Types of fabric for flamenco dresses

We begin a basic analysis of the fabrics used for flamenco dresses, with the idea of trying to solve one of the doubts that you always ask us:

However, before we begin, we must make it clear that this post focuses on dresses for flamenco dresses exclusively. If you have come this far but you are interested in dresses for flamenco dancing, we recommend you to visit this post: "Which fabrics are the most suitable for flamenco dancing".

Outer or visible part

There is nothing written about preferences, that is a universal truth. And we know that we often choose the look of our flamenco dress based on a pretty print. If this is your case, our advisors can help you to complete the outfit by adjusting the fabric you like so much, completing it with petticoats, ruffles, lining, lace or any other detail you dream of.

If you are still undecided, let's continue!

Poplin

A classic! Traditionally it is the most used. It is a rigid and stiff fabric, with stiffening. And although many new fabrics have been introduced to the flamenco market in recent years, it is still in great demand.

Image: Pinterest. Design: Lina. Model: Eva González.

Its stiffness will give us that little waist that flamenco women love so much, but at the same time, it will make us less comfortable. It will also give us that characteristic stiff flounce shape.

In the images, from left to right and from top to bottom:

Cotton satin or stretch cotton

Another great modern classic. It is an "evolution" of poplin in which we still have that stiffness but its 3% stretch gives us more comfort and the suit fits more snugly to the body. It also has a shiny side. Undoubtedly, the big winner in terms of popularity in recent times. Many of our customers ask for it as stretch poplin.

Design: Sara de Benítez

From these fabrics, the textile market has been creating new fabrics, variants of these, which will give us more or less rigidity or elasticity, playing with wefts and thicknesses.

In the images, from left to right and from top to bottom:

  • MADISON; Reference: 00121-0004. Cotton stretch satin fabric.
  • MADIN FLOC; Reference: 03134/01-0410. Stretch satin fabric with velvet polka dots.
  • JENNY; Reference: 02432/79-0004. Stretch satin fabric with printed polka dots.
  • MACARENA; Reference: 01865/4-0004. Cotton and spandex fabric with floral print.

Crepe

Also known as Crespón or Koshibo,this fabric is very suitable for flamenco fashion. Its non-elastic nature makes it an easy fabric to sew.

Image: Entre Cirios y Volantes.

It is normally used for skirts with movement or canasteros. It is a matte fabric with a rough side as its main characteristic.

In the images, from left to right and from top to bottom:

  • ECO-BAIKAL; Reference: 03808/13-0003. Recycled polyester fabric printed crepe marocain type..
  • NATASHA; Reference: 00774/43-0712. Very drapey crepe fabric.
  • CAZORLA; Reference: 03076/03-0011. Drapey crepe fabric with printed flowers.
  • TORA; Reference: 00470-0314. Crepe fabric with a lot of drape.

Knit

Its comfort and movement will give us the fashionable drape seen in the last fairs. Specifically, we use silk knit for this type of garments.

Image: Bulevar Sur.. Design Jose Hidalgo. Model Anabel Pantoja.

It is an elastic and slippery fabric, which makes it fall and adapt to the body, but it is not recommended for beginner seamstresses, due to its difficulty in making it.

In the images, from left to right and from top to bottom:

  • PARAYAS; Reference: 00755-0901. Knitted fabric. 
  • NEOPRENE; Reference: 02442-0901. Stretch knitted fabric.
  • OLVERA; Ref. No.: 03500/01-0937. Knitted fabric printed with polka dots, 3.50 cm.
  • GUAJIRA; Reference: 03490/06-0010. Soft bi-elastic techno-peach fabric with printed flowers.

Lining

As a matter of course, all flamenco dresses have a lining. Except, of course, for exceptions such as using a very thick fabric or wanting to play with transparencies.

Image: Pinterest

We will adapt the lining to the outer fabric. That is to say, if we choose a fabric with elastic for the outside, the lining must also have elasticity. On the other hand, if we choose a rigid, non-stretch fabric for the outside, the lining should also have the same characteristics.

In the images, from left to right and from top to bottom:

  • TOQUE; Reference: 02281-0005. Cotton stretch poplin.
  • EBRO; Reference: 00908-0133. Acetate lining.
  • DUERO; Reference: 00624-0101. Knitted lining.
  • BASICO ALVEDRO; Reference: 00646-0001. Stretch knitted fabric. Silk knit.

Underskirt and ruffle base

These are the fabrics used to give volume to our suit. And we have Cancan, Tulle or Organdy , three very different options:

The organdie is a stiff, soft and high quality fabric, specifically designed for flamenco fashion. Among its advantages, we highlight its quality and longevity: even if we wash it, it will keep its stiffness and rigidity. Although it is true that it is not the cheapest option, it is usually the most accurate when it comes to giving volume.

Image: Bulevar Sur.. Fashion show. Sara Sanabria.

The second option to highlight is the cancan: a fabric also rigid but rough. While it is true that it is more economical, we must take into account the design of our final suit, as its roughness can cause chafing depending on the design of the suit.

Finally, tulle would be the least used option but we should not ignore it. It is a very light and economical fabric that will allow us to put many meters of volume. A perfect solution if you are looking for spectacularity.

Images, from left to right:

  • ORGANDI FLAMENCA; Reference: 01496-0009. Special rigid transparent fabric for under ruffles.
  • BASICO FOLIES; Reference: 00395-0009. Special rigid fabric for cancan.
  • TUL; Reference: 00108-0920. Polyester tulle fabric.

Lace

Although it is not an essential element of the flamenco dress, it is the most used decorative element..

Image: Pinterest

The blonde lace is often used to decorate sleeves or backs or to add details to the costume itself. For the latter example, we refer to guipure.

In the images, from left to right and from top to bottom:

  • SUMATRA; Reference: 01377/1-0007. Blonda fabric.
  • SIDONIA; Reference: 03091-0007. Guipure fabric with finished edges.
  • DENIA; Reference: 02713-0738. Guipure fabric.
  • VERONICA; Reference: 03053/02-0011. Printed lace fabric.

As we can see, there is no specific fabric for flamenco but we have a wide variety of fabrics that we can adapt to this fashion. And you, what fabric do you like to use?