Tulle is a very lightweight, sheer netting fabric made from fine threads formed into a tiny honeycomb or hexagon mesh. Today most dress tulle is made from nylon or polyester, which lets it hold volume while staying airy, so it is the fabric behind full ball gown skirts, soft A-line layers and sparkly glitter overlays. If you are shopping for a tulle prom dress, here is what tulle is, how it compares with chiffon and organza, and how to care for it.
What Is Tulle Fabric?
Tulle is a fine net. Instead of a solid weave, threads are looped into small open cells, which is why you can see light through it. On its own, one layer is almost transparent and slightly crisp; stacked in many layers, tulle builds volume without much weight. That is why it is used for prom gowns, wedding dresses, veils and ballet tutus.
What is tulle made of?
Tulle can be made from silk, nylon, polyester or rayon. Silk tulle is the softest and most expensive and is mostly used in bridal. Nylon and polyester tulle are the most common for prom and formal dresses because they are durable, hold their shape well and come in nearly any color.
Soft tulle vs. stiff tulle
Not all tulle feels the same. Soft tulle (sometimes called English net or illusion) drapes and moves, and is used for overlays, sleeves and flowing skirts. Stiffer tulle has more body and is used under skirts to create a full ball gown shape.
Types of Tulle on Prom Dresses
- Plain tulle: layers of solid-color tulle for a classic, airy skirt.
- Glitter tulle: tulle with fine glitter printed or bonded on, for subtle all-over sparkle.
- Embroidered or floral tulle: tulle with stitched or appliqued flowers.
- Beaded tulle: tulle with beads, pearls or crystals sewn on.
The Meri Gown is a strapless layered tulle A-line dress, a good example of plain tulle layers. For sparkle, the Noelle Gown is an A-line glitter tulle dress, and the Fernanda Gown is a floral glitter tulle A-line dress. For beaded tulle, the Marisol Gown is a pearl beaded glitter tulle ball gown, and the Wynter Gown is a crystal-embellished A-line tulle dress.
Tulle vs. Chiffon vs. Organza
These three sheer fabrics are easy to mix up, but they look and feel different.
Tulle vs. chiffon
Tulle is a net with visible tiny holes and a little crispness; chiffon is a smooth, flowing woven fabric that drapes close to the body. Choose tulle for volume and a fairytale look, and chiffon for soft, floaty movement. Compare styles in our chiffon prom dresses or read our guide to chiffon prom dresses.
Tulle vs. organza
Organza is a sheer, tightly woven fabric with a crisp hand and a subtle sheen. It holds sculpted shapes like ruffles and structured skirts. Tulle is lighter and more open, so it creates softer, cloud-like volume.
Tulle vs. mesh
Mesh is a broader term for any open, net-like fabric, often stretchy and used in activewear. Tulle is a fine, formal type of netting that is usually not stretchy.
Why Tulle Works So Well for Prom
Tulle gives you the most drama for the least weight. A full tulle skirt moves beautifully on the dance floor, photographs with depth and catches light, especially in glitter versions. Because it is sheer, designers can layer it in different colors or lengths for a soft ombre effect.
Tulle also pairs well with structured tops. The Jolia Gown is an A-line corset tulle dress offered in colors such as Mauve, Eggplant, Navy and Gold, and the Yasmin Gown in Navy is a tulle A-line dress with a pleated bodice. For a statement look, the Lilith Gown is an A-line tulle dress with gloves in Black, Navy and Red, and the Andrea and Leo A1053 Leila Gown is a one-shoulder A-line tulle gown.
Browse every style in our tulle prom dresses, or see our sparkly prom dresses for more glitter tulle options.
Is Tulle Comfortable to Wear?
Most tulle prom dresses are comfortable because the tulle sits over a smooth lining, so it never touches your skin directly. Tulle is light, so even a full skirt is easier to dance in than a heavy satin ball gown. If you have sensitive skin, check that sleeves or illusion panels are made from soft tulle, and choose a style with a lined bodice.
How to Get Wrinkles Out of Tulle
The easiest way to get wrinkles out of tulle is to steam it. Tulle is made from synthetic fibers that can melt under a hot iron, so steam is safer and faster.
- Hang it first: many creases fall out on their own after a day on a padded hanger.
- Steam gently: hold a handheld steamer a few inches from the fabric and keep it moving; work from the inside of the skirt when possible.
- Use the shower trick: hang the dress in a steamy bathroom for 15 to 20 minutes if you do not have a steamer.
- If you must iron: use the lowest setting, place a pressing cloth between the iron and the tulle, and never iron glitter or beaded tulle.
For more on cleaning and storing gowns, see our guide on how to care for formal dresses.
FAQ
What does tulle mean?
Tulle is the name for a fine, lightweight netting fabric. The name is commonly linked to the city of Tulle in France, which was known for lace and net making.
Can you steam tulle?
Yes. Steaming is the best way to remove wrinkles from tulle. Keep the steamer moving and slightly away from the fabric.
Is tulle itchy?
Tulle can feel slightly scratchy on bare skin, but most prom dresses have a smooth lining under the tulle, so it is comfortable to wear all night.
Is tulle the same as lace?
No. Tulle is a plain net, while lace has a decorative pattern. Many dresses combine the two, with lace motifs stitched onto a tulle base. Learn more in our guide to the types of lace.
Does tulle snag easily?
Tulle can catch on jewelry, zippers and rough surfaces, so choose smooth accessories and store the dress in a breathable garment bag.
Shop Tulle Prom Dresses
Now that you know what tulle is, you can pick the version that fits your prom 2027 vision: classic layered tulle, glitter tulle or beaded tulle. Shop our tulle prom dresses and all prom dresses online, or visit our boutique in Hudson, MA to see how different tulle styles move in person.
