Just In: Alfred Sung Bridesmaids

We love it when our designers depart from their usual styles and fabrics, with their new arrivals bringing something completely different to our store. Sticking with their classic shapes, our new Alfred Sung styles fit perfectly with the other dresses in our collection - but look a little closer! Our newest Alfred Sung dresses are in brand new fabrics, providing a polished new structure and style.

Alfred Sung D660
This adorable dress is featured in Alfred Sung's brand new fabric, Sateen Twill! A fabric that is light and luxurious all at the same time, D660 has a dramatic skirt, bow detail, and flattering neckline that fits with the classic Alfred Sung style.

Alfred Sung D660

Alfred Sung D660 (back)

Alfred Sung D658
This dress is also sampled in Alfred Sung's brand new fabric, Sateen Twill. The best part about this dress is definitely the neckline, which is interesting in the front and low in the back. This dress is perfect for any bridesmaids who wants to look classy and chic all at once.

Alfred Sung D658

Alfred Sung D658 (back) 

Alfred Sung D652
This flirty and fun dress is also in a new fabric by Alfred Sung, a Knit Chiffon. This means that it has the light-weight, soft feel of chiffon without being an "expected" bridesmaid dress fabric. The one shoulder style pairs perfectly with the patent leather bow belt, included with the dress.

Alfred Sung D652

Alfred Sung D652 (back)

Natural vs. Synthetic Fabrics - Is there really a difference?

Dresses today are made of many different types of fabric. And most fabrics fall in one of two categories – natural or synthetic.

Fabrics made with natural fibers are created from plants or animals. Natural fabrics typically consist of cotton, linen, wool, and silk. Synthetic fabrics on the other hand are a man-made product created through a chemical process. Polyester is the most common synthetic fabric, but others include acetate, nylon, and spandex.

Shopping for clothing in general can get daunting due to all of the options out there. And can be especially challenging when shopping for bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses. You want to look your best on the big day as well as be as comfortable as possible and what fabric you choose can really make a difference.

Here are some tips to consider when choosing between fabrics:

• Synthetic fabrics aren’t breathable so you’ll be much warmer – not the best option for a hot summer day.
• Natural fabrics breathe and wick moisture away from the body. They’ll keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Synthetic fabrics can sometimes be more durable than natural (but not always).
• Synthetic fabrics can be easier to care for – most silks require dry-cleaning, however cotton fabrics are easily washable.
• Dresses made in natural fabrics (such as silk) sometimes have a higher price point, however, more and more reasonably priced silk dresses are available and priced just as well as synthetic. Cotton dresses are also very reasonably priced.
• There is a very wide selection of synthetic fabrics out there that have been created to look similar to their natural counterparts.

So next time you hit a dress shop you’ll probably be overwhelmed with fabric choices so keep these tips in mind. After trying on the different fabrics and knowing what you are trying on you’ll be able to come to a conclusion on what fabric you prefer. For myself? I’d choose a natural fabric over synthetic. I hate being uncomfortable so I’d want a breathable fabric made of natural fibers any day over a non-breathable dress made of synthetic ingredients like plastic. Wearing a plastic bag? Not my idea of comfort, especially on my wedding day. Plus there are so many silk and cotton dresses out there with a price tag similar to synthetic.

A Guide to Bridal & Bridesmaid Fabrics

I am sure that as you’ve begun the hunt for the perfect dresses for your wedding you’ve become a bit overwhelmed with all of the choices. And then within all of those dress choices there are a vast array of fabrics! Knowing the difference among all of the fabrics will really assist you in selecting the dress that is right for your occasion and for the season.

Satin
Satin traditionally is one of the more popular bridal fabrics. Satin has a smooth sheen and can be made of silk, polyester or acetate. Satin is a weightier and stiffer fabric and works very well for holding shape for a-line dresses or fuller skirts. Satin tends to be a very formal fabric so it is a good choice for formal or evening weddings. Because of its weight it isn’t always the best choice for outdoor summer weddings.

Chiffon
Chiffon is a sheer fabric. It is lightweight and flowing so it is ideal for summer or beach weddings. Chiffon can also be made of silk or polyester. Because of its sheerness it will be layered over another fabric or lining. Chiffon is a soft, flowy fabric so you’ll tend to find styles with soft gathering creating romantic or Grecian style dresses. Chiffon dress styles tend to work well on different sizes and shapes. Because it is a lightweight fabric it is not the best choice for a winter wedding.

Organza
Organza is sheer like chiffon but it is stiff instead of flowy so it gives body to a gown while still allowing movement. It will also have a layer of fabric or lining underneath and can be made of silk or polyester. Organza is a good choice for an elegant summer wedding, but also works well for other seasons.

Taffeta
Taffeta is a crisp and smooth fabric made of silk or synthetic fibers. There are several different types of taffeta from heavier weight options to lighter weight such as tissue taffeta or silky taffeta. The lighter weight taffeta’s have become a very popular bridal fabric. You’ll tend to see many of these styles with ruching and gathering. Many synthetic taffetas have been created to look like silk. The heavier weight taffetas work well for winter weddings and the lighter weight and tissue taffetas are great for all seasons.

Silk Shantung/Dupioni
Silk shantung and dupioni fabrics are natural fabrics that have a wonderful sheen with a slight nubby texture. Silk shantung tends to be smoother with only a slight texture while dupioni offers more texture and “nubbiness”. Silk absorbs moisture so it is cool in the winter and warm in the summer making it a great fabric choice for any season. It retains its shape, drapes very well and is typically available in many deep and vibrant colors. Silk shantung and dupioni have become very popular bridal fabrics. They are an excellent choice for those wanting the beauty and elegance of a high-quality, natural fabric and for those wanting to wear their dresses again. Silk can tend to be a bit more expensive than other fabrics, but many designers have done a great job of keeping the prices inline with their non-silk counterparts. So if you are on a budget I wouldn’t completely rule out silks. Miss Ruby does offer silk bridesmaid dresses starting at about $198 and bridal gowns for under $1000.


Make sure to keep these fabric tips in mind as you shop for your gown and bridesmaid dresses. It will help you more directly pinpoint the appropriate fabric for your wedding and will make shopping much easier and more fun!