What Is the Best Fabric for a Summer Wedding Bridesmaid Dress?

Chiffon is the best fabric for bridesmaid dresses in a summer wedding. It is lightweight, breathable, and does not cling to the body.

Order dresses 4–6 months before the wedding date. Plan for one fitting 2–3 weeks before the event.Georgette and charmeuse also work well for hot weather.

Summer Bridesmaid Dress Fabric Comparison

Fabric	Weight	Breathability	Drape	Best For	Care Ease
Chiffon	Very light	Excellent	Flowy	Outdoor, garden, beach	Easy wash
Georgette	Light	Excellent	Soft drape	Romantic, formal	Easy care
Charmeuse	Light	Very good	Smooth flow	Evening, elegant	Dry clean
Crepe	Light	Good	Structured	Modern, preppy	Easy care
Jersey	Light	Excellent	Body-skimming	Casual, relaxed	Machine wash

How to Choose Summer Bridesmaid Dress Fabrics (5 Steps)

1. Check the wedding venue and time

Outdoor garden and beach weddings need lighter fabrics. Evening receptions allow slightly heavier materials.

2. Measure the heat and humidity

High humidity needs fabrics that do not trap moisture. Chiffon and georgette dry quickly and let air flow.

3. Match the formality level

Formal summer weddings suit charmeuse or silk. Casual ceremonies work best with jersey or cotton blends.

4. Order with time for fittings

Order bridesmaid dresses 4–6 months before the wedding. Schedule the first fitting 2–3 weeks before the date.

5. Test comfort and movement

Ask bridesmaids to move and sit in sample dresses. Fabrics should not pull, cling, or feel heavy.

Summer Bridesmaid Dress Fabrics: Detailed Guide

Chiffon

Best for: Garden weddings, beach ceremonies, outdoor venues

Chiffon is the most popular summer bridesmaid dress fabric. The material is semi-sheer and often layered for coverage.

It feels soft and airy against the skin. The fabric flows naturally with movement and breeze.

Pros:

• Very lightweight (1–2 ounces per yard)
• Does not cling to the body
• Dries quickly if exposed to moisture
• Available in many colors and finishes
• Easy to wash at home

Cons:

• Wrinkles easily during travel
• Snags on jewelry or rough surfaces
• May need lining for full coverage

Georgette

Best for: Romantic weddings, formal outdoor events

Georgette looks similar to chiffon but has a slightly textured surface. It is a type of crepe fabric with good breathability. The texture helps hide small wrinkles. It drapes beautifully and feels cool on the skin.

Pros:

• Lightweight and breathable
• Wrinkle-resistant compared to chiffon
• Slightly more opaque than chiffon
• Works for both casual and formal styles
• Easy to maintain

Cons:

• Can be mistaken for chiffon
• Limited stretch
• May feel slightly rough to touch

Charmeuse

Best for: Evening weddings, elegant summer receptions

Charmeuse has a glossy front and matte back. It is made from silk or synthetic fibers. The fabric feels soft and cool against the skin. It has excellent thermal regulation properties.

Pros:

• Smooth, luxurious feel
• Keeps bridesmaids cool in heat
• Elegant drape and shine
• Good for sensitive skin
• Works for formal events

Cons:

• More expensive than chiffon
• Shows water spots easily
• Requires dry cleaning
• Can cling to body curves

Crepe

Best for: Modern weddings, structured silhouettes

Crepe has a slightly wrinkled surface texture. It offers more structure than chiffon or georgette. The fabric has natural stretch and returns to its original shape. Small mesh holes appear when stretched, which helps with breathability.

Pros:

• Fits body curves well
• Elastic and comfortable
• Does not feel stuffy
• Holds shape throughout the day
• Wrinkle-resistant

Cons:

• Heavier than chiffon
• Less flowy appearance
• Limited color options
• Can look too casual for formal events

Jersey

Best for: Beach weddings, casual celebrations, relaxed styles

Jersey is a knit fabric made from cotton, polyester, or silk blends. It has natural stretch and moves with the body.The material is soft and comfortable for all-day wear. It does not wrinkle easily during travel.

Pros:

• Ultra-soft to touch
• Very stretchy and flexible
• Does not wrinkle
• Machine washable
• Affordable
• Anti-fade and anti-shrink

Cons:

• Can look too casual
• May show body lines
• Limited for formal weddings
• Loses shape if stretched too much

Fabrics to Avoid in Summer Weddings

Heavy Satin

Satin is too heavy for hot weather. It traps heat and does not breathe well. The shiny surface absorbs light and makes bridesmaids feel warmer.

Velvet

Velvet is a winter fabric. It is thick, heavy, and retains body heat.

Polyester-Lined Dresses

Heavy polyester linings block airflow. They trap moisture and cause discomfort. Look for dresses with cotton or silk linings instead.

Tight-Weave Fabrics

Fabrics with tight weaves trap moisture under clothing. This leads to sweating and discomfort. Choose loose weaves like chiffon or georgette for better air circulation.

Order Timeline for Summer Bridesmaid Dresses

Milestone	Timeline	Action
Initial order	4–6 months before	Choose fabric, color, size
Dress arrival	3–4 months before	Check fit and quality
First fitting	2–3 weeks before	Pin hem, adjust straps
Final fitting	1 week before	Steam, final check
Wedding day	Day of event	Wear and enjoy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chiffon or georgette better for very hot weather?

Both chiffon and georgette work well in hot weather. Chiffon is slightly lighter and more breathable.Georgette has a textured surface that hides wrinkles better. Choose chiffon for beach or garden weddings where airflow is strong.

How many fittings do bridesmaids need for summer dresses?

Most bridesmaids need 1–2 fittings for summer dresses. The first fitting happens 2–3 weeks before the wedding.The second fitting is optional and occurs 1 week before the event. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon often need fewer adjustments than structured dresses.

Can bridesmaids wear silk in summer?

Yes, bridesmaids can wear silk in summer. Silk is lightweight and breathable.It wicks away moisture and keeps skin cool. Silk works best for evening or shaded outdoor weddings.Avoid direct sun exposure for long periods. Silk can be expensive and requires dry cleaning after each wear.

What is the best fabric for plus-size bridesmaids in summer?

Chiffon, georgette, and charmeuse are the best fabrics for plus-size bridesmaids in summer. These fabrics do not cling to the body and allow air circulation.Choose A-line or empire-waist silhouettes. These styles define the waist and skim the hips comfortably.

How do I care for chiffon bridesmaid dresses after the wedding?

Hand wash chiffon dresses in cold water with mild detergent. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric.Hang dresses to air dry away from direct sunlight. Steam any wrinkles on low heat setting.Store in breathable garment bags to prevent dust and yellowing. Do not use plastic dry cleaning bags for long-term storage.

Do summer bridesmaid dresses need lining?

Most summer bridesmaid dresses need light lining for coverage. Chiffon and georgette are semi-sheer fabrics.Choose dresses with cotton or silk linings instead of heavy polyester. A single layer lining is enough for most styles.Slip dresses and minimalist designs may skip lining for maximum breathability.