What Is Georgette Fabric? Learn About the Characteristics and Different Types of Georgette Fabric

Georgette is a type of crêpe fabric that is typically made from pure silk but can also be made from synthetic fibers like rayon, viscose, and polyester. French dressmaker Georgette de la Plante introduced the eponymous silk fabric in the early twentieth century.

• The silk fabric is sheer and lightweight and has a dull, matte finish.
• Crêpe Georgette is woven using tightly twisted yarns, which create a slight crinkle effect on the surface.
• Silk Georgette is very similar to silk chiffon, which is also a type of crêpe fabric, but Georgette not as sheer as chiffon because of the tighter weave.
• Georgette fabrics are sometimes sold in solid colors but georgette can be printed and often boasts colorful floral prints.

Learn about the different types of crêpe fabric here.

Georgette is typically a plain weave fabric that is woven using tightly twisted s-twist and z-twist yarns, which are yarns twisted in opposite directions. These twists create slight puckers on the surface of the fabric, which gives Georgette its signature crinkled finish.

Georgette can also be woven using the satin weave or jacquard weave, which produces satin Georgette and jacquard Georgette respectively.

There are a number of characteristics that make Georgette a unique fabric. These include:

1. 1. Lightweight and breathable. Georgette is a light, flowy fabric that is fairly breathable. However, georgette made with synthetic fibers is less breathable than those made with silk.
2. 2. Crinkled. Georgette is known for its signature puckered appearance, which is a result of the tightly twisted yarns used in the weave.
3. 3. Sheer. Georgette is a sheer, translucent fabric, though it is slightly less sheer than its sister fabric, chiffon, which is more net-like. Learn more about chiffon here.
4. 4. Nice drape. Georgette is a very flowy fabric and has a nice structure and drape, particularly for dresses and skirts. Georgette can be layered on top of more solid fabrics to add dimension and create an eye-catching effect.
5. 5. Holds dye well. Georgette fabric holds dye nicely, and the natural off-white color of silk can be dyed a variety of hues and patterns.
6. 6. Slight stretch. Georgette fabric has some bounce and gives as a result of the weave and tight yarn twists.

Georgette fabric can be made into a number of different varieties, each with its own characteristics.

1. 1. Double Georgette. Silk double Georgette is a thicker variety of Georgette that still somewhat translucent with a nice drape.
2. 2. Stretch Georgette. Stretch Georgette incorporates spandex or other elastic components into the weave for added stretch.
3. 3. Satin Georgette. This type of Georgette uses a satin weave, which gives it a shinier finish.
4. 4. Jacquard Georgette. Jacquard Georgette is woven on a jacquard loom, giving the fabric added strength and a jacquard design. Learn more about jacquard fabric here.
5. 5. Polyester Georgette. Polyester Georgette, or poly georgette, is simply Georgette made from polyester.

Georgette fabric has a number of uses in both fashion and home design.

• Dresses. Since Georgette is not as sheer as chiffon, it is a great fabric for dresses. A Georgette dress has a beautiful drape and clings to the figure nicely. Georgette is often used for evening gowns, bridal wear, and special occasions, but is a versatile fabric used for many different cuts of dresses, including a-line, pleated, flare, and wrap dresses. It is also suited for midi dresses and maxi dresses with both long sleeves and short sleeves.
• Sarees. Indian sarees are often made from silk georgette fabric, as the material layers nicely and has a good drape that works well when wrapped.
• Home decor. Georgette is also used in home decor for items like window treatments, table decorations, and pillow covers.

Georgette should be dry cleaned or washed by hand. Do not machine wash. To hand-wash Georgette:

• Use a mild detergent in cold water.
• Soak your garment or item in a tub filled with cold water and detergent and move it around to let the soap distribute evenly.
• Squeeze the item to remove excess water and rinse.
• Do not wring the item so as to avoid stretching and pulling.
• Lay the item flat to dry.

For budding fashion designers, understanding the characteristics and feel of different fabrics is key. In her 20s, Diane von Furstenberg convinced a textile factory owner in Italy to let her produce her first designs. With those samples, she flew to New York City to build one of the world’s most iconic and enduring fashion brands. In her fashion design MasterClass, Diane explains how to create a visual identity, stay true to your vision, and launch your product.

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