Crepe vs Georgette vs Chiffon: Which Wholesale Fabric to Choose
Crepe, georgette, and chiffon are India's three most popular polyester wholesale fabrics — each suited for different garment types, drape requirements, and price points. Choosing the right one for your boutique or manufacturing business directly affects your customer's satisfaction and your bottom line. This guide breaks down their differences with detailed comparison.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Crepe | Georgette | Chiffon |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSM Range | 60-120 | 60-100 | 35-70 |
| Opacity | Semi-opaque to opaque | Semi-opaque | Sheer / translucent |
| Drape | Structured flow | Soft flow with slight crinkle | Ultra-soft, gathered |
| Texture | Crinkled / pebbled | Slight crepe texture | Smooth, light |
| Wholesale Price/m | ₹55-180 | ₹65-150 | ₹45-110 |
| Best Garment | Kurtis, palazzos, lehengas | Sarees, kurtis, dresses | Sarees, dupattas, gowns |
| Iron Tolerance | Low heat | Low heat | Very low heat |
Crepe — The All-Rounder
Characteristics
Crepe (polycrepe) has a distinctive crinkled or pebbled surface texture created during weaving. It's the most versatile of the three — offering structured drape with enough flow for most garment types.
Best Use Cases
- Kurtis & kurta sets: The #1 fabric for Indian kurti production
- Palazzos: Holds shape for tailored palazzo pants
- Lehengas (heavy crepe): Heavier 100-120 GSM works for bridal lehengas
- Co-ord sets: Consistent texture across kurta + bottom
- Dupattas: Medium-weight crepe drapes beautifully
When to Avoid Crepe
- Lightweight summer sarees (use chiffon/georgette instead)
- Lingerie or innerwear (texture too pronounced)
- Bedding/upholstery (not designed for that)
Browse Crepe Collections
Top sellers: Blue Crepe, Green Crepe, Red Crepe, Black Crepe
Georgette — The Flowing Saree Specialist
Characteristics
Georgette is lighter than crepe with a slight crepe-like texture but more flow. It's slightly transparent on its own — typically lined for opacity. The signature "georgette movement" makes it the #1 saree fabric in India.
Best Use Cases
- Sarees: Indian wholesale saree market is 60% georgette
- Anarkali kurtis: The flow enhances the silhouette
- Designer dresses: Maxi dresses, evening gowns
- Dupattas: Lightweight, drapes beautifully
- Layered designs: Lehenga choli dupattas, blouse overlays
When to Avoid Georgette
- Tailored structured kurtis (use crepe)
- Pants/palazzos (lacks structure)
- Heavy embroidery base (use crepe or satin)
Browse Georgette
Available: White Georgette and more by request.
Chiffon — The Ultra-Light Sheer
Characteristics
Chiffon is the lightest and most translucent of the three — only 35-70 GSM. It's almost weightless, with a soft drape that gathers and ripples beautifully. Always layered or lined for modesty.
Best Use Cases
- Summer sarees: The breathability is unmatched
- Dupattas: Lightweight, ethereal feel
- Anarkali overlays: Sheer layer over heavier base
- Evening gowns: Cascading layers for dramatic effect
- Blouse overlays / yokes: Decorative sheer panels
When to Avoid Chiffon
- Tailored garments (too lightweight)
- Daily-wear kurtis (delicate, requires gentle handling)
- Heavy embroidery (will pull/distort)
Browse Chiffon
Available: White Chiffon and more by request.
Decision Framework: Which One Should You Buy?
If you make kurtis:
Choose crepe. 80% of Indian kurti boutiques use crepe as their primary fabric.
If you make sarees:
Choose georgette or chiffon. Georgette for everyday/festive, chiffon for summer/light occasions.
If you make bridal lehengas:
Choose heavy crepe (100-120 GSM) as the base for embroidery. Or use satin for higher sheen.
If you run a multi-product boutique:
Stock all three. Most successful Indian boutiques carry 60% crepe, 25% georgette, 15% chiffon by volume.
Care Comparison
| Care | Crepe | Georgette | Chiffon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wash | Machine gentle | Machine gentle | Hand wash only |
| Iron temp | Low | Low | Very low |
| Bleach | No | No | Never |
| Storage | Hanging or folded | Hanging preferred | Hanging always |
Wholesale Pricing Comparison (2026)
- Crepe: ₹55-180/m (broadest range, GSM-dependent)
- Georgette: ₹65-150/m
- Chiffon: ₹45-110/m (lightest, often cheapest)
Mill-direct pricing from Clothwala starts at the lower end of these ranges. See our full pricing guide.
How to Order from Clothwala
Browse our 1,594+ design catalog with all three fabric types. Sample swatches available before bulk commitment. 100m MOQ per design/colour. Pan-India delivery 3-7 days from Surat.
Start your wholesale fabric order: Browse all designs or email clothwala.luthraexports@gmail.com for quotes.