Brocade is a group of richly ornate shuttle-woven fabrics, often made in coloured silks and woven with gold and silver threads. The material is often used for evening and formal clothing. The textile itself dates back to the Byzantine Empire and can be seen to be having a resurgence in the fashion world, including appearing at last year’s London Fashion Week.
How should you wear brocade?
If you have a fuller figure it is a good idea to showcase brocade on the part of your body which you consider your best feature. For example, if you have a slender waist but a fuller lower half, then you may wish to wear a pinched-in jacket with a larger-scale pattern, as this will be more flattering.
If you have a very straight figure, then it may be a good idea to avoid an outfit with brocade which is too boxy, as this can be unbecoming. It is best to find an outfit that uses volume cleverly; with designed curves and cuts that hug the body.
For those among us with a stomach, brocade can be a very useful fabric to wear. However, it is important to be careful about wearing anything too shiny or brocade that pulls tight around the stomach. The best plan is to wear brocade below the waist, perhaps a flowy, long-length skirt, as any other styles can highlight the stomach too much.
For people with generous hips and thighs, it is important to find a style that shows off your waist, as this will help balance your figure. This is because brocade tends to be quite a thick fabric and can add inches to the lower half of the body. For ladies with a fuller bust, again the trick is to wear brocade below the waist. It is best to avoid wide lapels or brocade collars, as these can exaggerate the chest.
For anyone interested in this versatile fabric, Empire Textiles does offer an exclusive range of expertly made products from 100% cotton; including Princess Brocade and Getzner Brocade, all available in an array of colourful prints, with designs for ladies and gents.