Sheer fabrics: Know About Sheer Fabric Type & Fashion
To sheer or not to sheer: Peeking through the world of sheer fabrics (Plus everything that you want to know about sheer fabrics and peekaboo in your favourite celebrities’ style!)
There are variety of glamorous sheer fabric types available in the market, and you can find that lots of celebrities are the first ones to wear these fabric types.
I, at times, can’t decide what’s more difficult-the decision to wear a sheer fabric or pulling it off? Because it isn’t for faint-hearted! It is a bold and beautiful choice meant for people who are proud of every inch, every bit of their body. It takes a unique set of eyes to find beauty in this fabric and let the imagination take the course to carve out the blueprint of the body in an exciting way that is art, not obscenity. From Cher-the flag-bearer of sheer or see-through fabric to Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner- have mastered the art of wearing sheer fabric and how to strike a balance among changing fashion, emerging trends and tasteful boldness.
Cher, in fact, upped therisqué ante by performing LIVE at the age of 71 years wearing the sheer.
We are talking about letting go of the inhibitions and can Kim Kardashian be far behind?
Back home, it is organza or lace, net, the ruffled gown, the risqué hemlines of bodysuits, unisex white shirtthat people wear to bring their fashionable side to the fore.
The sheer doesn’t have to be confused with spandex-cotton leggings that look as ugly it could get. It is a breezy fabric that makes for your ideal companion to cocktail parties, bachelorettes, and a summer brunch where you intend to let your hair down with merlots and rose.
And the sheer isn’t just for celebrities. Even the royalties like Kate Middleton can’t resist the charm of a see-through outfit. This dress is allegedly the one that swept Prince William off his knees! She wore it to a charity function, and it was sold at an auction later for $127,500!
The transparent fabric came into existence with Rosita Misson accidentally unravelling models’ bare breasts on the runway through their knitted outfits. She asked them to remove their bras but under the massive lighting and all eyes already fixated on them, made this trend sensational, conversational and controversial overnight.
Yves Saint Laurent followed suit soon, along with Ossie Clark who presented sheer chiffon dress to be worn without any lingerie. As the trend caught up, the body jewellery by Stonescu gained popularity, which was to be worn with sheer dresses with plunging necklines. Stonescu went on to create breastplates that can be worn with transparent dresses or shirts without people fussing over and batting an eyelid over the visible straps.
Sheer fabric is a semi-transparent or transparent fabric that is available in different weaving patterns. But since they are practically non-existent and offer ventilation, they make for a perfect outfit for parties and places in summer times where it can get crowded. Based on your preference, or love for boldness, you can show or hide.
Hide or show. Or just show.
The choice is yours. The sheer celebrates fashion like no other. It can be used partly on sleeve, mid-riff, legs, calves or chest. You can create see-through trousers, coats, parkas, kaftan, tulle skirts, blouses, dresses or even shorts.
In the world of fashion, ultra-sheer fabrics are used to make pantyhose or stocking. They are there because they are supposed to be there. The nylon stockings, a case in point, have a high sheen, little transparency and aren’t much durable due to light denier of the fabric.
Okay but can men flaunt sheer fabric? Well, I might come off as highly opinionated on one. So, I would let you guys decide this. This is a (in) famous Versace number that takes sheer to an uncomfortable level.
And your wardrobe isn’t the onlyone that could take in the beauty of sheer fabrics alone. Theynot only are a hot favourite of Paris runways and designer clothing either but also homemakers. Perfect for window panels, curtains, table covers, and runners, these fabrics play peekaboo with the sun and wind, making your lovely abode the home sweet home it is.
Sheer fabrics home décor isn’t a fad. They have always been there- on the window panel, at the end of a bedsheet, or as a fridge cover or table runner covered with a plastic sheet (so Indian thing to do, right)?
Sheer fabrics as a curtain maintain an illusion of privacy and let the breeze or natural light come in. They might not be the perfect pick for your bedroom where you would like to take your afternoon nap, but an ideal pick for your balcony or living room window where you would want something to glam the things up a little and maintain some privacy.
One among many sheer fashion trends is nude colours or illusion fabric that matches the skin tone of the wearer, giving an impression of bare skin. Net fabric or mesh is knitted to make dry-fit fabric or sports jersey for professional players.
The famous Bollywood actress Sri Devi’s Chalbaaz raincoat is also a prime example of sheer fabric, which is latex clear rubber. It is mostly used in bondage clothing and become transparent in the contact of flashlights.
History of Sheer Fabric
The chemise worn by Marie Antoinette made of silk gauze and muslin, was perhaps, the breakthrough the sheer fabric was waiting to enter in the French royal court and highly structured society. The chemise was a thin, blouse dress, as opposed to French layered dressing hugging against the body. This blouse dress was draped loosely around the body and used a belt to frame a better silhouette. After Marie’s humble revolt, the French women embraced even more sheer and revealing version of the chemise.
The women in demi-mondaines (French for elite men and women who entertain them) wore only semi-sheer muslin gown with nude body stocking, offering a generous glance at their breasts, legs and arms.
