Silk is often spoken about as if it were a single material, but in practice, silk is a category. Different weaves behave differently, and that behavior directly affects how a garment drapes, moves, and wears over time.
In the atelier, fabric selection is on of the most important decisions in the custom process. Below is an overview of the silks most commonly used in our custom slip construction, and how each functions on the body.
Silk Charmeuse
Fluid, glossy, body-skimming
Silk Charmeuse is known for its smooth surface and fluid drape. It has a soften sheen and feels cool against the skin.
Because of its movement and finish, charmeuse is often chosen for slips designed to skim the body or be worn as a standalone piece. The final result is fluid and close to the body, with a luxurious hand feel. It moves easily with the body and is often chosen by those who want a slip that can stand on its own or feel barely there under clothing.Â
Perfect for pieces that feel immediate and unfussy.
Silk Crepe
Matte, Structured, Durable
Silk crepe has a matte finish and a slightly textured hand. Compared to charmeuse, it offers more structure and durability while remaining breathable.
Crepe is frequently used for slips intended for everyday wear or layering, particularly under tailoring. It holds its shape well and wears beautifully over time.
Perfect for pieces designed for daily wear under tailoring, knits, or structured garments.Â
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Silk Chiffon
Lightweight, sheer, delicate
Silk chiffon is lightweight, sheer, and delicate. It has a soften sheen, airy movement and is often used when transparency or lightness is part of the design intention.
Chiffon is best suited for garments where softness and layering are key, rather than frequent wear.
Perfect for when transparency and delicacy are part of the design rather than the primary function.
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Choosing the Right Silk for You
Selecting the right silk is not about preference alone. It’s about how the garment needs to live on the body. It’s important to consider how often it will be worn, how it should move, and what role it plays in a wardrobe.
Understanding how silk behaves allows a slip to be chosen with clarity rather than guesswork. Each fabric creates a different relationship between garment and body, whether the slips is meant to disappear into a wardrobe or become part of how it’s seen.Â
Fabric choice is not about hierarchy or luxury, but about alignment on how the piece is meant to be worn, cared for, and lived in over time.Â
Ephemera pieces are designed to feel considered from the inside out. By understanding how different silks move, drape, and wear over time, each slip can be chosen not just for how it looks, but for how it lives on the body. Fabric choice is what allows simplicity to feel precise.
