David Koma Cady Dresses: What Cady Fabric Is, and Why Koma Uses It

The short answer: cady is a dense, finely ribbed woven fabric with a dry, matte face, close to a heavy crepe. Stretch cady adds a little elastane so it holds the body. David Koma uses a stretch cady of 50% viscose, 47% acetate and 3% elastane for his close evening shapes, including the new Crystal Star And Straps Mini Dress In White. Shop them at David Koma at Coveti and in designer dresses.

Search interest in David Koma cady dresses has risen through 2026, and it is easy to see why. Cady is what makes the house look so clean: there is no sheen to show a seam, and the weight of the cloth pulls the line straight from bust to hem. It is also the perfect ground for crystal hardware, because the matte surface makes every crystal brighter.

What is cady fabric?

Cady (sometimes written cadi) is a woven fabric made with tightly twisted yarns, which give it a subtle crossways rib and a firm, springy hand. Traditionally it was silk. Today most evening cady is viscose and acetate, with elastane for stretch. It drapes, but it does not cling the way jersey does, and it does not crease easily.

Cady vs crepe vs satin

Our picks

1. Crystal Star And Straps Mini Dress In White

White stretch cady, an asymmetric neckline, crystal straps and one silver crystal star. New this month.

2. Crystal Pendant Halterneck Gown In Black

Black stretch cady with a satin panel, floor length, with a crystal pendant at the halter. New this month.

3. Crystal Star And Straps Mini Dress

The star and straps mini in red stretch cady.

4. Crystal Stars Halter Gown

Black stretch cady with crystal stars at the halter neck.

5. Drape Overlay And Star Midi Dress

Black stretch cady, sleeveless, with a crystal star at the neck and a satin drape overlay.

6. Crystal Strap Detail Midi Dress

Black stretch cady with crystal straps, a curved V neck and a tulle insert.

7. Crystal Leaf And Halter Mini Dress

White cady with a halter neck and a silver crystal leaf.

8. Crystal Rose Halter Midi Dress

White stretch cady with a plunging tulle insert and a 3D crystal rose.

9. Lace Rose Embroidered Gown In White

White stretch cady, square neck, a 3D lace rose and a thigh-high slit.

10. Crystal Leaf Embroidered Short Sleeve Midi Dress

Soft pink cady with short sleeves and a crystal leaf at the neck.

How cady fits and how to care for it

Stretch cady gives a little, but it is not jersey. Take your usual UK size, and choose by the hip when you are between two. Cady is delicate dry clean only. Steam it lightly from the inside and store it flat. See our David Koma size guide, the materials and care guide and the David Koma glossary for every other fabric the house uses.

David Koma: key facts

• Designer: David Koma, Georgian born and London based.
• Training: Central Saint Martins MA, graduated 2009, the year the label launched.
• Career: creative director of Mugler, then of Blumarine.
• Made in: mostly the United Kingdom.
• Sizing: UK sizes on dresses, letter sizes on knits. See the size guide.
• This guide: David Koma stretch cady is 50% viscose, 47% acetate and 3% elastane.

The Coveti verdict

Our pick is the white crystal star cady mini. Cady is the reason David Koma looks expensive from across a room. It hangs straight, it hides seams, and it makes silver crystal look brighter. If you are new to the house, a cady mini is the right first piece, and the white star mini is the one we would choose this season. Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor, Coveti.

Frequently asked questions

What is cady fabric made of?

Traditionally silk. David Koma stretch cady is 50% viscose, 47% acetate and 3% elastane.

Is cady the same as crepe?

They are close. Cady is heavier and firmer with a fine rib; crepe is lighter, grainier and more fluid.

Does cady stretch?

Stretch cady has a small amount of elastane, so it gives a little and recovers. Plain cady does not stretch.

Does cady wrinkle?

Very little. The twisted yarns make it springy, which is why it travels well for evening.

Which David Koma cady dress is new?

The Crystal Star And Straps Mini Dress In White and the Crystal Pendant Halterneck Gown In Black, both added in October 2026.