Is georgette just a heavier chiffon?

Roughly, yes. Both are sheer crepe-weave fabrics, but georgette uses more highly twisted yarns, which makes it grainier, springier, slightly heavier, and a little more opaque than the smoother, more transparent chiffon.

Both drape well but differently. Chiffon is more fluid and floats, while georgette has more body and bounce, so it holds a fuller, more structured drape. The choice depends on whether you want ethereal flow or a little more shape.

Chiffon. Its less tightly twisted yarns and smoother weave make it more transparent, while georgette's tighter twist gives a slightly denser, more opaque cloth.

Side by side

Chiffon vs Georgette

Chiffon and georgette are close cousins, both sheer, lightweight plain-woven fabrics made from tightly twisted crepe yarns, and both drape beautifully. The difference is in the degree of twist and the resulting surface. Chiffon is the smoother, softer, more transparent of the two. Georgette uses more highly twisted yarns, so it is slightly heavier, grainier, more opaque, and springier, with a dull crinkled surface.

Chiffon

No. 053

plain weave, high-twist crepe yarns · first documented 1700s

Georgette

No. 088

plain weave, high-twist crepe yarns · first documented early 1900s

The differences

Aspect	Chiffon	Georgette
Yarn	Fine crepe-twisted yarns, less highly twisted.	More highly twisted crepe yarns, in both warp and weft.
Surface	Smooth, soft, and shimmering.	Grainy, pebbled, and matte from the tighter twist.
Transparency	More sheer and delicate.	Slightly more opaque and a touch heavier.
Drape and body	Floats and clings; very fluid.	More elastic and bouncy, with more body.
Best for	Overlays, scarves, evening gowns, anything ethereal.	Blouses, dresses, saris, where a little more structure helps.

Which to choose

Both are sheer crepe-weave fabrics; georgette is the grainier, springier, slightly more opaque of the two, while chiffon is smoother, softer, and more transparent. If it shimmers and floats, it is likely chiffon; if it has a dull pebbled texture and more bounce, georgette.

Common questions

Is georgette just a heavier chiffon?: Roughly, yes. Both are sheer crepe-weave fabrics, but georgette uses more highly twisted yarns, which makes it grainier, springier, slightly heavier, and a little more opaque than the smoother, more transparent chiffon.
Which drapes better?: Both drape well but differently. Chiffon is more fluid and floats, while georgette has more body and bounce, so it holds a fuller, more structured drape. The choice depends on whether you want ethereal flow or a little more shape.
Which is more sheer?: Chiffon. Its less tightly twisted yarns and smoother weave make it more transparent, while georgette's tighter twist gives a slightly denser, more opaque cloth.

Full entry: Chiffon Full entry: Georgette

Sources & References

1.Chiffon (fabric), Wikipedia
2.chiffon, Wiktionary
3.Georgette (fabric), Wikipedia
4.Crepe (textile), Wikipedia