Difference Between: Voile Vs Tulle

Voile and tulle stand out as two distinct and versatile materials. Voile, a lightweight, semi-sheer fabric with a soft hand feel, has gained popularity for its breathability and suitability for summer clothing.

On the other hand, tulle, a sheer and delicate net-like fabric, is renowned for its ethereal charm, often adorning bridal veils and special occasion attire.

Each fabric brings unique qualities and applications to the table, making them favorites among designers, crafters, and fashion enthusiasts alike.

In this comparison, we explore the key differences and characteristics that set voile and tulle apart, illuminating their individual allure and appeal.

Key Differences Between Voile and Tulle

Fabric Type

• Voile: Voile is a lightweight, plain woven fabric usually made from 100% cotton or cotton blend. It boasts a higher thread count than most cotton fabrics, resulting in a silky soft hand. Voile is a perfect dressmaking option for summer due to its breathability and semi-sheer nature, making it comfortable and suitable for warm weather clothing.
• Tulle: Tulle, in contrast, is a net-like fabric made from silk, nylon, rayon, or polyester yarns. Its sheer, delicate, and lightweight properties make it ideal for crafting bridal veils, tutus, and other special occasion items, adding an ethereal touch to various garments and accessories.

Material

• Voile: Voile is primarily made from 100% cotton or a cotton blend. Cotton voile is popular due to its natural fiber properties, offering breathability and comfort. The cotton blend variations may introduce other synthetic fibers, providing added durability and wrinkle-resistance. This fabric choice makes voile suitable for warm weather clothing, offering a soft and gentle feel against the skin.
• Tulle: Tulle is made from various materials such as silk, nylon, rayon, or polyester yarns. Each material offers distinct characteristics. Silk tulle exudes luxury and elegance, while nylon, rayon, or polyester tulle provide more affordability and practicality. The choice of material influences the fabric’s texture, drape, and sheerness, making it a preferred choice for creating delicate and enchanting special occasion items.

Thread Count

• Voile: Voile is known for its higher thread count compared to most cotton fabrics. The higher thread count results in a finer weave and a smoother surface, contributing to its soft and luxurious hand feel. The increased number of threads per square inch enhances the fabric’s durability, adding to its overall appeal for dressmaking and comfortable summer wear.
• Tulle: Unlike voile, tulle does not have a specific thread count due to its net-like structure. The thread count concept is not applicable to tulle, as it is created by an open-weave pattern of closely spaced threads forming a grid-like appearance. This unique construction gives tulle its signature lightweight and sheer qualities, making it perfect for creating delicate and dreamy designs.

Hand Feel

• Voile: The hand feel of voile is one of its key highlights. The combination of its high-quality cotton fibers and higher thread count results in a silky soft texture. When touched, voile feels smooth and pleasant against the skin. This luxurious hand feel adds to the comfort of garments made from voile, making it an excellent choice for dresses, blouses, and lightweight summer clothing.
• Tulle: Tulle, on the other hand, has a different hand feel due to its net-like construction. It is lightweight and delicate to the touch, creating a slightly crisp texture. Depending on the material used, tulle can have variations in its hand feel. Silk tulle offers a softer and more luxurious feel, while synthetic tulle may have a slightly stiffer texture.

Common Use

• Voile: Voile finds its common use in dressmaking, especially for warm weather and summer outfits. Its lightweight and breathable nature make it ideal for creating comfortable and fashionable dresses, skirts, blouses, and scarves. Voile’s semi-sheer quality adds an element of sophistication to garments, making it suitable for both casual and dressy occasions.
• Tulle: Tulle is most commonly associated with bridal veils, where its ethereal and delicate appearance enhances the bride’s ensemble. Beyond that, tulle is also widely used in creating tutus for ballet performances and other special occasion items like decorative overlays, table decorations, and gift wrapping.

