Most of the words used to sell eveningwear describe how a cloth is made, not what it is made from. Satin is a weave. Crepe is a texture. Jersey is a knit. Any of them can be silk, viscose, polyester or wool.
Start with the fibre
The composition line is the honest part of any label. Viscose and triacetate drape and breathe; polyester resists creasing and holds colour; wool holds a line; elastane adds stretch and is rarely needed above five per cent.
Then the weight
A heavy crepe hangs straight and forgives a long dinner. A light one clings and shows every seam beneath it. If a shop does not say, ask.
A gown should be heavy enough to hang and light enough to forget.
Then the lining
Pale colours need a full lining to stay opaque. Unlined tailoring is not a shortcut when the seams are bound; it simply wears cooler.
We list fibre, lining and where each piece was sewn on every product page, so you can check all three before you order.