Tulle fabric
A net: nylon, polyester or silk. A fine hexagonal net – light yet shape-holding.
How it feels
Light; stiff or soft depending on the fibre.
Season: Summer and hot days – it keeps you cool.
What it's used for
Wedding dresses, skirts, veils, tutus.
Full skirts, veils and layering; a tulle skirt with a sweater is a romantic day look.
Pros
- Volume without weight
Cons
- Snags easily
Care: a typical label
Always follow your own garment's label – blends and finishes change the care.
How it's constructed
Sheer open weave. Very fine yarns, openly woven – sheer and light, but fragile.
A little history
Tulle is named after the French town of Tulle, where it was first made in the 18th century; ballet tutus made it famous.
How to recognise it
Read the surface: diagonal lines mean twill, shiny and slippery means satin, a raised nap means pile, sideways stretch means a knit.
Sustainability
A weave's footprint depends on the fibre it's made from – check the composition on the label.
When buying
The same weave behaves differently in different fibres: silk and polyester satin look alike, but only silk breathes. Always read the composition.
Frequently asked
01What is tulle?
A net: nylon, polyester or silk. A fine hexagonal net – light yet shape-holding.
02Is tulle a natural fabric?
It's a weave or knit – whether it's natural depends on the fibre it's made from.
03Does tulle shrink?
No – tulle hardly shrinks, unless washed or ironed very hot.
04Is tulle breathable?
Very well: tulle is one of the most breathable fabrics – the coolest choice for hot weather.