Drem is one of those fabrics the viewer is never meant to see. Its job is to act as an invisible scaffold that holds everything else together: embroidery, appliques, the shape of the bodice. Drem is the reason today's bridal salons can offer "second-skin" gowns, naked backs and sheer necklines where flowers seem to float in mid-air. Inbal Dror, Berta, Galia Lahav and Pnina Tornai build many of their most iconic styles around it. This guide covers everything about this technical fabric from A to Z.
What is drem: composition and structure
Drem is a synthetic mesh fabric with a tiny 1–2 mm cell size, made from 100% polyester or polyamide. It has a structural feel: it holds shape but does not stretch (rigid types) or has slight elasticity (stretch types). The 280 cm width allows large pattern pieces to be cut without seams.
3 main types of drem
1. Rigid drem (for structure)
The densest version (60–80 gsm). Holds the bodice shape without extra boning on lighter silhouettes. Used as the inner layer of a corset, the base for fusing appliques and the skirt scaffold. No stretch.
2. Soft drem (for the illusion of bare skin)
Light (30–40 gsm), semi-sheer, in nude tones. Creates the "second skin" effect: appliques, lace and beading sit on top, producing the look of a bare neckline or back. The most popular type in bridal salons.
3. Stretch mesh (with elastane)
Drem with 5–10% elastane. Stretches with body movement. Used for illusion sleeves, inserts in fitted gowns and nude-tone necklines.
Drem properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Composition | 100% polyester, polyamide, +elastane (stretch) |
| Density | 30–80 gsm |
| Width | 280 cm (sometimes 150) |
| Cell size | 1–2 mm |
| Sheerness | Very high (almost invisible) |
| Colours | Nude, white, ivory, black |
| Care | Delicate wash at 30 °C |
Where drem is used in bridal
- Bodice base — inner layer that holds shape without visible boning
- Illusion back — fine mesh with appliques, the look of bare skin
- Sheer neckline — lace appears to "float" on nude drem
- Illusion sleeves — long but semi-sheer
- Foundation for 3D appliques — flowers and leaves attach to invisible mesh
- Corset shoulder — support without straps
- Skirt scaffold — holds volume without heavy tulle
Inter Tex tip: for the "second skin" effect, always match the drem shade to the bride's skin tone. Inter Tex stocks 5–7 nude shades, from porcelain to deep mocha.
Designers who use drem
- Inbal Dror — pioneer of the illusion-back effect on drem
- Berta — couture gowns with sheer corsets
- Galia Lahav — fine illusion sleeves
- Pnina Tornai — dramatic necklines with appliques
- Naeem Khan — 3D embroidery that seems to float
Drem vs tulle, chiffon, guipure
| Parameter | Drem | Tulle | Chiffon | Guipure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheerness | Very high | High | Medium | Low |
| Density (gsm) | 30–80 | 30–60 | 30–60 | 80–150 |
| Stiffness | High | Medium | Low | Low |
| Stretch | Usually no | No | No | No |
| Seam visibility | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
| Purpose | Foundation | Skirt volume | Layers/top | Decor |
Looking for drem wholesale?
Inter Tex stocks rigid, soft and stretch drem in 5+ colours. 280 cm width, free swatches. Wholesale from 10 m.
How to sew with drem: 5 tips
- Fine needles size 70 — heavier needles leave visible holes.
- Cut on the straight grain — drem doesn't stretch (except the stretch type), so bias cuts make no sense.
- Skip the overlock — edges don't fray and overlocking leaves a visible seam.
- Hand-sew appliques — keeps the attachment invisible.
- Use a short machine stitch (1.5–2 mm) — less visible.
Mistake: ironing with a hot iron. Drem is synthetic and melts at 110–120 °C. Use a vertical steamer only, holding it 15–20 cm away.
How to wash and care for drem
Washing: hand-wash in cool water with mild detergent, or machine wash in a delicates bag at 30 °C, no spin. Drying: flat on a towel, away from sunlight. Ironing: not allowed — steamer only. Storage: finished gown on a wide hanger inside a garment bag, never folded.
Drem prices in 2026
| Drem type | Price, $/m | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Soft (nude for "bare skin") | $2–4 | Basic |
| Rigid (for structure) | $3–6 | Mid |
| Stretch mesh | $5–8 | Premium |
| Imported (Italy, Korea) | $8–16+ | Couture |
Inter Tex carries drem in nude (5+ shades), white, ivory and black. Wholesale from 10 m — 15–20% off. Free 5×5 and 10×10 cm swatches.
