Organza vs net: which sheer fabric is which?

How each one is made

Organza is made on a loom in the simplest weave there is, from very fine, tightly twisted threads of silk, polyester or nylon. The twist, and often a stiffening finish, give it its paper-like crispness. Because it is woven, it has no stretch, and it frays wherever it is cut.

Net is not woven in that sense. Its threads are looped or twisted around one another to form a grid of small holes, usually six-sided or diamond-shaped, and usually in nylon or polyester. Tulle is the finest, softest kind. Because of the way it is built, net has a slight give, and a cut edge does not fray. Our guide to net and lace fabrics covers the different types.

Look, scratch, snags and shape

• Look: organza has a clean sheen and a clear, even transparency. Net looks softer and more matt, and from close up the mesh is visible.
• Against the skin: soft net is gentle; stiff net is the scratchiest of all, especially at seams and cuffs. Organza is smooth on its surface but prickly at its cut edges, so its seams need enclosing.
• Snags: net catches on rings, bangles and earrings, and a broken thread leaves a hole that is hard to disguise. Organza is less likely to catch, but a pulled thread shows as a visible line.
• Creases: net hardly creases and travels well. Organza crushes into sharp folds when packed and needs steaming.
• Shape: organza holds whatever shape it is given. Net collapses softly unless it is the stiff kind or is layered.
• Decoration: net is the usual ground for all-over embroidery. Organza carries embroidery too but shows every pucker.

Organza dupatta vs net dupatta

An organza dupatta is all about outline. It sits in crisp folds, frames the shoulders and looks striking in photographs, and it is light. The trade-off is that it slips off smooth fabrics, will not stay tucked, and comes out of a suitcase creased.

A net dupatta drapes. It falls closer to the body, stays where it is put more willingly and can be folded small without harm. It is often finished with a worked border on all four sides, which adds welcome weight and also most of the snagging risk. For a long event with a lot of sitting, hugging and moving about, net is the easier companion; for a short, formal one, organza makes the stronger statement. Our dupatta finishing ideas show edge treatments for both.

Net or organza sleeves

Choose organza when the sleeve is meant to have volume. Puffed, flared and bell sleeves need a fabric that stands up without support, and organza does. Kept narrow, an organza sleeve can feel stiff at the elbow, because the cloth has no give.

Choose net when the sleeve is meant to be slim and sheer. Its slight give makes a close sleeve more comfortable to bend, and it shows embroidery off against the arm. Either can be left unlined, lined in a skin tone or lined to match the kameez; decide early, because it changes the look more than the fabric does. Our article on organza in everyday outfits has more on wearing it.

Edges, and what to ask for

Edges are where the two differ most for whoever sews them. Organza has to be finished: a narrow rolled hem, a fine binding, or a lace or border that covers the raw edge. Net can be left as cut, but a bare net edge looks unfinished and curls, so it is normally given a lace, a ribbon or a scalloped border.

On outfits we stitch, lace and borders can be requested as part of the order; ask for the edging you want in your quote, and we confirm what is possible on your fabric and design. With Stitching Only, photograph each sheer piece flat and in full, including any borders supplied with the suit. Then send your design with a note on which pieces are organza and which are net.