Prom Dress Fabrics

If you're looking for prom dresses online, you've probably seen some of the most popular fabric types and styles listed, but may not have any idea what each name means. Here's a list of some of the most common materials and fabrics used for prom dresses:

Chiffon: Chiffon is a light, flowing fabric that's perfect for any body style and is used on a wide variety of types of prom dresses. Chiffon gives the appearance of elegance and is usually used atop other layers of fabrics. It can be made from natural or synthetic materials, including silk, nylon, or cotton.

Organza: Organza feels quite a bit like silk, but is actually a blend of silk filaments, polyester and nylon that come together to create this lightweight, sheer and breezy fabric.

Silk: Silk is a natural fabric that is shimmery, always elegant, and always in style. Different blends of silks may be used including silk Georgette, silk-satin – which is a combination of silk weaved with satin – or silk crepe, which has a gauzy or wrinkled texture and appearance.

Satin: Satin fabrics are a weave of different blends that create a shimmery, high-luster material. When cotton fibers are added, the satin becomes sateen, a rather soft, but not very durable fabric.

Taffeta: Taffeta is a woven fabric that can be made from either natural silk or from synthetic fibers. Silk taffeta that is considered to be "yarn-dyed" – as opposed to "piece-dyed" – is generally used more for prom or evening gowns as it's much stiffer than the other type which is often reserved for the inner linings of dresses or coats.

Tulle: Tulle is a lightweight fabric of tiny netting made from rayon, nylon or other fibers, and has a rather stiff feel to it despite being so light and airy. Tulle is often used to add bulk to prom dresses, usually in many different layers.

Velvet: Velvet is a heavy type of fabric with a soft pile that is typically found only in vintage gowns or those from a specific era. Once made exclusively from silk fibers, velvet is now made from cotton and a variety of synthetic materials to create variations such as crushed velvet, velour, and velveteen.

The Many Styles of Prom Dresses

Bold and Colorful: If you feel like celebrating in bold style – or are just tired of plainly-colored dresses and gowns – choose a truly noticeable color or one of the many prints that are very much in style for prom dresses this year.

Daring: Feeling daring? Opt for a prom dress with a hemline that rests just above the knee, or one in a sexy off-the-shoulder style.

Glamorous: After prom you'll be ready for the red carpet in a glamorous number with plenty of sparkles and shimmers or one designed with a curve-hugging style fit for a movie star.

Gothic: While not everyone is into the Goth look, many people are and prom dress designers are taking notice and creating styles that fit this darker style perfectly.

Princess: Princess or the ball gown-style of prom dresses usually feature full skirts that pouf outward.

Understated: Sheath-style dresses in light colors are perfect for an understated but completely elegant look that offers a timeless appeal.

Vintage: Pay tribute to a bygone era in a vintage prom gown that's sure to be the talk of the evening. Choose from gem-colored hues, such as emerald greens, ruby reds, stunning sapphires, or deep amethysts and fabrics like velvet or brocade-style dresses.