Fancy Fabrics

Discover our collection of fancy and special-effect fabrics by the metre, designed to create striking visual effects through sequins, glitter, metallic yarns, iridescent and holographic finishes, laminations, textured surfaces and other decorative details.

At Ribes & Casals, you'll find special-effect fabrics on a wide variety of textile bases and constructions. What they share is their decorative and eye-catching character, making them ideal for partywear, occasionwear, fancy dress, carnival, stagewear, accessories and creative sewing projects.

What are fancy and special-effect fabrics?

The term fancy fabric does not refer to one specific fibre, weave or textile construction. It is a broad commercial category covering fabrics that feature decorative elements, shine, texture or unusual surface effects.

The base fabric may be tulle, jersey, woven fabric, mesh, organza, velvet or another textile construction.

Sequin fabrics

Sequin fabrics feature small reflective elements sewn, embroidered or otherwise attached to the surface. Sequins may be tonal, multicoloured, holographic or available in different shapes and sizes.

Depending on their density and arrangement, the effect can range from subtle shimmer to a highly dramatic finish, making these fabrics ideal for dresses, skirts, tops, costumes and stagewear.

Glitter and metallic fabrics

This collection also includes glitter fabrics and metallic fabrics, where shine is created using special yarns, coatings, laminated finishes, glitter applications or other reflective techniques.

Effects can include gold, silver, multicoloured, holographic and iridescent finishes.

Iridescent and holographic fabrics

Iridescent fabrics appear to change colour depending on the angle of the light and the viewer, while holographic finishes create multicoloured reflections across the surface.

These fabrics are particularly popular for partywear, dance costumes, carnival, stagewear and creative fashion projects.

Special-effect fabrics on different textile bases

Fancy and special-effect fabrics can be constructed in very different ways. Sequin tulle may be light and sheer, while laminated jersey or a textured woven fabric may provide greater body, stretch or opacity.

Always check the individual product page for details of fibre composition, width, weight, stretch, transparency and drape.

What can you make with fancy fabrics?

• Party and occasion dresses
• Skirts and tops
• Jackets and statement pieces
• Fancy dress and carnival costumes
• Dancewear and performance costumes
• Theatre and stagewear
• Accessories
• Displays and decorative projects
• Creative sewing and crafts

Fancy fabrics for partywear and occasionwear

Fancy fabrics for partywear are ideal for garments where the textile itself is intended to make a statement. Sequins, metallic finishes, glitter and textured details add light, movement and visual impact to dresses, skirts, tops and coordinated outfits.

Fancy fabrics for costumes and stagewear

Glitter, sequins, holographic finishes and bold colours are also widely used as fabrics for fancy dress, carnival and stagewear, particularly where a strong effect is needed under lighting.

Buy fancy and special-effect fabric by the metre online

Explore our range of fancy and special-effect fabrics by the metre, including sequin, glitter, metallic, holographic, iridescent and other decorative fabrics.

Choose the right design for your project and buy fancy fabric online by the metre, ordering exactly the quantity you need.