Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The laces most often used for dresses, especially wedding dresses, are fine lace on a tulle ground such as Chantilly, embroidered lace with sequins or beads, corded lace of the Alençon type and dense guipure. The choice depends on the silhouette: light laces drape well in mermaid and boho dresses, while denser ones hold their shape in bodices, sleeves and A-line dresses. The colour is chosen in relation to the lining and the skin tone.
Types of lace for dresses and wedding dresses
Chantilly
A very fine lace on a hexagonal tulle ground with delicate floral motifs outlined with a thin thread. It is soft and falls beautifully, so it is used for top layers, sleeves, backs and veils. It suits romantic and vintage styles.
Corded lace (Alençon type)
A lace in which the motifs are outlined with a thicker cord – a thread that adds relief. It looks richer than Chantilly and is a classic in bridal fashion. The motifs are often cut out and used as appliqués on the neckline and train.
Guipure
A dense, raised lace without a mesh ground. It holds its shape and suits bodices, structured sleeves, collars and modern minimalist styles. It does not drape softly.
Embroidered lace with sequins and beads
Lace or tulle with embroidery enriched with sequins, pearls or beads. It adds sparkle and suits evening and wedding dresses, but it is heavier and requires careful cutting and sewing.
Stretch lace
Used for fitted silhouettes and close-fitting sleeves, where the dress must follow the body without a zip in the sleeve.
How to choose lace for a dress by silhouette
| Silhouette / detail | Suitable lace |
|---|---|
| Mermaid, fitted silhouette | stretch lace, Chantilly over a stretch lining |
| A-line, princess | corded lace, embroidered lace |
| Boho, loose cut | Chantilly, cotton lace, macramé |
| Boned bodice | guipure, corded lace on a stable base |
| "Illusion" sleeves and back | fine lace on nude tulle |
| Train and veil | light tulle with a lace border or appliqués |
Bridal lace colour
White laces are not all the same. Optical white is cool and bright; natural white (off-white) is softer; ivory and champagne have a warm tint. When choosing:
- compare the lace with the lining and satin in daylight;
- bear in mind that the lining under the lace changes the perceived tone;
- a nude lining makes the lace look as if it is "on the skin";
- all materials in the dress – lace, tulle, satin, buttons, ribbons – should be in coordinated tones.
Lace fabric, border or appliqués
For a wedding dress several formats are usually combined. Full-width lace is used for whole pieces – bodice, overskirt, sleeves. A scalloped lace border finishes the hem, neckline, sleeves and veil. Appliqués – cut-out motifs – are distributed over the tulle, back and train to create a smooth transition from dense to sheer areas.
Lace consumption for a dress
Consumption depends on the pattern and the width of the lace. Pieces of scalloped lace are often arranged so that the scallop runs along the hem or neckline, and this increases consumption. The motifs must be symmetrical about the centre front and back, so the pieces are cut singly. Add a reserve for appliqués and for matching the motifs at the seams. Determine the exact quantity by laying out the pattern on a sample or in CAD with the actual width and repeat of the lace.
Finishing the wedding dress
- Fabric-covered buttons down the back – covered in satin or lace, matching the dress.
- Loops of thin cord or elastic for the buttons.
- Satin ribbon for a sash, bow or waist binding.
- An invisible zip as an alternative or in combination with decorative buttons.
- Boning and fusible materials for the bodice.
Sewing lace for a wedding dress
Lace pieces are joined by overlapping along the outline of the motifs so that the seam is not visible. The lace is attached to the lining or tulle with hand tacking. Appliqués are sewn on by hand with a slip stitch. Ironing is done from the wrong side, on a soft pad, at a low temperature – especially with embroidered laces with sequins, which can be deformed by heat.
Tips when ordering for an atelier and production
- Ask for samples of several types and compare them with the lining.
- Check the composition – polyester, polyamide, viscose or cotton – and how they are ironed.
- Check the weight of the lace, especially with embroidered options.
- Order the full quantity for the style from one batch.
- Plan the lace and trims together so the tones match.
Common mistakes when choosing lace for a dress
- Heavy embroidered lace on a light lining – the dress distorts and sags.
- Stiff guipure for a silhouette that should fall softly – the skirt sticks out and does not follow movement.
- White lace in a different tone from the satin – the difference is clearly visible in photos.
- Insufficient reserve – with large-motif laces symmetry requires more material, and an additional order may be from a different batch.
- Skipping an ironing test – some synthetic laces and sequins do not tolerate high temperatures.
Lace for dresses in series production
For brands that produce formal dresses in series, repeatability matters as well as appearance. Choose a lace that can be reordered in the same colour and motif for the next season, and fix the article in the tech pack. Plan a sample for every size, because the placement of the motifs changes as the pieces get larger.
Lace for dresses from Polkom
Polkom is a supplier and wholesaler of haberdashery and garment accessories from Sofia with over 30 years of experience. In our lace category we offer laces for dresses, bridal and formalwear, borders and appliqués, as well as buttons, ribbons and accessories in coordinated tones. We work with bridal ateliers and manufacturers in the EU and send samples quickly. Send an inquiry with the type of lace and the colour.
