Lace vs. Tulle — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Lace is a delicate fabric known for its intricate patterns and open weave, often used in elegant clothing; tulle is a lightweight, fine netting, popular in tutus and veils.
Difference Between Lace and Tulle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lace is characterized by its complex patterns created through techniques such as looping, twisting, or knitting threads together. This fabric often features floral designs or ornamental patterns, giving it a distinct, sophisticated appearance. On the other hand, tulle is made with a simple mesh structure and lacks the ornate patterns found in lace. It is primarily used for its sheer and airy quality, which adds volume without weight.
Lace is traditionally made from materials like silk, linen, or cotton, which contribute to its refined and textured look. Whereas tulle is typically crafted from silk, nylon, or rayon, materials that lend a lightweight and somewhat stiff texture suitable for creating shape and structure in garments.
The production of lace is often more labor-intensive, involving meticulous handcrafting or the use of special lace-making machines. This makes lace more expensive and valued for its artisanal quality. In contrast, tulle is easier to produce and generally more affordable, making it a common choice for bulk uses in fashion and decoration.
Lace garments are frequently associated with luxury and are commonly used in wedding dresses, evening wear, and lingerie. On the other hand, tulle is synonymous with bridal veils and ballet tutus, often used to create a sense of fantasy and whimsical elegance.
Despite their differences, both lace and tulle are popular choices in bridal and haute couture, appreciated for their ability to convey delicacy and grace. Each material brings a unique texture and aesthetic to garments, making them staples in the fashion industry for different reasons.
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Comparison Chart
Texture
Intricate, open weave
Fine, net-like
Common Uses
Wedding dresses, lingerie
Tutus, veils
Material
Silk, cotton, linen
Silk, nylon, rayon
Production
Labor-intensive, often handmade
Machine-made, easier to produce
Aesthetic
Elegant, sophisticated
Light, airy
Compare with Definitions
Lace
A fine open fabric of cotton or silk, made by looping, twisting, or knitting thread in patterns.
The bride's gown was adorned with hand-stitched lace.
Tulle
A fabric favored for its ability to hold shape while remaining translucent.
She chose a tulle veil to complement her intricate lace gown.
Lace
An ornamental material used to enhance clothing and home décor.
She trimmed her pillowcases with lace for a touch of elegance.
Tulle
A type of mesh fabric used in various forms of apparel and decoration.
Tulle was draped over the tables at the wedding reception for a festive look.
Lace
Lace is a delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern, made by machine or by hand. Generally, lace is divided into two main categories, needlelace and bobbin lace.
Tulle
Often used in combination with other fabrics to enhance texture and volume.
The designer layered tulle under the satin skirt for added fullness.
Lace
A cord or ribbon used to draw and tie together two opposite edges, as of a shoe.
Tulle
A lightweight, very fine netting often used in layers to construct voluminous skirts.
The ballet dancer's costume was made of soft pink tulle.
Lace
A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern. Also called lacework.
Tulle
Commonly utilized in bridal and evening wear for its fairy-tale aesthetic.
Tulle skirts are a popular choice for prom dresses due to their dramatic flair.
Lace
Gold or silver braid ornamenting an officer's uniform.
Tulle
Tulle (French: [tyl] (listen); Occitan: Tula [ˈtylɔ]) is a commune in central France. It is the third-largest town in the former region of Limousin and is the capital of the department of Corrèze, in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Lace
To thread a cord through the eyelets or around the hooks of.
Tulle
A fine, often starched net of silk, rayon, or nylon, used especially for veils, tutus, or gowns.
Lace
To draw together and tie the laces of.
Tulle
A kind of silk lace or light netting, used for clothing, veils, etc.
Lace
To restrain or constrict by tightening laces, especially of a corset.
Tulle
A kind of silk lace or light netting, used for veils, etc.
Lace
To pull or pass through; intertwine
Lace garlands through a trellis.
Tulle
A fine (often starched) net used for veils or tutus or gowns
Lace
To trim or decorate with or as if with lace.
Lace
To add a touch of flavor to
"today's chefs love to lace their goods with lively, pronounced flavors" (David Rosengarten).
Lace
To add a substance, especially an intoxicant or narcotic, to
Laced the eggnog with rum and brandy.
Lace
To add or intersperse with something in order to produce a certain effect
"Quacks now lace their pitch with scientific terms that may sound authentic to the uninformed" (Jane E. Brody).
Lace
To streak with color.
