Organdie Fabric

Renowned for its lightweight quality, sheer, transparent aesthetic and firm finish, Organdie Fabric is used widely as an overlay in the production of garments such as dresses, blouses, collars and petticoats as well as a decorative finish in home furnishings. Made with an open, plain weave and fine, tightly twisted single yarns, Organdie Fabric is a highly durable finish cloth that retains firmness after washing. Organdie Fabric from Whaleys is available in loom state form and is prepared for printing and dyeing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organdie Fabric

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers about Organdie Fabric. If your question isn't covered here, please contact us.

  • Organdie is a very fine, sheer cotton fabric with a crisp finish. The crispness comes from a chemical treatment, traditionally a sulphuric acid finish, that stiffens the fabric permanently. The result is light, transparent, and holds its shape with a slightly papery handle.

  • Organdie is made from cotton; organza is traditionally silk and now often polyester. Both are sheer and crisp, but organza has more shimmer and a smoother handle, while organdie has a more matte, papery finish. Fibre content is the main difference.

  • The stiffness comes from a chemical treatment that permanently alters the cotton fibres. Unlike starched fabrics, the crispness in true organdie doesn’t wash out. Some lower-grade fabrics labelled as organdie use a starch finish that softens with washing.

  • Organdie is fine and sheer, which makes it more delicate than heavier cottons. The crisp finish can also become brittle with age. It’s used most often in formal wear and decorative trim, where its translucent crispness is the key feature.

    See our Organdie fabric product range