Differences between Chiffon and Georgette Saree

One of the best outfits that women prefer for several occasions is sari. Whether you’re traveling, or attending any occasion, a sari will always increase your beauty, and make you look like a queen. The most sought-after and preferred fabrics for saree are chiffon and georgette. But what are the differences between chiffon and georgette saree?

Chiffon saree is elegant, very lightweight with a slightly rough feel to it. On the other hand, Georgette has a grainy texture, with a sheer feel. Georgette saree is also durable and drapes very fluidly, and falls into soft ripples compared to chiffon.

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A common difference between the two is that georgette is slightly heavier than chiffon and a bit less sheer. If you want to learn more about chiffon and georgette, this article is for you.

Today, we look into the differences between chiffon and georgette sarees. Also, you’ll learn more about the characteristics of chiffon and georgette. Let’s start!

What is Chiffon?

This French word chiffon translates as rag or cloth. However, it has become synonymous with any lustrous, sheer fabric woven in a particular style. Chiffon fabric was initially made from silk. But, nylon and polyester types of chiffons were invented in 1938 and 1958.  

The weaving process of chiffon produces a lightweight, plain weave fabric with a slight shine. This process results in tiny wrinkles that make the chiffon fabric a little rough to the touch.

Chiffon comprises loose, plain weave and tightly twisted single crepe yarns in both warp and weft. To create the wrinkles, an s-twist and z-twist crepe yarns are twisted anticlockwise and clockwise. Afterward, the yarns are then woven in a plain weave. Plain weave means a single weft thread alternates over and under warp thread.

Generally, chiffon refers to a light plain weave sheer fabric. It is delicate in appearance. Also, it’s a relatively robust, balanced fabric and can be dyed or printed for use in dresses, hats, scarves, and lampshades. This fabric can be challenging to work with because of its light and slippery textures. Due to this delicate nature, chiffon must be hand washed.

Chiffon has a beautiful drape making it ideal for outdoor or daytime weddings. It’s lightweight and flowing, meaning that it does not cling to the body, and is very good for styles with many draping, like dresses with empire waists. Chiffon can be a bit sheer, so you will often find it draped in multiple layers.

Chiffon fabric doesn’t have a distinct sheen. This quality makes chiffon an excellent material for muted colors and pastel, allowing delicate colors to come through.

Chiffon fabrics have a shimmering surface. But, silk chiffon is more shimmering than cotton chiffon. Also, when it comes to elasticity, silk chiffon has slightly more stretch than other types of chiffon such as polyester. This is because silk chiffon is naturally more pliable.

Also called crepe chiffon, chiffon fabric is highly suited for special occasion dresses, nightgowns, and linings. Chiffon is softer and thinner than Georgette.

Despite the fact that chiffon has excellent characteristics, this type of fabric has some drawbacks.

First, even though chiffon’s threads are very strong because of the tight twist, they can snag and fray easily.

Secondly, chiffon material is slightly tough to work with since it’s so slippery. So, when sewing a chiffon material, you can use a sharp needle because the material can easily pull.

Finally, chiffon losses shape and may sag over time. Though, it varies on different types of chiffon fabrics. Silk chiffon losses shape over time, while polyester and nylon chiffon maintain a little better than silk chiffon.

Types of chiffon

Different types of chiffon fabric vary in style and material used to make it.

Below are a few examples of different types of chiffon;

Silk crepe chiffon fabric: This is the most popular type of chiffon. It has a slightly puckered texture and a relatively rough feel.

Silk satin chiffon fabric: this type of chiffon is smoother than silk crepe. It’s more transparent and lightweight.

Pearl chiffon fabric: It features an iridescent shade and glossy texture.

Jacquard chiffon fabric: This type of chiffon is commonly used in kurta dresses and scarves. It’s quite thin and feels hefty when it’s picked up.

Chameleon chiffon fabric: This fabric is so rare, and it derives its name from its multi-tones appearance.   

What is Georgette?

