The Best Quality Dress Fabrics

• Fabrics determine the look and feel of a dress. Emma Innocenti/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  Dresses can be made from any fabric, but choose the best quality fabrics for beauty, durability and style. The material is one of the most important details of a dress, and certain fabrics are appropriate for certain dresses. Know your quality fabrics before you invest time at the sewing machine.

Cotton

• Cotton dresses are a great option for day or night. red dress image by dinostock from Fotolia.com

  Cotton is a natural fiber that can be made into a variety of fabrics depending on the weave of the cloth. It is the most popular clothing fiber in the world because of its ability to be transformed into nearly anything, as well as its breathability and comfort. Dresses made of 100 percent cotton are ideal for daytime. For a more elegant look, choose sateen, which is made of cotton woven with other fabrics, such as satin.

Silk

• Silk is an elegant option for formal attire. silk 4 image by jbattx from Fotolia.com

  Silk, which comes in many luxurious variations such as brocade, organza and charmeuse, is the gold standard of fabrics for elegant dresses. It is a versatile choice and can be used in everyday wear, such as office-appropriate wrap dresses, or for formal events such as weddings. This delicate fabric is a washable material that is one of the oldest textiles in existence.

Jersey

• Jersey is a comfortable fabric for dresses. girl in black dress image by Alexander Zhiltsov from Fotolia.com

  Jersey is an elastic knit fabric that functions well for everyday wear. Its ribbed texture makes it versatile and comfortable. Its texture makes it ideal for packing, because it does not hold wrinkles, but rather maintains its soft and form-flattering shape.