and hopefully provide you with a useful insight into some of the options of fabrics available to you! Finding the perfect material is essential in ensuring a perfect fit in all the right places and here at Calico Laine we have options to suit all occasions....
  • Bodycon Dresses - This particular style of dress is ideal if you want to create the perfect silhouette.  Bodycon dresses are generally designed to be fitted all over to create that hour-glass figure and styles can be seen  in a range of lengths depending on personal preference. For something a bit more glamorous, why not try Duchess Satin? This heavier weight satin is ideal for offering structure to garments, without being stiff and uncomfortable. The fall of this fabric is simply beautiful, which is why it is a popular choice for bridal garments! Looking for something a bit more casual - double knit jersey is great for offering a comfortable fit and with added stretch, it's ideal for those who don't want materials to cling!
  • Skater Dresses - Another timeless style of dress, these are predominantly more fitted around the top half of the garment, whilst floating out slightly on the bottom half. This style of dress favours many body shapes, which is why it proves to be another classic that can use a variety of materials! I have seen customers use materials such as Klona Cotton to create a brighter summer dress in this style, or even our new leather look fabric has been used to give an edgier evening look....the options are endless!
  • Maxi Dress - Perfect for the summer, maxi dresses are generally floor length garments that can often be seen to use plain and printed chiffons to give a floaty and comfortable feel to the wearer. Another great alternative to using chiffon is our lycra jersey, which is a wonderfully stretchy fabric that can be worn both day and night! Both chiffons and jersey fabrics are stocked in a huge range of colours to suit all tastes, so we are confident you will find your perfect match!
These are just a few styles of garment with examples of some of the most popular materials. As always, we love to hear what you have used in your dressmaking so please do share your creations with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Until next time, Calico Laine