Sheerness

• Voile: Voile is semi-sheer, meaning it allows some light to pass through but offers a level of opacity that provides moderate coverage. While it may reveal the silhouette of the wearer to some extent, it still maintains a degree of modesty. This makes voile suitable for airy and lightweight garments that offer breathability without being too revealing.
• Tulle: Tulle is highly sheer and transparent due to its net-like structure. Its open-weave pattern creates a see-through effect, making it perfect for applications where a delicate and airy appearance is desired. Tulle’s high sheerness is ideal for creating ethereal bridal veils and adding a layer of elegance to special occasion dresses.

Structure

• Voile: Voile is a plain woven fabric with a simple over-under weaving pattern. This traditional construction creates a smooth and even surface with a soft drape. The fibers are tightly woven, giving voile its characteristic durability while maintaining its lightweight nature.
• Tulle: Tulle has a distinct net-like structure, formed by an open-weave pattern of closely spaced threads. This unique construction results in a grid-like appearance that gives tulle its airy and delicate texture. The structure of tulle is what makes it highly sheer and allows it to maintain its lightweight properties.

Transparency

• Voile: As a semi-sheer fabric, voile offers moderate transparency. When held up to light, some light can pass through the fabric, but it still provides a level of opacity that ensures modesty when used for clothing items.
• Tulle: Tulle is designed to be highly transparent. The open-weave structure allows light to pass through the gaps between the threads, creating a sheer and gauzy effect. Tulle’s transparency is a key feature that makes it popular for decorative purposes and adding a touch of elegance to various creations.

Draping

• Voile: Voile has a soft and fluid drape, which means it falls gracefully and drapes well when used for clothing. The fabric’s drape enhances the movement of garments, creating an elegant and flattering silhouette.
• Tulle: Tulle has a slightly stiffer drape due to its net-like construction. While it can still drape gracefully, it tends to hold its shape more than voile. This characteristic makes tulle an excellent choice for creating structured garments and maintaining a specific shape, such as the bell-like silhouette of a tutu.

Weight

• Voile: Voile is a lightweight fabric, making it comfortable for warm weather wear and easy to layer for added style without feeling bulky. Its light weight contributes to its breathable nature, making it an excellent choice for summer clothing.
• Tulle: Tulle is also lightweight, but due to its unique open-weave structure, it may have a slightly lighter feel than voile. Its weightlessness adds to the delicate and airy appearance that makes it ideal for creating romantic and whimsical designs.

Breathability

• Voile: Voile is highly breathable, allowing air to pass through its semi-sheer weave. This property makes it an excellent choice for warm weather clothing, as it helps to keep the wearer cool and comfortable even in hot and humid conditions. The breathability of voile makes it ideal for creating lightweight and flowy summer garments.
• Tulle: Tulle is also breathable to some extent, but its net-like structure may limit airflow compared to voile. While it may not be as breathable as voile, tulle’s lightweight nature still offers comfort, especially when used in layered or loosely draped designs.

Durability

• Voile: Voile, despite its lightweight and delicate appearance, can be surprisingly durable. Its tight plain weave and high-quality cotton fibers contribute to its strength. However, due to its lightweight nature, voile may be more prone to snagging and tearing than heavier fabrics.
• Tulle: Tulle, being a delicate fabric, is not as durable as voile. Its open-weave structure and lightweight texture make it more susceptible to snagging and tearing. Tulle is best suited for applications where its delicacy is desired, such as for veils and decorative overlays, rather than for everyday clothing that requires more durability.

Stretch

• Voile: Voile typically has limited stretch due to its tightly woven construction. It may have a slight give, but it is generally not known for its stretchiness. This is something to consider when choosing voile for garment patterns that require stretch and ease of movement.
• Tulle: Tulle generally has minimal to no stretch, primarily due to its net-like structure. Its lack of elasticity is a characteristic that sets it apart from fabrics with a tighter weave and higher thread count. Tulle is often used for decorative purposes and does not need stretch for its intended applications.

Colors

• Voile: Voile is available in a wide range of colors and prints. Its smooth surface allows dyes and prints to adhere well, resulting in vibrant and beautiful hues. Whether you prefer solid colors or patterns, voile offers plenty of options to suit various design preferences.
• Tulle: Tulle is also available in various colors, but its sheer nature gives the colors a softer and more muted appearance compared to solid fabrics. Tulle is often used in neutral shades, pastels, and white or ivory for bridal applications. However, it can be dyed or layered to create different color effects.

