If you don’t mind revealing more than anyone else would dare, what you are looking for are sheer or see-through fabrics. These fabrics have an ethreal, elegant charm about them which the opposite kind, the opaque fabrics, ‘clearly’ do not.
What are see-through fabrics called in Fabric-land?
You will hear about see-through fabrics under many labels – Transparent, translucent, sheer, clear, diaphanous. But the real name that is universally agreed is Sheer. Sheer is a textile that is see-through – either entirely or partially (Ultra-sheer or semi-sheer)
A sheer fabric that can “bare” the skin has long been a favourite of all fashion designers. Other than the use in making tops and blouses and gowns, and bridal wear, sheers are also used in millinery, to make petticoats, and as interfacing and backing and to create trimmings. And do not forget as fabric to make curtains.
- Some of these fabrics are see through because they have holes in them as part of their structure.
- Some fabrics are made of thin very fine fabrics so as to be transparent.
- Some of these materials may not be completely see through if they are in dark colors.
- Some are see through because the light color gives it transparency.
List of Sheer Fabric types
Tulle
Tulle is a soft sheer net fabric. It is usually available as an inexpensive version in polyester fibers. But originally it was made of silk fibers – it has a very cloudlike transparency which makes it ideal for making overlays on wedding gowns, veils, trains etc. Read more about tulle fabric here.
Netting
Netting is a firmer net fabric compared to tulle made of polyester acrylic or nylon. Chiffon net is a fine net fabric. Read more about Different types of net fabric.
Power Mesh
This is a see-through stretchy fabric used in making lingerie, sleeves, accent for sportswear, and as overlays.
Lace
Lace is a decorative fabric made with a leno/open weave. The open spaces in the fabric make it see through. Read on for Different types of lace.
Marquisette
This is a sheer, mesh fabric with an open weave.
Thin knits
Sheer tricot is a transparent tricot knit. It is used for making lingerie and edge finishes.
Clear plastic
Nothing to elaborate on the transparency of this.
Fine muslin
Muslin is a very soft spun cotton fabric. Not all muslins are see through but some fine ones are even called woven air because of the way they look and feel.
Mousseline De Soie
Silk muslin is a similar fine sheer fabric made of spun silk fibers. Silk muslin is widely used in bridal sewing.
Ninon/Triple voile
A fine sheer fabric made of rayon or polyester fibers
Gauze
Gauze is a loosely woven fabric which is very light and sheer. It is available in cotton but can also be made of natural silk yarn.
Organdy
This is a crisp cotton fabric made in a loose plain weave. Read more about organdy here.
Organza
Silk organza is a crisp lustrous and transparent fabric. You can also get the same effect in polyester and rayon fibers. Read more about organza here.
Open weave fabrics
Eyelet fabric, & other perforated materials. Fishnets or athletic mesh and some crotchet like knits.These have small holes made in them which makes them transparent. Read about the different types of open weave fabrics here.
Lightweight fabrics which are semi sheer
Wondering if chiffon is see through ? Yes, chiffon is seethrough, very drapey and thin. Georgette is another sheer lightweight crepe fabric. Fine cotton lawn, voile and Handkerchief linen are natural fabrics which can be sheer depending on how they are used. Polyester voile is a cheaper version of a thin fabric which is used to make semi-sheer curtains
These semi-sheer will be more transparent if made with silk fibers than with synthetic fibers. For eg. Silk chiffon is more transparent than polyester chiffon.
Tips on using sheers or see through fabrics for clothes
One thing which bothers me is that all my seam finishes and wonky cut edges are all visible outside. You will have to use nice looking seams like a french seam with these materials.
Use self fabric as lining/undelining. If that is not possible use skin colored fabric
Many of the tips given in this post on sewing thin sheer fabrics work very effectively.
Related posts: Thin lightweight fabrics; Open weave fabrics. ; Best fabrics for curtains
