Tarlatan is a sheer, lightweight fabric that was popular during the early 19th century. It was often used for women's dresses, especially for overlays, drapery, and other types of embellishments. While tarlatan is a specific type of fabric, there are several synonyms that can be used to describe similar types of sheer fabrics, including tulle, gauze, organza, chiffon, and voile. These fabrics are all thin and lightweight, making them perfect for creating overlays, ruffles, and other types of decorative elements in clothing and home decor. Each of these fabrics has its own unique texture and appearance, which makes them great for a variety of different projects.