Tulle vs Chiffon: 6 Differences Between Tulle and Chiffon
No two fabrics are exactly the same even though they both may be used for the same or similar events. Their use depends on the preferences of the user. One may like a special fabric for their wedding gown while another person will choose a different fabric for theirs.
The main difference between these two fabrics is that chiffon is more of a fabric, very lightweight has a nice drape, and so on. Whereas tulle is a mesh type fabric with different uses. The latter is more for accessories than the main body of the dress or blouse, etc.
To learn more about the differences between these two fabrics, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to make sure you have the right dress and event to use them. Enjoy a cup of coffee as you read this short introduction to these two fabrics.
Differences Between Tulle and Chiffon
If you really do not have time for a short read, here are some of the basic differences between these two fabrics in a quick comparison chart.
| Category | Tulle | Chiffon |
| Made from | silk, cotton, wool, polyamide, polyester and lurex | silk, nyon, polyester |
| Use | veils, and similar accessories | formal dresses, wedding gowns, etc |
| Drape | stiffer than chiffon | flowing look and drapes well |
| Style | lightweight, mesh | lightweight fabric that is slippery |
| Breathability | breathes well | breathes well |
| Durability | tougher than chiffon but not as tough as cotton | delicate and easy top ruin |
Tulle vs Chiffon Wedding Dress
The fabric that you use for your wedding dress will depend on how you want to look when wearing the gown. Chiffon has a better drape and flows to the material than tulle does. It is soft, fluid, and can be quite sheer which means you will need a lining behind it.
Tulle, on the other hand, is a little stiffer than chiffon which means it will hold the fullness of your gown better than its opponent. Also, it is still a lightweight, airy mesh or netting style of fabric that is still flexible.
On to of those properties, tulle is better for warmer weather as it should keep your body cool under such a difficult and nerve-wracking event. The news about chiffon is that it is hard to wrinkle, but the bad news is that it can snag and fray easily.
Alterations are a bit more difficult with chiffon as it is a slippery fabric and hard to keep still when sewing. The weightlessness of chiffon makes it ideal for women to wear and its sheer style makes it perfect for those very hot summer days or wedding halls and reception areas.
Tulle vs Chiffon Veil
The blushing bride’s opinion matters the most here as all eyes will be on her no matter which style of fabric she chooses for her veil. Silk chiffon drapes really well. it is soft and adds that touch of beauty every bride wants to adorn their figure.
Plus, it is more opaque than tulle. Silk tulle, which is the top option in this fabric selections, can be opaque or sheer along with being nice and soft. Silk tulle can also have lace sewn into it.
Despite the cost of both, you will have a hard time deciding which one to wear. Both fabrics are excellent choices with tulle being a bit more durable although it needs special treatment when putting it away as a keepsake.
There are regular styles f both fabrics, cotton, polyester, nylon, and rayon so it will depend on your budget which one you choose to use as veil material. Make sure the fabric will stand up to the addition of any embellishments you want to add to make you look even prettier.
In this case, it is a toss-up between the two fabrics as both will perform as expected and give your wedding gown that just right touch.
Fabrics Similar to Tulle
There is one other fabric that is similar to tulle when it comes to wedding gowns or bridesmaids dresses. The name of that fabric is organza. This is a lightweight material that is stiffer than chiffon and is used many times as a lining for those fabrics that are very sheer.
Then organza does not have any stretch to it so if your event does not require more than normal movement you should be okay with wearing this fabric over tulle. If you need to stretch, then use tulle material over organza.
Both materials were originally made from silk and like chiffon, they have been around for more years than anyone would like to count. Other fabrics that are similar to tulle are bobbinet, a mesh-like material made in England and France originating in 1808.
Then there is fishnet, it is a little rougher than tulle. Maline is next on the list and comes with diamond-shaped netting and is made from very fine material. But that is not all. Crinoline is also on this list but it is usually reserved for tiered petticoats.
Point d’esprit has dots embroidered on it and often used in millinery veils. Finally, there are Fence net with spandex blended in for stretch, the industrial net that has thick strands, and finally the English net which is actually tulle made of cotton.
There is also French and Russian net with both materials using 6 sided holes and the latter has larger holes than the former. So you have lots of choices when you are ready to get married.
Some Final Words
The differences between chiffon and tulle are mostly minor. Except for the slipperiness of the former fabric. Both should keep you cool as you get hot waiting for the ceremony to be over.
Just be careful as no matter which fabric you choose to use, they can be very delicate and ruined very easily. Also, you should look good in either one.