Lace
To give a beating to; thrash
Laced his opponent in the second round.
Lace
To be fastened or tied with laces or a lace.
Lace
(uncountable) A light fabric containing patterns of holes, usually built up from a single thread. Wp
Lace
(countable) A cord or ribbon passed through eyelets in a shoe or garment, pulled tight and tied to fasten the shoe or garment firmly. Wp
Your laces are untied, do them up!
Lace
A snare or gin, especially one made of interwoven cords; a net.
Lace
Spirits added to coffee or another beverage.
Lace
(ergative) To fasten (something) with laces.
Lace
(transitive) To add alcohol, poison, a drug or anything else potentially harmful to (food or drink).
Lace
(transitive) To interweave items.
To lace one's fingers together
Lace
(transitive) To interweave the spokes of a bicycle wheel.
Lace
(transitive) To beat; to lash; to make stripes on.
Lace
(transitive) To adorn with narrow strips or braids of some decorative material.
Cloth laced with silver
Lace
That which binds or holds, especially by being interwoven; a string, cord, or band, usually one passing through eyelet or other holes, and used in drawing and holding together parts of a garment, of a shoe, of a machine belt, etc.
His hat hung at his back down by a lace.
For striving more, the more in laces strongHimself he tied.
Lace
A snare or gin, especially one made of interwoven cords; a net.
Vulcanus had caught thee [Venus] in his lace.
Lace
A fabric of fine threads of linen, silk, cotton, etc., often ornamented with figures; a delicate tissue of thread, much worn as an ornament of dress.
Our English dames are much given to the wearing of costly laces.
Lace
Spirits added to coffee or some other beverage.
Lace
To fasten with a lace; to draw together with a lace passed through eyelet holes; to unite with a lace or laces, or, figuratively. with anything resembling laces.
When Jenny's stays are newly laced.
Lace
To adorn with narrow strips or braids of some decorative material; as, cloth laced with silver.
Lace
To beat; to lash; to make stripes on.
I'll lace your coat for ye.
Lace
To add something to (a food or beverage) so as to impart flavor, pungency, or some special quality; as, to lace a punch with alcohol; to lace the Kool-Aid with LSD.
Lace
To twine or draw as a lace; to interlace; to intertwine.
The Gond . . . picked up a trail of the Karela, the vine that bears the bitter wild gourd, and laced it to and fro across the temple door.
Lace
To be fastened with a lace, or laces; as, these boots lace.
Lace
A cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
Lace
A delicate decorative fabric woven in an open web of symmetrical patterns
Lace
Spin or twist together so as to form a cord;
Intertwine the ribbons
Twine the threads into a rope
Lace
Make by braiding or interlacing;
Lace a tablecloth
Lace
Do lacework;
The Flemish women were lacing in front of the cathedral
Lace
Draw through eyes or holes;
Lace the shoelaces
Lace
Add alcohol beverages
Lace
A fabric characterized by open designs and the spaces in between threads.
Lace curtains filtered the sunlight beautifully into the room.
Lace
A decorative cloth made using manual or machine techniques to create unique patterns.
The vintage dress featured lace made from real silver threads.
Lace
A symbol of luxury and sophistication in fashion.
His preference for lace ties added a distinguished look to his outfits.
Common Curiosities
Are lace and tulle commonly used together?
Yes, especially in bridal attire, combining for a romantic look.
What are the common uses of lace in clothing?
Lace is commonly used in elegant garments such as wedding dresses, evening gowns, and lingerie.
Can lace and tulle be dyed to match specific colors?
Yes, both lace and tulle can be dyed to match various color requirements for fashion and decor.
How are lace patterns typically created?
Lace patterns are created through techniques like looping, twisting, or knitting threads in specific designs.
Where to purchase lace and tulle fabric?
Available at fabric stores, bridal shops, and online retailers in various options.
Why is tulle a popular choice for bridal wear?
Tulle adds a dreamy, lightweight volume to bridal gowns and veils, enhancing the fairy-tale look of wedding attire.
Can they be used for DIY projects?
Yes, popular for crafting accessories and decorative accents.
What is the main difference between lace and tulle?
Lace is an intricate fabric known for its detailed patterns, whereas tulle is a simple, fine netting used for its airy volume.
Which is typically more expensive, lace or tulle?
Lace is generally more expensive due to its detailed and labor-intensive production process.
How to care for lace and tulle garments?
Hand wash or use gentle cycle with cold water, air dry flat.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
