Question about using too much stretch fabric in formal wear

I keep seeing designers in Chicago use jersey for cocktail dresses, and it just looks cheap after one wear. Has anyone found a good middle ground fabric that moves but still holds its shape?

3 comments

3 Comments

wadeyoung2mo ago

Okay, "looks cheap after one wear" is the real issue here, not the jersey itself. That sounds like a thin, poor quality knit. A heavy ponte or a scuba with some body can work GREAT for a structured dress. The trick is the weight and the blend, something with enough polyester to bounce back. A cheap fabric will bag out at the knees and elbows instantly.

pipergonzalez8d ago

Hold on though, is the average person really getting that many wears out of ANY jersey dress? I feel like ninety percent of my closet only gets worn a few times before I'm bored with it anyway. Bagging out at the knees after one wear is bad, sure, but I've paid good money for ponte that still started pilling after a couple washes. The real problem is probably just that online fast fashion stuff where you're rolling the dice on a $25 dress from some random brand. It's gonna look cheap after one wear no matter what fabric they claim it is.

morgan.cameron2mo agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, you're totally right about the fabric weight. But also... the stitching? A thin knit with bad seams just gives up completely. It's like the whole thing just decides to retire after one afternoon.