Georgette Fabric
By Khushi Madan
Georgette is a lightweight, flowy fabric that belongs to the crepe family, known for its dull, wavy surface and slightly coarse texture. It has no lustre and is traditionally made from silk, though it can also be woven from viscose, polyester and other fibres. Depending on how it’s made, georgette can be sheer or opaque.
It’s fairly breathable, and people usually opt for it for its flowy nature. Made with synthetic fibres and silk, the silk versions are comparatively more breathable.
Traditionally, georgette was worn by royal families for its elegance and costly nature. Pure georgette remains very expensive even today; faux georgette is more affordable and widely used, though it has a roughness to it and can never quite replicate the soft, luxurious feel of the pure fabric. Since the advent of machinery and faster production methods, georgette has become more available and cheaper than before — no longer a luxury reserved for royalty. Its rich texture stays the same, which is why the fashion industry adores this darling fabric.
History
Its origin dates back to the early 20th century, introduced by Madame Georgette de la Plante, a French dressmaker — which makes it clear how the fabric got its name. Madame de la Plante created a revolutionary fabric woven from silk yarns and used it to layer her gowns and dresses.
The making
The delicate fabric was initially made using tightly twisted S-twist and Z-twist silk yarns woven in opposite directions. This weave pattern gives the material its coarse texture and signature crinkle.
Varieties of georgette
The wonder fabric has branched out into many varieties: polyester georgette (also known as poly-georgette), nylon georgette, viscose georgette, satin georgette and the originally created silk georgette.
Styling georgette
Over the years, the way georgette is styled has evolved thoroughly. Earlier, it was used as a layer over gowns and dresses to give a flowy appearance without adding much weight. It’s soft and silky, which is why women preferred to drape it as scarves and shawls back in the 1930s, and it also gave a bouncy effect to ballgowns. It clings to the figure and accentuates the curves, which is why many women prefer georgette for their sarees, blouses, skirts, gowns and suits. Because it holds dye well, folds and layers easily and takes embellishment beautifully, designers incorporate georgette into many of their outfits — most bridal dresses also use it for that bouncy, flowy look.
How to care for georgette
It’s essential to handle georgette garments with care, as it’s a lightweight fabric. Even though it’s strong, it needs special attention:
- Always hand-wash or dry-clean; a washing machine can damage the texture.
- It’s highly flammable, so keep it away from any source of fire.
- Use a light detergent to avoid degrading the fabric quality.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight, as it fades the colour.
- Don’t harshly wring the garment, to avoid stretching it.
Cherry-picked georgette looks
A shot of plum: proof of how georgette is perfect for embellishment. In a lovely plum shade, an opaque georgette lawn shirt makes the perfect canvas for intricate silver embroidery, its deep colour showing off the detailing. A chiffon dupatta completes it for a softer look — stunning at any party.
Prussian menace: the only kind of blue you should be feeling. With a timeless combination of a royal blue and gold, you can give off an air of mystery wherever you go — a lasting impression at any grand occasion.
Buttercup charm: a soft yet regal outfit charming hearts with its delicate beauty. A lovely blend of chiffon and georgette puts on a crisp display of craftsmanship, and an organza dupatta adorned with crystals makes a flawless drape.
Enlightened much? Keep up with more such articles on our page to get you out of any fashionable dilemma.
