Voile
Voile
Pronunciation: VOYL
A soft, sheer, plain-weave fabric with a crisp hand, lighter and more transparent than cotton, used for delicate overlays.
What Is Voile?
Voile (from the French word for "veil") is a plain-weave fabric made from highly twisted yarns that are spaced further apart than in a standard weave, creating a semi-transparent, lightweight cloth with a distinctive crispness. Unlike chiffon or georgette which use a crepe twist for a soft, flowing drape, voile's plain weave and high-twist yarns give it a slight body that holds its shape while still being translucent. The fabric can be made from cotton, polyester, silk, or blends.
In lingerie, voile occupies a specific niche as a sheer overlay fabric that adds visual delicacy without the slip of chiffon or the stiffness of organza. It is used for babydoll skirt panels, robe overlays, gathered trim around necklines and hems, and sheer accent panels on bodysuits. Cotton voile is particularly popular in Indian lingerie because it breathes well in humid weather while adding a romantic, barely-there visual layer over more structured pieces underneath.
The crispness of voile is what sets it apart from other sheer fabrics. Where chiffon puddles and flows, voile holds gentle volume — think of the gathered skirt of a babydoll that floats away from the body rather than clinging to it. This airiness is what makes voile ideal for silhouettes that need movement and lift. The fabric can be gathered, pleated, or ruffled while maintaining a structured fullness that softer sheers collapse out of.
Cotton voile should be hand washed in cold water and ironed while damp on a low setting, as the high-twist yarns can develop creases that are difficult to remove once dry. Polyester voile is more forgiving and can go through a gentle machine cycle. Both types should be stored flat or on padded hangers, as the lightweight fabric can stretch on sharp hanger edges. Voile can snag on rough surfaces, so handle it away from jewellery, velcro, and sharp fingernails.
How to Wear & Style
Voile works best as a layering element. A babydoll with a voile skirt worn over a lace bralette and brief set creates a romantic, three-dimensional look. A voile-trimmed robe adds an ethereal quality to morning lounging. For bridal lingerie, white or ivory voile gathered at the bust of a chemise creates a soft, virginal aesthetic. The fabric's crispness means it photographs beautifully, catching light at its edges and creating gentle, defined shadows.
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Browse BabydollsFrequently Asked Questions
What is voile?
A soft, sheer, plain-weave fabric with a crisp hand, lighter and more transparent than cotton, used for delicate overlays.
What is the difference between voile and chiffon?
Both are sheer fabrics, but voile is a plain weave with a slightly crisp hand and a matte finish, while chiffon uses a more complex crepe twist that gives it a softer drape and slightly textured surface. Voile holds its shape better and is easier to sew, while chiffon is more fluid and slippery. Voile is often cotton or cotton-blend, while chiffon is typically silk or polyester.
Is voile see-through enough to require a lining?
Yes. Voile is intentionally semi-transparent to fully transparent depending on the weave density and yarn count. In lingerie, voile is used as an overlay fabric over opaque panels, as a decorative layer on robes, or as a standalone sheer element where transparency is the design intent. If modesty coverage is needed, voile requires a lining or must be layered over a solid garment.