The neoclassical gowns made in the 18th century were crafted out of translucent and light muslin, revealing the body of the wearer. The noted Scottish cartoonist Isaac Cruikshank satirised the concept of transparent clothing in women and had created several concepts to mock British cultural preoccupations during the era.
Types of sheer fabrics
While we have glossed over the beauty of see-through fabrics, it is time to get knee-deep into some technicalities and understand its types. Indian textile industry offers you a range of sheer fabrics, and at Bharatsthali, you can find all of them. Bringing you wholesale sheer fabrics online at cheaper prices, explore the collection to fulfil your design and project needs.
Chiffon: Chiffon type of Sheer fabrics needs no introduction. Indian women swear by chiffon sarees and dupatta. Flowy, lightweight and easy to maintain, this sheer fabric brings oomph and sexy in your wardrobe. It can be easily dyed, printed or embroidered.
Organdy: Organdy is a translucent cotton muslin sheer fabric type that is a close cousin to organza. While organza is made of twisted fibres, the organdy is made with combed fibres. These are both sheer materials but organza is a blend of cotton or silk, cotton-polyester. Organdy, however, is fine cotton, and more delicate weave. Organza is used for its fluffiness and ability to form a pattern like a ball gown or train of a gown, whereas organdy has a crispy texture. It tends to wrinkle easily and is often used in heirloom designs.
Georgette: While georgette is a bit thicker than chiffon, but this thickness gives it more volume and structure while stitching. It is still very lightweight, thin and has semi-sheer texture. It is durable but the thread breaks easily and hence, tend to be high maintenance. It is crafted from silk and its crinkly, a somewhat shiny surface is due to highly twisted ‘S’ and ‘Z’ yarns. The fabric comes in solid colours and can be printed or sequinned.
Tulle: You may know tulle as the net fabric. The fabric is available in a wide range of colours, and types. At Bharatsthali, you can find wholesale tulle fabric online at the best prices. From glitter net to animal printed, polka-dotted, solid coloured and multi-coloured tulle, you can find them all here. The fabric can be derived from the blend of silk-rayon, silk-nylon or nylon or silk alone. Depending on its composition, it could be stiff or soft in texture, which also affects its glossy surface. The rayon tulle isn’t dye-able whereas silk, rayon or polyester tulle can be dyed in various hues. Tulle is often used to accentuate dresses, or in suits to lend a fluffy feel. The most common use of the fabric can be seen in bridal veils, bridal gowns or ballet dresses. Tulle netting is used extensively by event decorators to wrap up party gifts in baby showers and weddings. The fabric is also used in crafts for its fluffy texture and to add oomph in the form of ornamental accents such as flowers or leaves to quilts and beddings.
Crepe: Not to be confused with the thin pancake crepe,however, has a thing or two in common with its homonym. It is sheer, lightweight and is available in quite rich variety like aerophane, Albert crepe, chiffon crepe, Japanese crepe and so on! The fabric derives its name from crisp and was a fabric associated with mourning. It is still worn by orthodox Greek women in the times of grief. It could be made of all-natural fabrics such as wool and silk or with a blend of polyester. The all-natural crepe is sheerer and skin-friendlier. The wool crepe is more durable and used in making sweaters, trench coats and dresses. Silk crepe is used to make evening dresses, frocks, wedding dresses and evening wear.
Voile: In all probability, your window panel curtain or mosquito net is made of voile. Voile is a sheer fabric made of cotton or a blend of cotton and polyester or linen. While it is closer to chiffon in texture, it is more often used as a secondary fabric, net fabric or window dressing. It looks delicate but is quite durable and dye-friendly. The fabric is sheer and easy to maintain.
Muslin: Bollywood has written paeans on muslin or mulmul. It is a plain weave cloth that is lightweight, sheer fabric type and hence, breathable. One of its variant is called gauze, which is used as surgical bandages. The fabric also doubles up as photography backdrops, linings and as a make-shift water filter. Designers and boutique owners often use its variant, Mull which is made of silk and cotton, as dress linings. It gives structure to a dress and extends its life. Khadi is also a type of muslin.
Then, you have the Swiss muslin sheer fabric type, the satin-y and silky lining you often see underneath your fleece jacket. Muslin is used extensively in quilting and mattress sheeting. The handspun muslin is used to make towels, kitchen napkins, reusable sanitary napkins, curtains, bed sheets, and dying pattern testing. If you want to introduce sheer fabric to your home and lifestyle, the time is ripe! Bharatsthali brings you an extensive and beautiful range of sheer fabrics used by your favourite designers and currently in trend. Whether you are looking for human-made wholesale sheer fabric online such as nylon or looking for natural blends such as gossamer or rayon, we have got you covered. Available in a variety of shades and texture, the sheer fabrics India at Bharatsthali is available at best prices! From plain solid colours to embellished and embroidered patterns, we have it all! We are a direct manufacturer and source the fabric directly from the weavers. We cater to every bulk requirement! So, whether you are a boutique house or a retailer looking for nylon to make pantyhose or stockings or muslin for pattern testing, or an interior designer wanting to tie up for a new project, give us a call or email us here! We will be happy to help!