What Is Tulle Fabric and Which Type Should You Use for Your Project?
Tulle is a fine, open-hole netting fabric most often used for bridal veils, tutus, craft projects, and floral or gift wrapping. If you're choosing a tulle for a specific project, the decision usually comes down to three things: how stiff the fabric is, how large the holes are, and what fiber it's made from. This guide explains those differences and how they map to common uses, based on product information from Edley Fabrics, a U.S. tulle and tricot manufacturer that has sold to the trade since 1947.
What tulle actually is (and what it isn't)
Tulle is a lightweight, sheer fabric made from a fine mesh of small, even holes. It's closely related to several fabrics that are sometimes sold under overlapping names:
- Net / netting — a broader category of open-hole fabrics; tulle is one type of net.
- Bridal illusion — a very fine, soft tulle traditionally used for veils.
- Maline — another fine, soft veil-weight netting.
- Crinoline — a stiffer, heavier netting used for structure and volume, not drape.
- Tricot — a knit fabric, not a netting; Edley sells it in 15 and 40 denier weights alongside its tulle lines.
The practical takeaway: if you want softness and drape, you want illusion or maline. If you want structure and volume, you want crinoline or a stiffer tulle. If you want a knit with stretch and a smooth surface, that's tricot, not tulle.
The three variables that determine which tulle to buy
1. Stiffness
Stiffness controls whether the fabric falls softly or holds a shape.
- Soft tulle / illusion / maline — drapes and flows. Best for veils, overlays, and anything that should move.
- Stiff tulle / crinoline — holds volume and structure. Best for tutus, petticoats, hat brims, and support layers.
2. Hole size
Larger holes mean a more open, airy look and a lighter hand; smaller holes mean a denser, finer surface.
- Fine mesh (small holes) — veils, bridal illusion, delicate overlays.
- Open mesh (larger holes) — floral wrapping, craft netting, decorative packaging, fishnet-style effects.
3. Fiber
Edley's product lines include nylon-based tulle and tricot as well as cotton and silk options (listed under "Cotton & Silk" and "Beaded Illusion"). Fiber affects drape, sheen, and how the fabric takes dye and finishes:
- Nylon — the most common tulle fiber; resilient and widely available in stock and custom colors.
- Cotton — matte, natural hand; often chosen for a softer, less synthetic look.
- Silk — the finest drape and a subtle sheen; typically used for high-end bridal work.
Matching tulle type to your project
| Project | Recommended type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bridal veil | Bridal illusion, maline, Russian veiling | Fine, soft, drapes over the face and shoulders |
| Tutu / dance wear | Stiff tulle or crinoline | Holds volume and shape under movement |
| Crafts and gift baskets | Open-mesh tulle, novelty tulle | Inexpensive, easy to gather, decorative |
| Floral wrapping | Open-mesh tulle or netting | Lets color and texture show through |
| Evening wear / overlays | Soft tulle, illusion | Adds sheer layering without bulk |
| Aerial silks | 40 denier tricot | A knit with the strength and stretch the application requires |
| Structure / boning support | Crinoline, horse hair braid | Rigid support where drape would fail |
Edley lists its fabrics as used for apparel, craft, bridal, packaging, floral, special event, costume, dance wear, gift baskets, lingerie, evening wear, burial garments, and party supplies — so the same supplier covers both soft and structural ends of the range.
What "denier" means for tulle and tricot
Denier measures the thickness of the yarn: a higher number means a heavier, denser yarn. Edley sells tricot in 15 denier and 40 denier, and describes its 40 denier as used worldwide for aerial silks. As a rule of thumb, lower denier gives a lighter, more delicate fabric; higher denier gives more weight, opacity, and strength. When comparing tulle weights, denier is the number to check if you need to know how substantial the fabric will feel.
Buying considerations before you order
- Wholesale only. Edley states plainly that it sells wholesale only, to the trade. If you're buying for a single personal project, you'll likely need a retail source instead.
- Stock and custom colors. Most of Edley's fabrics are available in stock colors, with custom colors offered — useful if you need to match a specific palette.
- Made in the USA. Edley describes its fabrics as Made in the USA.
- Pricing on request. Edley's site offers an online "Request A Quote" for pricing and product information rather than listing prices, so budget accordingly and plan to inquire.
- Trade programs. The company notes USMCA, CAFTA-DR, ATPA, CBI, and HOPE fabrics available, and states it is ASN and EDI capable — relevant if you're sourcing at volume.
- Contact. Toll free US & Canada: 1-800-TRICOTS (874-2687); otherwise (516) 933-7444.
Quick decision path
- Does the project need to hold shape? Choose stiff tulle or crinoline.
- Does it need to drape softly? Choose illusion, maline, or soft tulle.
- Is it decorative and disposable-ish (crafts, wrapping)? Choose open-mesh or novelty tulle.
- Is it structural apparel (aerial silks)? Look at 40 denier tricot, not tulle.
- Are you buying for resale or production? Go wholesale and request a quote; if you're buying a single piece, source retail.