A Guide to Women's Clothing Fabrics: Georgette, Crepe, Chiffon and More

Understanding fabric is the single most useful fashion skill you can develop. It tells you how a garment will drape, breathe, wrinkle, and age. Here is a practical guide to the fabrics you will encounter most often in women's fashion in India.

Poly Georgette

Georgette is a sheer, lightweight fabric with a slightly crinkled texture. The poly version (polyester georgette) is more affordable and easier to care for than pure silk georgette, while retaining much of the beautiful drape. It does not cling, which makes it ideal for warm Indian climates.

Best for: Maxi dresses, flowing tops, layered pieces. Our off-white heritage maxi and black georgette embroidered dress are both in this fabric.

Care: Hand wash cold. Do not wring — gently press out water and lay flat to dry.

Poly Crepe

Crepe has a matte finish and a slightly textured surface that resists wrinkles. Poly crepe is the workhorse fabric of women's fashion — it holds structure without being stiff, drapes without being flimsy, and travels well without creasing.

Best for: Structured tops, peplum styles, midi dresses, work wear. Most of our tops and knee-length dresses use poly crepe.

Care: Machine washable on a gentle cycle. Hang to dry.

Poly Chiffon

Chiffon is the sheerer cousin of georgette — almost transparent, with a soft, floaty quality. It creates beautiful movement in flared skirts and draped necklines. The poly version is practical for everyday wear.

Best for: Wrap dresses, overlay details, evening wear. Our red wrap chiffon flared dress showcases this fabric beautifully.

Care: Hand wash only. Iron on the lowest setting, or better yet, steam.

Cotton (Yarn Dyed)

Yarn-dyed cotton means the yarn is dyed before weaving, rather than printing colour onto finished fabric. This gives a richer, more dimensional colour that does not fade as quickly. It is also stiffer than printed cotton, which suits structured shirt-style pieces.

Best for: Shirt dresses, structured tops, casual weekend wear. Our yarn-dyed striped pieces use this fabric.

Care: Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. The fabric softens with each wash.

How Fabric Affects Fit

The same size in georgette and crepe will fit differently. Georgette has more give and movement — it skims the body. Crepe holds closer to the cut line — it shows the garment's structure. Neither is better; they suit different purposes. For a relaxed, flowy feel, choose georgette. For a polished, defined silhouette, choose crepe.

The Weight Factor

Fabric weight (measured in GSM) directly affects how a garment hangs. Lighter fabrics (under 80 GSM) like chiffon need linings or layering. Mid-weight fabrics (80–120 GSM) like our georgette and crepe pieces are self-sufficient — they drape well without needing additional structure. This is why we favour them: one layer, no fuss, all comfort.