Georgette is also a type of crepe fabric, just like chiffon. It’s made from pure silk. However, it can also be made in synthetic fibers such as rayon, viscose, and polyester.

Georgette is named after the famous French dressmaker Georgette de la Plate, who introduced silk fabric in the twentieth century.

Similar to chiffon, georgette is woven using tightly twisted s-twist and z-twist yarns. However, the twisted yarns in georgette create a slight crinkle effect on the surface. Satin weave or jacquard weave can also be used to weave georgette, which produces satin georgette and jacquard georgette respectively.

Made of crepe yarn, silk Georgette has a grainy texture, a sheer feel, and a thin, very dry hand. It is heavier than chiffon. Georgette is durable but snags easily. It drapes very fluidly, and falls into soft ripples.

Georgette made of synthetic fibers is less breathable than those made of silk.

Georgette material has an excellent structure and drape, especially the type of fabric used for dresses and skirts. It can easily be layered on top of more solid fabrics to add dimension and create an eye-catching effect.

When it comes to coloring, georgette can dye very well, and the natural off-white color of silk can be dyed in a variety of hues and patterns. Georgette is highly absorbance, and it features the most vibrant print of colors

With its creped surface, this sheer and strong silk fabric is superb for blouses, bias-cut flared skirts, evening wear, dresses, and scarves. It doesn’t show pin marks, and doesn’t hold a crease, making it relatively difficult to sew. Also, the layers of georgette are used in gowns as a fanciful effect.

Georgette is also ideal for outdoor or daytime weddings, as it’s lightweight. It can be used in both fashion and home design.

Silk georgette can easily be stored since it repels mildew, mold, and dust.

Types of georgette

Stretch georgette: This type of georgette incorporates spandex or other elastic into the weave for added stretch.

Jacquard georgette: this design is woven on a jacquard loom to give the fabric an added strength and jacquard design.

Polyester georgette: this is simply georgette made of polyester.

Satin georgette: the use of satin weave in georgette gives it a shinier finish.

Double georgette: This type of georgette is thicker than other types of georgette.  It’s somewhat translucent with a nice drape.

Embroidered georgette: This type is embellished with sequin, beadworks, or thread.

When washing georgette fabric, never use a machine. You can either dry clean it or wash it by hand.

What are the Differences between Chiffon and Georgette Sarees?

Chiffon and georgette sarees often create confusion especially, with their similar finish and texture. 

Below are essential guides to help you to distinguish between chiffon sarees and georgette sarees correctly.

1. Chiffon sarees are a lighter sheer fiber made of cotton and silk or synthetic material. It’s made of synthetic fiber that gives it a transparent feel. On the other hand, georgette sarees are made of lightweight fabrics such as polyester, viscose, jacquard, nylon, and satin material.
   
2. Chiffon sarees give an instant vibrant look compared to georgette. Chiffon is often transparent, whereas georgette is slightly dull.
   
3. Chiffon sarees are brighter and softer than georgette.
   
4. Chiffon sarees can be blended by various light and soothing colors. The light color goes well on chiffon Sarees as the actual color in them comes out when administered on the fabric. Georgettes, on the other hand, are limited due to their opaque color.
   
5. Chiffon saree is thinner and sheerer and has more drape than georgette. Georgette sarees have a thicker ply, resulting in a heavier fabric. Although it’s also sheer, georgette sarees are more semi-sheer compared to chiffon.
   
6. Chiffon sarees are more expensive compared to georgette sarees.
   
7. Georgette sarees are more durable and stronger than chiffon. Silk saree loses shape faster overtime compared to silk georgette. Chiffon is a flimsy material with a good luster as compared to Georgette, but being delicate and thin one needs to use a lot of layers or maybe worn boldly.
   
8. Georgette sarees can be dyed easily compared to chiffon sarees.

While choosing between the georgette saree and chiffon saree, choosing the right color is very important. If you settle for a Georgette material it would be good to go for a shade that is subtle as Georgette fabric lacks a bit of luster. The light color goes well on chiffon Sarees as the actual color in them comes out when administered on the fabric.