There is something magical about walking into the races wearing your own design.
Picture it. You’re wearing a dress, fitted perfectly to your body shape. It’s a personalised design, true to your own individual style. A dress made specially, just for you.
A couple of years ago, I started having my racing fashion outfits made. I soon discovered that wearing my own creation made me feel extra special.
Not only do you feel proud (and rather clever) that you have brought your own idea into life; you have complete freedom as to the style of your dress.
And the all-important fabric choice.
Which brings me to this Buying Guide- for race wear fabrics!
So, what will it be for you? Do you choose a flirty delicate silk or a vibrantly printed jacquard? An exotic guipure lace, an intricately embellished mesh or laser cut leather… the possibilities are endless.

Image credit: @modaoperandi, @elleaus, @decorte_laser
Contents
What Race Wear Fabrics are Suitable?
When choosing fabrics for the races it’s best to keep in mind that you want a medium weight fabric that will hold a great shape, as a lot of race wear is structured.
Popular race wear fabrics are cotton, linen, silk, satin, lace, jacquard, embroidered fabrics, wools, velvet and knitted fabrics.
Anything that looks beautiful (and is sew-able) will work!
I have even used upholstery fabric before.
Maticevski used a modern sports mesh in his ever popular ‘Sanctuary Gown’.

Image credit: Maticevski Blog
And one very creative entrant, Natalie Zielke, even used a Kmart doona cover as fabric to make her race dress!
Avoid stretchy, thin fabrics for race wear though. You don’t want a dress that clings too tightly to the body.
Creating a WOW Factor
I design my own outfits around the WOW factor. You can create WOW through the design of your outfit, or through fabric choice. Colours, pattern, texture, or the way you mix them together.
Ashleigh Robson and Chloe Moo both caught the judges attention in their eye catching fabric prints and bold colours.
The wow factor in Gracyn’s outfit is not just the beautiful silhouette but the print of her skirt fabric. It is the main feature and what makes it stand out.

Image credit: @ontrackontrend
Both of these dresses below are made from the same pattern. I use my race wear fabrics to make them look interesting and couture like.
You can use most fabrics throughout all seasons, but coming into Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer, there are some Fashions on the Field rules to adhere to.
Fabrics for Different Seasons
FOTF criteria usually states to dress for the season and the weather.
This can be done through your colour choice, your fabrics, your millinery and accessories.
Autumn/Winter
For A/W, use a heavier fabric such as a jacquard, wool blend, thicker cotton, tweed, leather, velvet, or you can even mix in a heavier lace or some fur trim.
Choose warm colours and rich jewel tones such as navy, copper, emerald green, burgundy, deep purples, mustard or steel greys. Stay away from anything too bright or that has a summery vibe.
An A/W look can come purely from the design, so you don’t have to use a heavy weight fabric if you live in an area that doesn’t get cold. A warm-coloured cotton, in a long sleeve design, will still look Wintery without over heating you.
Be smart, and plan for the usual temperature of the season in your area. No good turning up in head to toe leather, with a fur shawl, in Queeensland.
Click here for more tips on dressing for the winter.
Spring/Summer
Spring/ Summer is a fun season to dress for. Your race wear fabrics can be bright, with an array of prints and colour blocking.
You can incorporate sheer panels, soft laces, light silks and cottons, or brightly embroidered linens.
For Spring Racing, avoid any fabrics that are too dark or heavy. Leather is usually an A/W fabric, but a trim here and there is fine. Or choose a light colour.
Where to Shop for Race Wear Fabrics
There are many great fabric stores around. Below are 9 of my favourites. I hope they help when it comes to finding the perfect race wear fabric for your next custom made dress.
Spotlight
W: www.spotlightstores.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/spotlightstores/
When you head into a Spotlight store you can find almost everything you need to kit out your home. Kitchen and dining spaces, lounge and bedrooms, bathrooms and laundries are all covered by your local Spotlight store.
Fabrics Stocked:
Cotton, silk, chiffon, satin, georgette, wool, linen, lace, faux leather, upholstery.
Price Range:
Low to mid
Locations:
There are a number of Spotlight stores throughout Australia- click here to see your closest store: https://www.spotlightstores.com/store-finder – Phone 1300 305 405.
Online Store:
https://www.spotlightstores.com
Shipping Costs:
- Flat rate of $8.99 on standard delivery products within Australia with signature on delivery
- International shipping not available
- Allow 2 to 5 business days for delivery
Returns and Exchanges:
Spotlight will not accept the return of cut lengths of fabric, lace or ribbon.
Photos of Race Dresses made with Spotlight Fabric:

