What Wedding Dress Fabrics are Good in the Summer?

Beat the heat and create a dress with some of these lightweight fabrics

By Debby Mayne

Photo by iStockphoto.com

Summer weddings call for lightweight fabrics that allow the skin to breathe. Natural fabrics, loosely draped material and some breathable synthetics will enable you to feel fresh, crisp and cool on your wedding day.

Silk georgette

Lightweight silk georgette has a sheer drape that is a good fabric to layer over summer dresses, since it doesn't add bulk or too much weight.

Batiste

Batiste is made from lightweight cotton. It works well in looser, less form-fitting dresses. It is also sometimes used as lining.

Dotted swiss

Lightweight dotted swiss is made from cotton, which breathes and helps keep you cool.

Charmeuse and taffeta

Made from silk or synthetic fabric, charmeuse is shiny and lightweight. It is soft and has a smooth, flowing drape. Taffeta may have a dull texture or a little bit of sheen. It is lightweight, so it won't make you hot and bothered during a summer wedding.

Muslin

Soft muslin is durable but lightweight, making it ideal for a casual wedding. Layers of sheer chiffon can be added for texture.

Chiffon and organza

Chiffon is sheer, cool and very lightweight. It works well when layered, without adding bulk to the dress. Lightweight organza can be worn alone because it is less sheer than chiffon. The texture is ideal for the A-line silhouette.