What the Louise Is Made Of, and Why You Can Wear It All Year

When I designed the Louise, I probably spent more time choosing the fabric than anything else about it. A black dress can have a great cut and still end up sitting in your closet if the material is thin, or stiff, or the kind that pills after a few washes (or a crappy synthetic). So here is what I landed on, and why it is the reason you can wear this one close to year round.

It is two fabrics doing two jobs: a 100% brushed cotton shell at 285gsm, and a lyocell lining. Let me break down what that means.

The brushed cotton

Brushed cotton is cotton that has been brushed on the surface so the fibers lift a little, which gives it a soft, faintly napped feel. You keep everything natural and comfortable about cotton, it breathes, it is a natural fiber, it holds up, and it does not pill or wear out fast, but it feels softer and more expensive than plain cotton. It reads less like a crisp button-down and more like a broken-in favorite, in a dress you can wear out of the house.

Why the weight matters

The 285gsm is the fabric weight, and if you’re reading this article, you know that this matters. It is on the slightly heavier side for a dress, which was deliberate. The weight is what makes the dress hold its shape instead of clinging, and it is what makes it fully opaque, so you do not need a slip. It is also why so many customers tell us they wear it without a bra, which is a comment we get a lot! A thin, cheap fabric cannot do that. Period!

The lining

The lining is the part of the garment that is inside and touches your skin all day, and it is actually where a LOT of brands cut corners. We line the Louise in lyocell, a plant-based fabric made from wood pulp. It is smooth, cool, and breathable, so the dress does not get sticky or clingy over a long day. A cheap lining (especially in a cheap synthetic) is the MAIN reason some dresses feel cheap, and cause you to sweat.

Why it works across seasons

So why does the fabric chosen for the Louise dress work across ALL seasons? The brushed cotton has enough substance to keep you warm in colder months, and it layers well under a coat or over tights. But because it is cotton, it breathes, so you are not overheating once the weather turns, the way you would in a cheap polyester. The lyocell lining keeps it cool from the inside. Put those together and you get a dress that works in fall and winter and still makes sense in spring, or on a warm night out. That was absolutely the goal - we wanted to design a go to dress for all occasions and seasons.

If you want the longer version on how different fabrics handle each season, we wrote a full year-round fabric guide.

Caring for it

Caring for the dress is not too hard! Although dry cleaning is the best and truest way to keep your fabrics in tip top shape for years on end, we know that people really do want to be able to throw their go to dress in the wash. So you can wash it cold on a gentle cycle or by hand, then hang or lay it flat to dry. That keeps the shape and the soft finish for years.

Questions we get

What is the Louise made of?
A 100% brushed cotton shell at 285gsm, with a lyocell lining. The cotton gives it structure and softness, the lyocell keeps it cool and smooth against your skin.

Is brushed cotton warm?
It is cozy and substantial, so it is good for colder months, but it breathes, so it does not overheat you when it is warm out. That is what makes it work year round.

Is lyocell a natural fabric?
It is plant-based, made from wood pulp, though technically it is a regenerated fiber rather than a purely natural one. It is soft, breathable, and a real upgrade over a synthetic lining.

Can you really wear the Louise without a bra?
Most customers do, and it is the compliment we hear most. The 285gsm brushed cotton is thick enough to stay opaque and comfortable without one. Wear a bra if you prefer.

What is the best fabric for a dress you can wear all year?
A natural fiber with some weight to it, like a midweight brushed cotton, paired with a breathable lining like lyocell. The cotton keeps you warm and holds its shape, and the breathable lining keeps you from overheating when it's warm out.