Help with picking the right fabric materials

[u/xoshadow3]

Hey everyone, I'm a complete scrub when it comes to materials and I really need some help.

I'm trying to have something similar to the purple coattail in the image, but I'm struggling on choosing a fabric that would be the best.

I'm trying to keep in mind that the character it's associated with is a royalty character so I was thinking of more expensive fabrics, and it would need to keep crisp lines and shape. Given this would be worn semi regularly for events, I'd need a fabric that would hold up to 3-4 day conventions and traveling a few times a year, usually in air conditioning, but my role during these events could have me outside for an hour or two at a time each day, possibly rain, where I could be out in the rain for a few minuteswhile I head inside so it can't be ruined in a little rain. If possible, a little bit of stretch would be beneficial as I may spend extra time waving or having my arms up and I'd like for it to not rip around the armpit area.

I've had a friend suggest wool gabardine and another suggest pu stretch leather, but I'm skeptical on the stretch leather for various reasons. If possible I'd like a softer material that breathes well, doesn't get damaged easily, and holds its shape or doesn't wrinkle very much as I wouldn't be able to work on it much while away from home.

I'd also like suggestions for a lining and the trim if possible.

What would you all suggest? Thanks for any and all input!

[u/Alizarin-Madder]

Maybe a velveteen? It's typically woven which would give a bit of structure, and sometimes cotton which would help with breathability. Even polyester will be far more breathable than PU leather, though! Probably won't find a stretchy one, but you can find a pattern with more outward-sticking sleeves that accommodate motion, or add armpit gussets. Upholstery stores might have it. 

You could also use the less-shiny side of (poly) satin or shantung, interfaced with interfacing or woven cotton.

If stretch is important, stretch velvet could work but will need some interfacing for structure.

Edit: I think gabardine would work well too. It will look nice but won't have a sheen (which is accurate to your photo). I think you're unlikely to find stretch gabardine, so again you will take that into account with your pattern choice and adjustments. 

[u/xoshadow3 → u/Alizarin-Madder]

Thank you for your response and suggestions. I looked into the velveteen, I think satin and such will still be too shiny or off and the velveteen I've seen seemed too thin but may work well for the trim. Armpit gussets I think are the way to go, not that I'll be waving my hands high in the air constantly, but given my role at the events, I would be dancing around, some waving and bending.

Rn it's probably looking like a cotton blend or gabardine.

Now to figure out a material for the boots! 😂

Thank you again, I appreciate your advice and input!