Texture

• Voile: Voile has a smooth and soft texture, thanks to its high-quality cotton fibers and tight plain weave. The texture of voile contributes to its luxurious hand feel, making it a pleasure to wear against the skin.
• Tulle: Tulle has a unique texture due to its net-like structure. Its grid-like appearance creates a delicate and gauzy texture that adds an enchanting touch to garments and decorations. Depending on the material used, tulle’s texture can range from soft and fine (in silk tulle) to slightly stiffer (in synthetic tulle).

Formality

• Voile: Voile can be used for both casual and dressy occasions, depending on the design and style of the garment. While it is often associated with summer casual wear, voile can also be dressed up for more formal events when paired with the right accessories and embellishments.
• Tulle: Tulle is inherently associated with formal occasions and special events. Its delicate and ethereal appearance makes it a popular choice for bridal wear, ballerina tutus, and other elegant garments. Tulle’s romantic and whimsical nature adds a sense of formality to any outfit or decoration.

Occasion

• Voile: Voile is versatile and can be used for various occasions. Its lightweight and breathable properties make it perfect for everyday wear, casual outings, beach vacations, and summer gatherings. Voile dresses, skirts, and blouses are popular choices for comfortable and stylish clothing during warmer months.
• Tulle: Tulle is commonly used for specific occasions and events that call for a touch of elegance and charm. Its main applications include bridal wear, prom dresses, cocktail dresses, and formal evening gowns. Tulle is also widely used for crafting decorations for weddings, parties, and other special celebrations.

Wrinkling

• Voile: Voile is prone to wrinkling due to its lightweight and soft nature. While its wrinkles can be easily smoothed out with ironing or steaming, it is essential to handle voile garments with care to maintain their pristine appearance.
• Tulle: Tulle is less prone to wrinkling due to its net-like structure, which allows it to hold its shape better than fabrics with a looser weave. However, like any delicate fabric, tulle should be stored and handled properly to prevent creases and damage.

Maintenance

• Voile: Voile is relatively easy to maintain and is often machine washable. However, to prevent excessive wrinkling and prolong the fabric’s life, it is best to use a gentle cycle and low heat when drying. Some voile blends may require special care instructions, so it’s essential to check the fabric label before washing.
• Tulle: Tulle requires more delicate care than voile. Due to its delicate nature, tulle is often recommended for handwashing or dry cleaning. Washing tulle in a machine can cause snagging or damage to its net-like structure. Hanging tulle garments carefully to dry can help maintain their shape and appearance.

Cost

• Voile: Voile is generally an affordable fabric, especially when made from cotton or cotton blends. The cost of voile can vary based on factors like the thread count, blend, and brand. It is a cost-effective option for creating comfortable and stylish summer clothing.
• Tulle: Tulle’s cost can vary depending on the material used (e.g., silk tulle tends to be more expensive than synthetic tulle) and its quality. Due to its popularity in formal wear and bridal fashion, high-quality tulle may be relatively more expensive compared to voile.

Availability

• Voile: Voile is widely available in fabric stores and online retailers. Its popularity and demand make it relatively easy to find in various colors, prints, and blends. Additionally, voile is commonly used in clothing production, contributing to its accessibility.
• Tulle: Tulle is also readily available in the market, especially in specialized fabric stores catering to bridal and special occasion needs. It can be found in different colors, widths, and materials, making it convenient for various crafting and sewing projects.

Environmental Impact

• Voile: The environmental impact of voile can vary depending on the source of the cotton and the manufacturing process. While cotton is a natural fiber, conventional cotton farming may involve the use of pesticides and water-intensive practices. Opting for organic cotton voile can help reduce its environmental footprint.
• Tulle: The environmental impact of tulle primarily depends on the material used. Synthetic tulle, made from materials like nylon and polyester, has a higher environmental impact due to its production process and slow degradation in landfills. However, eco-friendly tulle made from sustainable materials can be a more environmentally conscious choice.

