Light, textured, sheer and drapey; all characteristics of the fabric type known as Georgette, often used in the creation of luxury lingerie and nightgowns.

Designers love georgette because it’s texture gives it movement, seamstresses tend to hate it because it is difficult to sew. It is also difficult to pin, and may show pin marks or snag, so the seamstress must take extra care. The layers are slippery and may need to be interlayered with tissue paper, making the process take longer. Good quality georgette garments will usually have doubled seams, which also adds to the cost of construction. This is one reason why georgette garments tend to be in the luxury bracket and are more expensive.

Silk georgette is a delightful fabric. As silk thread is very absorbent it takes dies very well and hence is often available in a huge range of gorgeous colours, plain and print. We love using silk georgette in our luxury nightgowns and robes because of the wonderful colors and the drape of the fabric. Although silk itself can be delicate, silk georgette is not only a luxury fabric it is strong and generally more durable.
These days georgette is also created from polyester threads. Polyester georgette tends to me thicker than silk georgette but is usually machine washable and far more crease resistant, a fact which makes it more popular for everyday wear. As it is very light georgette can be used as layers without making the garment too heavy. This can result in some interesting effects where, for example, the georgette overlay and it’s lining are two different colors.

Double georgette is constructed in the same way and can be silk or polyester. It is less sheer than ‘normal’ georgette but just as drapey and may be used without a lining. Double georgette is great for luxury nightgowns because it provides the same floaty feeling without too much transparency. We also use it in the creation of some of our pajamas where double georgette pants make a great contrast with the luxury silk camisole top, giving just a hint of the leg below.

Our Jospehine blue silk nightgown is made from pale blue double silk georgette, light, floaty. Luxury lingerie at it’s best! (Note: Josephine can be made in the color of your choice and makes an excellent special occasion nightgown, for example for brides.