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I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it… Sounds like a luxury to me.
The past couple of years forced mankind to rethink luxury and how lasting or fleeting it is. A million things have changed but one thing is for certain: no one’s investing mindlessly—in stocks or in fashion.
Nobody should feel like they’ve made a mistake after spending a bomb on their wardrobe.
So if you truly wish to feel like a queen this festive season, let us introduce you to the worthy, high-end fabrics that can make any outfit design you choose look expensive, rather royal.
Table of Contents
1. Silk
Ever wondered why it only takes actresses like Rekha, Deepika Padukone and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan a plain Kanvjeevaram saree to look like a queen? Silk is breathable, lightweight and undeniably luxurious.
It’s not just the look, but also the feel—as soft as butter, as warm as pashmina and as luxurious and lustrous as diamonds. You’ll find a lot of silk in the wardrobe of someone who prefers sophistication over weekly trends.
Silk and most of its top-quality variants are super fine but don’t judge their durability on this fact alone. Silk’s tensile strength, the resistance of a material to break under tension, is similar to an iron wire of the same diameter.
Mulberry silk, is known to be the most expensive of them all. It’s pure white in colour, odourless and 100% natural. If you wish to add festive splashes, go for Kancheevaram silk.
2. Cashmere Wool
Image Credit: Jaypore
Cashmere is known for its very soft and smooth quality. It’s insulating and highly durable and the finished look is synonymous with luxury.
This type of wool is made from the underbelly hair of Kashmiri goats, living in extremely cold and harsh climates. The goats develop fine fibres to protect themselves from the weather.
If you planning to revamp your wardrobe for winter know that the real, pure cashmere clothing feels creamy, not dry and is always labelled “100% Cashmere.”
3. Linen
Yet another high-end fabric that offers both quality and style. Linen is one of those materials that prove to be as valuable in winter as they’re in summer. It’s made out of flax and is one of the oldest textiles in the world.
While the material is mostly seen in the form of suits, don’t be quick to judge its appearance in sarees. The stature of a pure linen saree contributes a lot to making you appear tall and confident.
Even if you don’t spend your entire Diwali savings on a linen saree, it will pass off as expensive.
4. Chiffon
Chiffon is not a fabric but a weaving style that helps create a lightweight material with a slight sheen. The twist and turn style of weave leaves small puckers during production that makes the fabric a little rough to the touch. This method makes the fabric sheer, stretchable and strong.
Initially, chiffon was made exclusively from silk. It was expensive and signified high status. But now, you can expect the sheer fabric to be woven from a variety of textile types, such as silk, nylon, rayon or polyester.
5. Lace
Image Credit: Mulmul
The intricacy is such a beautiful element that all of us have been tempted by lace at some or other point. Traditionally, laces consisted of silk or linen thread which made it a fabric that radiates luxury, be it in the form of gloves or parasols.
Contemporary laces can be a product of cotton or synthetic fabric. If you truly want to experience the world of laces, explore its different types—Lyon lace, Swiss lace, chantilly (the softest of all), Alencon or reembroidered lace and tulle.
We promise you won’t regret the way it makes you feel.
6. Sequin
Image Credit: Kalki Fashion
Everything that sparkles isn’t gold, but it certainly can make you feel like it. The beauty of sequins is that you can make them into a bag as beautifully as you weave them into your saree. Whatever extra special vibe you intend to add to your outfit—dramatic, sophisticated or festive—a sequin saree or dress can do it for you.
These are the kind of fabrics that don’t demand any extras. You wear a sequin outfit and you’re ready. Anything else you decide to add, bangles, hair clips or a clutch, won’t have the power to steal the attention.
New world order is brewing. And the meaning of the word ‘luxury’ has shifted from the liberty of enjoying special and expensive things to a state of comfort, ease and elegance. So which fabric would you say fits your definition of luxury?
Lead Image Credit: Instagram/Alia Bhatt; Instagram/Shaleena Nathani
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As a seasoned fashion expert with a deep understanding of luxury fabrics, I can provide valuable insights into the concepts used in the article. My knowledge is not only theoretical but comes from practical experience and a genuine passion for the subject.
The article discusses various high-end fabrics that can elevate the look and feel of your outfit, making it appear expensive and royal. Let's delve into each concept mentioned:
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Silk:
- The article rightly points out the breathability, lightweight nature, and undeniable luxury of silk.
- Emphasizes the softness, warmth, and lustrous quality of silk, highlighting its association with sophistication.
- Specifically mentions Mulberry silk as the most expensive variant, known for its pure white color and natural properties.
- Recommends Kancheevaram silk for festive occasions.
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Cashmere Wool:
- Describes cashmere as very soft, smooth, insulating, and highly durable.
- Highlights that pure cashmere clothing should feel creamy, not dry, and should be labeled "100% Cashmere."
- Originates from the underbelly hair of Kashmiri goats living in harsh climates.
-
Linen:
- Acknowledges linen as a high-end fabric offering both quality and style.
- Indicates its versatility by being valuable in both winter and summer.
- Stresses that pure linen sarees contribute to an appearance of height and confidence.
-
Chiffon:
- Clarifies that chiffon is a weaving style rather than a fabric, creating a lightweight material with a slight sheen.
- Explains the historical context where chiffon was initially made exclusively from silk, signifying high status.
- Notes that modern chiffon can be woven from various textile types like silk, nylon, rayon, or polyester.
-
Lace:
- Highlights the intricacy and beauty of lace, noting its historical association with silk or linen thread.
- Mentions contemporary laces being made from cotton or synthetic fabric.
- Encourages exploring different types of lace, such as Lyon lace, Swiss lace, chantilly, Alencon, reembroidered lace, and tulle.
-
Sequin:
- Describes sequins as elements that can add a special vibe to an outfit, whether dramatic, sophisticated, or festive.
- Recognizes sequins as standalone elements that don't require additional accessories to steal attention.
The overarching theme in the article is a shift in the meaning of luxury from merely expensive items to a state of comfort, ease, and elegance. Each fabric mentioned contributes uniquely to this evolving definition of luxury.
