7 Essential Things to Consider When Picking Fabric for Your Next Dress

Choosing the right fabric is one of the most crucial decisions when sewing a dress. It can make or break the final look, feel, and wearability of your garment. When we create a dress, we know we're well on our way to loving a dress when we've already fallen in love with the fabric. Here are seven things to keep in mind when selecting fabric for your next sewing project:

1. Feel on Your Skin
   Don’t settle for fabric that feels cheap, itchy, or uncomfortable. Since you’ll be wearing it all day, make sure the fabric feels good to the touch and is pleasant to wear. If it doesn't feel good on your hands just holding the fabric bolt, it's not going to feel good on your body.

2. Fabric Finish
   The finish of your fabric—whether shiny or matte—can dictate how formal or casual your dress feels. Shiny fabrics like satin and silk often have a more formal, elegant vibe, while matte fabrics like cotton or linen feel more laid-back and casual.

3. Fabric Weight
   The weight of the fabric will affect the way your dress drapes and its overall silhouette. Heavier fabrics will give structure and volume, while lightweight fabrics will allow for more flow and movement.

4. Breathability
   Some fabrics, like cotton and linen, are naturally breathable and ideal for warmer climates or seasons. However, certain synthetics like organza can also breathe well. Consider the breathability based on when and where you plan to wear the dress.

5. Amount of Stretch
   Depending on your design, stretch may be your best friend—or your worst enemy. Stretch can be essential to make certain dress design work, while it will ruin the structural integrity of others. Be sure you know what your design needs before heading to the store.

6. Fabric Print
   Think carefully about directional prints like stripes or checks. Some dress designs make it challenging to line up these prints, so if you want to avoid this hassle, go for non-directional prints or solids that won’t require as much precision.

7. Fabric Care
   Know what kind of maintenance your fabric will require before you buy it. Some fabrics are washer- and dryer-friendly, while others need hand washing or dry cleaning. Make sure you’re up for the care your fabric needs.

Choosing the perfect fabric is essential to ensuring your sewing project turns out just how you imagined it. Keep these considerations in mind, and you’ll end up with a garment you’ll love looking at, and wearing, for years to come.