Fabric Fundamentals for Pageant Dresses

Girl, you have signed yourself up for a beauty pageant. You know what that means? Looking your absolute best and leaving your competitors in the dust (or at the back of the stage). However, there are certain things you must know before you are set to be crowned as the winner.

First, you need to know how to pick the right dress. Once that is sorted… oh, just wait. How is that sorted without understanding the fundamentals of fabric for dresses? Yes! Fabric is as important as finding the right dress for your body type.

So, no more fabrication. Let’s unveil the secrets to choosing the right fabric for pageant dresses.

Key Points To Remember

Fabric is to a dress what nerves are to your body. Therefore, you’ve to pay attention to the material a dress is made up of. However, with an unending list of fabrics available in the modern world, making a decision can feel overwhelming, but fear not, sweety. We are here to help.

• It’s About You

Never pick a fabric because your aunt Shanon told you so (worse, if Karen said so). You’ll be the one wearing it throughout the contest. Therefore, it should reflect your style, personality, and mood. It should feel like it belongs to you.

• Season Matters

Yes, we know you are eager to win this pageant; however, it shouldn’t come at the cost of you freezing in winter or burning in the heat of summer. If the competition is taking place during the fall, then opt for thick materials like satin, brocade, or velvet. Likewise, if you’re going to be leading the contest in summer, go with something lighter like silk or chiffon.

• Comfort is Your Top Priority

Never sacrifice comfort in the name of fashion because even if you looked the best, but you had an intense itch throughout, what would you do then? Can’t itch in front of judges now, can we? So, prioritize comfort above all. Just try some on and see what feels the best.

Exploring Popular Fabrics

Now, you know what three factors to consider when choosing the ideal fabric let’s explore some of the popular gown materials.

Satin

Oh! Look a shiny! This basically sums up satin. We won’t lie, but this thing feels LUXURIOUS. Like it belongs in a high-end condo, where you’d be relaxing with a glass of expensive wine (or any other liquor; we are not judging) and a charcuterie board full of illegal cheeses.

• One of the most durable fabrics
• Feels premium and luxurious
• Highly versatile

• Wrinkles easily
• Difficult to care for
• Why is it SO SLIPPERY?

Silk

Perhaps one of the most well-known fabrics after cotton. Now, if you are familiar with it, you know how amazing silk gowns and dresses are. Its smooth touch will make you feel like you are a queen and that everybody should bow to you. It is sophisticated to say the least.

• Yeah! Lightweight baby!
• Ideal for hot weather
• Strong like you

• Very high maintenance
• Prone to color fading
• Expensive

Chiffon

Okay, ladies, before we get into details, try pronouncing Chiffon in a French accent. Fun, right? So, this material is airy, which makes it the ideal choice for evening wear. You can use it as an add-on fabric to create a unique look.

• Highly versatile
• Breathable like an oxygen mask
• Super lightweight

• Very fragile
• Attracts wrinkles like it is 50
• Requires lining

Velvet

This fabric represents everything romantic and filled with love. So, if you are ready to project yourself as the symbol of love and romance, velvet is your go-to choice. Just one question: are we the only ones who think of red velvet cake every time velvet is mentioned?

• Soft like feather
• Very durable
• Ideal for winters

• Gets easily damaged
• Can be heavy
• Dust magnet

Lace

If velvet is romance, lace is intense love-making. Also, there’s a reason why it has been consistently used for decades now. Nothing stays in fashion like lace. Also, it is very versatile.

• Versatile like Lego
• Lightweight and breathable
• Beautiful. Gorgeous. Elegant

• Fragile like your ex’s ego
• Transparent (problematic for some)
• Requires complex sewing

Organza

Before you say, “Isn’t this just a fancy form of silk?” Yes, but it feels very different. You see, one can argue that butter and cheese are the same because they’re both derivatives of milk, but they aren’t! For lactose-intolerant girls, think of tempeh and tofu.

• Good structural integrity
• Offers a shimmering effect
• Lightweight

• Wrinkles easily
• Difficult to sew
• Scratchy texture

Tulle

If you’ve been a part of a winter wedding, you know those beautiful veils are made out of a fabric known as tulle. As for dresses, tulle is often layered to create a full-bodied and dramatic effect.

• Adds volume to the dress
• Highly versatile
• Lightweight

• Not very durable
• Wrinkles easily
• Scratchy texture

Your Fabric, Your Way

As mentioned previously, your look is (and should be) dictated by your personality, and the fabric should reflect that. While you can create and personalize your looks the way you want, we believe there are three fundamental looks on which you can build upon. Let’s explore these.

• The Traditional Look

Whether you want to call it the classic look or the traditional look, this is the go-to point for a majority of pageant looks. Now, to achieve this look, imagine your grandma coming to the contest, so you want something classy.

For this, we recommend luxurious yet classic fabrics like satin and lace. Add statement jewelry on top to create a stunning look.

• The Modern Look

Times are changing, and we understand that not everyone wants a classy look. For adventurous ladies out there, you can try experimenting with different materials and styles to see what works for you.

• The Romantic Look

So, what exactly is a romantic look? Well… soft colors, flowy patterns, and frills. Combine these three, and you have your romantic look.

For this, we recommend you opt for silk or chiffon. They are ideal to create this look.

So, What’s Your Favorite Fabric?

Well, now you know the pros and cons of common dress fabrics. The choice is yours. Just remember to choose something that reflects your personality. Also, the fabric that makes you feel YOU!

Happy Styling, Queens!