One of the most elegant materials on the planet, original charmeuse fabric is perhaps the finest of all silks, esteemed by the ancient emperors of China and revered for its luxurious drape and luster and sought after in the west as a peerless silk dress fabric. Like other expensive apparel fabrics, silk charmeuse fabric has been replicated in polyester, re-creating many of the visual and textural qualities of fine silk, but in more affordable materials.
Charmeuse fabrics, in both natural silk and polyester, have become a popular bridal material, featured in wedding magazines, wedding programs, and bridal shows, and they have become a key fabric in modern wedding planning. With its significantly lower cost, polyester charmeuse material has opened other possibilities as well. The drape, color and sheen of poly charmeuse cloth make it an attractive decorator fabric, where it is sometimes used in sashes, tiebacks, and as a scarf valance. And as a theater fabric, where it inexpensively recreates the look of silk on stage. It is also used as a backing fabric and a lining fabric, its luxurious satin weave lending a slipper soft, yet durable (unlike its fragile silk fabric cousin) layer to the insides of dresses, gowns and other garments. And it is also a top fabric choice in lingerie, it's characteristically light, slippery, clingy qualities contributing a unique tactile element to pyjamas, nightgowns, and other nightwear.
Our charmeuse fabric is a quality, delicate-to-the-touch 100% polyester material that is an ideal top fabric for lustrous prom and wedding gowns, and an excellent lining fabric for supple fabric backing. It is an affordable material, but one that's beautiful enough to hold a place in any bridal salon. And it may well be the key fabric in your wedding, prom or party.
Charmeuse Fabric Tips:
Many a wedding consultant has pondered the relative merits of Georgette, chiffon and polyester charmeuse fabric. In the end, the choice comes down to the look and texture of the material, and the dress or other apparel that you're designing for. Charmeuse fabrics will be the truly slippery ones. Light against the skin, but so slippery that they're not always so easy to sew. The polyesters win hands-down there, however and they're easier to wash, too -either by hand in cool water, with a gentle detergent, or in the machine using a delicate setting. While it may not be a material you'd consider for daily wear, you may find yourself glad of an easy-clean charmeuse fabric on your prom or wedding day.