Image credit: @catherineagabriel

Image credit: @spotlightstores
Tessuti Fabrics
W: http://tessuti.com.au IG: https://www.instagram.com/tessutifabrics/
Tessuti Fabrics is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading retailers of quality and designer fabrics. They offer customers a unique and stylish range of quality stock and designer ends.
They purchase from some of the most celebrated local, interstate and international designers including Cue, Zimmermann, Missoni, Dolce & Gabbana and many, many more.
Fabrics Stocked:
Cotton, Linen, Silk, Lace, Liberty, Italian and patterns.
Price Range:
Mid
Locations:
- Tessuti Surry Hills, 110 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010. Phone 02 9211 5536.
- Tessuti Chatswood, 20/369 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NSW, 2067. Phone 02 9415 3357.
Online Store:
Shipping Costs:
- Orders under $150 flat rate of $10 within Aus, $30 Worldwide.
- Orders over $150 free shipping within Australia and worldwide *exceptions apply
- Allow 2 to 5 working days shipping within Australia
- Allow 5 to 15 working days shipping worldwide
Refunds and Exchanges:
They don’t offer refunds or exchange for incorrect purchases once the fabric has been cut, or for discounted remnants or Tessuti Patterns.
Photos of Race Dresses made with Tessuti Fabric:
Alla Moda Fabric
W: www.allamoda.com.au IG: https://www.instagram.com/allamodafabriccollection84/
Alla Moda is home to the world’s most beautiful fabrics, including the latest from haute couture designers such as Chanel, Valentino, Emilio Pucci, Missoni, D&G, Stella McCartney and more.
Alla Moda imports the current European fabric collections, keeping ‘fashion forward’ and one season ahead.
Fabrics stocked:
Linen, wool, Italian silks & satins, cotton, lace, embroidery, trims, embellishments and bridal fabric.
Price Range:
Mid to very high
Locations:
Alla Moda Fabric Collection, Shop 5, 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland, 4006. Phone +617 3257 7253.
Online Store:
Alla Moda don’t have an online store.
Photos of Race Dresses made with Alla Moda Fabric:

Image credit: @fashionable_free_me

Image credit: @petacdressmaking (left), @thedetailsgal (right)
Darn Cheap Fabrics

W: http://www.darncheapfabrics.com.au IG: https://www.instagram.com/darncheapfabrics/
Darn Cheap Fabrics is a retailer of quality fabric and trims, bringing you the latest trends in colour, print, fabrication and style at the best possible price. Their fabrics and trims, many featuring original designs, are much-loved by a host of Australian designer clothing labels.
Fabrics Stocked:
Knit, woven, silk, cotton, linen, wool, viscose & rayon, lace, bridal, jacquard, velvet, embroidered.
Price Range:
Low
Locations:
Glenhuntly Store, 1184-1188 Glenhuntly Rd, Glenhuntly, Victoria, 3163. Phone +613 9563 6833.
Heidelberg Store, 115 Burgundy St, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3064. Phone +613 9563 6833.
Port Melbourne Store, 55 Nott St (Corner Rouse St), Port Melbourne, Victoria, 3207. Phone +613 9563 6833.
Online Store:
http://www.darncheapfabrics.com.au
Shipping Costs:
- Free shipping on all orders over $175 for delivery in Australia
- Orders under $175- price calculated at check out
- Offer World Wide shipping, email for a quote based on weight and location
Refunds and Exchanges:
They do not provide returns on merchandise sold by the meter.
Photos of Darn Cheap Fabrics:

Image credit: @darncheapfabrics
The Fabric Store
W: http://www.thefabricstore.com.au IG: https://www.instagram.com/wearethefabricstore/
The Fabric Store is a destination point for anyone looking for top quality designer dress fabrics and New Zealand merino products. With a strong focus on natural fibres, their range is diverse.
Sourcing from both local and international designers as well as sampling lengths from manufacturing runs means that stock is continually changing and is peppered with treasures that you may see one day but will be gone the next.
Fabrics Stocked:
Cotton, silk, chiffon, satin, georgette, wool, linen, specialty pieces, merino, leather hides, eco and organic fabrics.
Price range:
Mid
Locations:
- The Fabric Store Brisbane, 38 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, 4006. Phone +617 3852 5580.
- The Fabric Store Sydney, 21 Cooper Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010. Phone +612 9211 2217.
- The Fabric Store Melbourne, 184 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria, 3065. Phone +613 9416 4455.
Online Store:
https://shop.thefabricstore.co.nz/
Shipping Costs:
- All fabrics are shipped from their NZ headquarters so purchases from Australia are considered as international
- Flat rate for regular sized purchases $14
- Samples: free
- Delivery to Australia will take 2-3 days in metro areas and 3-5 working days in rural areas.
Returns and Exchanges:
All sales are final. They do not offer refunds or exchanges for incorrect purchases or change of mind once fabric has been cut.
Photos of Race Dresses made with The Fabric Store fabrics:

Image credit: @rowen_couture (left), @milva.carucci.designs (right)

Image credit: @ali_moor_millinery (left), @ChrisBurtallan (right)
Gardams Fabrics
W: http://www.gardams.com.au IG: https://www.instagram.com/gardamsfabrics/
Gardams fabrics are a boutique collection, hand-picked from all over the world. The online collection is an exclusive selection of some of our finer pieces, selected from the Brisbane retail showroom.
Fabrics Stocked:
Cotton, linen, polyester, silk, silk mix, lace.
Price Range:
Mid to high
Locations:
Brisbane Gardams, 65 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000. Phone 0438 882 123.
Online Store:
http://www.gardams.com.au/shop/
Shipping Costs:
Free standard postage within Australia.
Refunds and Exchanges:
No exchanges or returns on cut fabrics.
Photos of Gardams Fabrics:

Image credit: @gardamsfabrics
Marim Ekko Australia
W: http://marimekko.com.au IG: https://www.instagram.com/marimekkoaustralia/
Marimekko is a Finnish design house celebrated worldwide for its original prints and colours. Marimekko is said to be one of the world’s first real lifestyle brands combining fashion, bags and accessories as well as home decoration into one unique point of view.
Fabrics Stocked:
Cotton, sateen, linen, batiste and kids prints.
Price Range:
Mid to high
Locations:
- Marimekko Chadstone, Chadstone Shopping Centre, Ground level / Shop 355, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone, Victoria, 3145. Phone +613 9569 9517.
- Marimekko Emporium, 287 Lonsdale Street, Level 1, Shop 143, Victoria, 3000. Phone +613 9663 1695.
- Marimekko Eastland, 171-175 Maroondah Highway, Lvl 2, Shop 2106, Ringwood, Victoria, 3134. Phone +613 8658 2350.
- Marimekko Melbourne, 576 Chapel Street, South Yarra, Victoria, 3141. Phone +613 9804 7213.
Online Store:
Shipping Costs:
- Flat rate of $10 within Australia
- Free shipping for orders over $200
- Shipped within 3 to 7 working days
Returns and Exchanges:
No refund or exchange on fabrics that have been cut to measure.
Photos of Marimekko Fabrics:

Image credit: @marimekkoaustralia
Pitt Trading
W: https://www.pitttrading.com.au IG: https://www.instagram.com/pitttrading/
Pitt Trading spend a lot of time scouring the country, and sometimes the world, sourcing beautiful things to bring to their customers. Now they bring all of their vintage and collectable goods online for you to make your own any time of the day.
Fabrics Stocked:
Woven, linen, cotton, lace, swimwear, knit, bridal, special occasion, trims, stretch trims, motifs and lining.
Price Range:
Mid
Locations:
Pitt Trading, 274 Rocky point Road Ramsgate, Sydney, NSW, 2217. Phone +612 9529 3038.
Online Store:
https://www.pitttrading.com.au/shop
Shipping Costs:
- Postage within Australia is a flat rate of $10 for orders under $100
- Orders over $100 are posted free of charge
- International postage costs vary by location
- Allow approximately 2-4 days for delivery to capital cities and slightly longer for country or remote areas
- Express post is available by request
Returns and Exchanges:
They do not offer refunds or exchange on cut fabric and trims for incorrect purchase.
Photos of Pitt Trading Fabrics:

Image credit: @pitttrading
Fabricsutra
I’ve added this one in because I absolutely love their laces and embellished fabric!! They’re so beautiful and luxurious- not to mention way out of my price range, but it’s a fun place to go for race wear fabric inspo and swooning.
W: http://fabricsutra.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/fabricsutra/
This is a strictly online store but offers free shipping worldwide. Fabricsutra is an online fabric emporium to satisfy all your couture fabrics cravings for fabric connoisseurs. They delight in the fact that they import exclusive designer fabrics from unique locations around the world and strive to provide nothing but the very best to our customers that is top quality fabrics, exciting colours and exotic patterns.
Fabrics Stocked:
Glitter, sequin, lace and premium haute couture range.
Price Range:
High
Shipping Costs:
- Free shipping on all orders worldwide
- Allow 8 to 12 days for shipping
Returns and Exchanges:
They do not accept any returns or exchanges.
Photos of Fabricsutra fabrics:

Image credit: @fabricsutra
An important final note to add….is that quite a few Myer FOTF National Winners have taken home the sash in homemade outfits. In fact, 9 out of 13 have! Click here to see what homemade creations have won in the past.
What are some of your favourite fabric stores? Let us know in the comments below.