Couture Confessions by a Couturière
Choose the right interlining for the fashion fabric!
Couture Confession #7: Interlinings can enhance or spoil a couture garment. Choose Wisely!
Couture fabrics are regarded as luxury textiles and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect for their construction, drape and appearance. Interlinings are an essential companion of the couture fabric – the fashion fabric – as they provide internal support and enhance the appearance, stability and longevity of the finished garment.
Every couture fabric has unique qualities and choosing the best interlining requires judgement on what is most suitable and will achieve the best result for the garment whilst keeping the following considerations in mind:
- design and construction: functional parts such as collars, pockets and cuffs, drape, silhouette, volume, weight, colour, surface embellishments and cloth density/sheerness;
- textile composition of the couture fabric and recommended care: dry cleaning, washing, pressing, and storage requirements.
The criteria usually taken into consideration first are the drape or support required, and colour, especially if the couture fabric is sheer. This is particularly important when deciding on an interlining for a dress or skirt. Below are some options to consider for a range of popular dress fabrics.
Remember that choices of companion fabrics are endless. Experiment with different options to check the compatibility of two fabrics before you become fixed on one preference. Make small sample swatches to determine if the interlining and couture fabric are compatible and which option works best.
