Floral Jacquard Dresses: What Jacquard Is and How to Wear It

Jacquard is a fabric in which the pattern is woven into the cloth rather than printed on top, using a loom that lifts each warp thread on its own. A floral jacquard dress therefore has a raised, slightly textured flower pattern with real depth, and it holds its shape better than a printed fabric. The Sandra Mansour Feline collection, at Sandra Mansour at Coveti, has two of the most striking examples this season.

Jacquard vs brocade vs printed floral

A printed floral sits on the surface of a smooth fabric. A jacquard is woven, so the flowers are part of the structure and you can feel them. Brocade is a type of jacquard with extra weft threads, often metallic, that make the pattern look embossed. If you love the effect, see our guide to brocade dresses.

The floral jacquard dresses to buy

1. Obsession Dress in Floral Jacquard

A long, fitted floral jacquard dress with an open back and a side slit.

2. Spellbound Dress in Floral Jacquard

The midi version, fitted with a low back. Ideal for a summer wedding and a cocktail evening.

The same collection uses brocade for the Heatwave Dress and the Slow Burn Dress, both in pink.

Why jacquard suits a fitted dress

Because the pattern is woven in, jacquard is denser and more stable than most printed fabrics. That makes it ideal for a fitted column and a sheath: it smooths over the body instead of clinging, it does not crease easily and it keeps a sharp line at the seams. It also means a jacquard dress has two good sides, so designers sometimes show the reverse of the weave at a slit and a lapel.

Where to wear floral jacquard

• Summer wedding: a midi floral jacquard is one of the best wedding guest choices, polished without being formal.
• Garden party and races: the woven texture reads well in daylight; add a simple sandal.
• Evening event: a long jacquard column with a slit works for black tie optional.

How to style floral jacquard

The pattern is busy enough on its own, so pick one colour from the flowers and match the shoe and the bag to it. Gold jewellery suits warm, multicoloured jacquard; keep it to a cuff and small earrings. Because jacquard holds its shape, a fitted column is the most flattering cut.

Caring for jacquard

Dry clean only, and store on a padded hanger with space around it so the woven pattern is not crushed. Steam from the inside, never iron directly on the face of the fabric.

For more evening florals see our edit of designer evening gowns and designer midi dresses.

Frequently asked questions

What is a jacquard dress?

A jacquard dress is made from fabric where the pattern is woven into the cloth on a jacquard loom, rather than printed onto it.

Is jacquard the same as brocade?

Brocade is a type of jacquard. It adds extra, often metallic, threads that make the pattern look raised and embossed.

Is a floral jacquard dress formal?

Yes. Woven jacquard has a rich, structured look that suits weddings, cocktail evenings and formal events.

How do you care for a jacquard dress?

Dry clean it, store it on a padded hanger with room around it, and steam from the inside rather than ironing the face.