Versatility

• Voile: Voile is a versatile fabric that can be used for a wide range of clothing items. It is suitable for making dresses, skirts, blouses, scarves, and other garments. It can also be used for home decor projects like curtains, pillow covers, and tablecloths.
• Tulle: Tulle is highly versatile, but its applications are more specific. While it is popular for bridal wear and special occasion dresses, tulle’s lightweight and sheer nature also make it ideal for crafting decorations, gift wrapping, and creating delicate overlays for various items.

Textile Crafts

• Voile: Voile is well-suited for various textile crafts. Its soft texture and ease of handling make it a good choice for sewing projects, including quilting, patchwork, and garment construction. Its semi-sheer quality also makes it suitable for layering and adding a touch of elegance to various designs.
• Tulle: Tulle is a favorite in the world of textile crafts. Its unique texture and sheer appearance make it perfect for creating decorative elements, such as bows, ribbons, and ruffles. Crafters use tulle for embellishing clothing, making hair accessories, and crafting decorations for weddings, parties, and festive events.

Time Period

• Voile: Voile has been used for many years and is not limited to any specific time period. It has been a popular choice for comfortable and fashionable clothing across various fashion eras, with its lightweight and breathable properties making it enduringly relevant.
• Tulle: Tulle has historical significance and has been used in various forms throughout different periods. It gained popularity in the 19th century as a fabric for bridal veils and formal wear. Its association with elegance and romanticism has made it a timeless choice for special occasions.

Global Appeal

• Voile: Voile has a global appeal and is used in many cultures around the world. Its versatile nature and suitability for warm weather make it popular in regions with hot climates, as well as in countries with diverse fashion preferences.
• Tulle: Tulle’s global appeal is particularly strong in the context of formal events and bridal wear. Its use in weddings and special occasions is widespread, making it a symbol of romance and celebration in various cultures across the globe.

Voile Vs Tulle: Comparison Table

Aspect	Voile	Tulle
Fabric Type	Lightweight, plain woven	Net-like
Material	100% cotton or cotton blend	Silk, nylon, rayon, polyester
Thread Count	High	N/A
Hand Feel	Silky soft	N/A
Common Use	Summer clothing	Bridal veils, tutus, special occasions
Sheerness	Semi-sheer	Highly sheer
Structure	Plain weave	Open weave (net-like)
Transparency	Moderate	High
Draping	Soft and fluid	Stiffer
Weight	Lightweight	Lightweight
Breathability	Excellent	Good
Durability	Moderate	Moderate
Stretch	Limited	Limited
Colors	Wide range available	Wide range available
Texture	Smooth	Fine and textured
Formality	Suitable for casual and dressy	Suitable for formal occasions
Occasion	Everyday wear and summer outfits	Bridal wear and special events
Wrinkling	Prone to wrinkles	Prone to wrinkles
Maintenance	Machine washable	Delicate hand wash or dry clean
Cost	Affordable	Varied (depending on material)
Availability	Readily available	Readily available
Environmental Impact	Natural fiber (cotton)	Synthetic and natural fibers
Versatility	Versatile for various garments	Primarily used for specific items
Textile Crafts	Suitable for sewing and draping	Ideal for crafting and decorations
Time Period	Used for many years	Historic and modern usage
Global Appeal	Worldwide usage	Global popularity in fashion

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

Voile and tulle exemplify the diversity of fabrics and their ability to cater to various needs and occasions.

Voile’s lightweight, breathable, and soft properties make it a practical and stylish choice for summer wear, while tulle’s sheer and delicate nature infuses a touch of elegance into special events and decorations.

Both fabrics have their distinctive advantages, be it voile’s versatility for everyday fashion or tulle’s timeless allure in formal settings.

As fashion trends evolve and creativity flourishes, these two fabrics will continue to captivate designers and enthusiasts, proving that their beauty lies in their unique roles within the textile realm.