Chiffon is synonymous with elegance in the fashion world. This floaty, sheer fabric is often used in luxury garments such as evening wear or lingerie to add a touch of class as it drapes well. Chiffon has a lightweight texture and a semi-mesh weave which is what gives the fabric a chic transparent appearance, as well as making it slightly rough to the touch.
What is Chiffon made from?
Chiffon can be made from synthetic fibres like nylon or polyester, and is most commonly created using polyester due to its low cost and durability – as well as stain resistance. Chiffon can also be made using natural fibres like cotton or silk, with silk chiffon being considered a premium option because of its shimmer and smooth texture, and its strength despite being very lightweight. Along with cotton and nylon, silk chiffon can be dyed almost any colour. However, synthetic materials generally tend to take dye more easily.
A similar fabric, georgette (or crepe) is also used by weaving silk. However, it’s a thicker and more opaque fabric but still drapes like chiffon. Natural fibres such as cotton result in a more matte finish to the fabric, and makes the chiffon substantially less floaty.
How is Chiffon made?
Chiffon is created by weaving yarns using an alternating method. High-twist yarns are used, which means the yarns are alternatively twisted, resulting in the gentle puckering of the fabric and creating a light crumpling effect in different directions. This also causes the slightly rough feel and stretch of the fabric. When you hold chiffon up to the light you can see a sheer mesh effect, which is caused by a criss-cross patterned weave.
Chiffon is notoriously difficult to work with because of the slippery nature of the fabric. It must be placed on a non-slip surface when being sewn or cut, to ensure the stitches are accurate, or placed between paper to hold the fabric in place. Many tailors work very slowly with chiffon, because if it is stretched during production it can end up bunched together and ruin the stitch. To create a stunning final garment, the stitching must be very sleek and neat.
What is Chiffon used for?
Chiffon is often used to add an essence of elegance to a garment, particularly with evening dresses. Gowns and wedding dresses commonly have a chiffon overlay to give the dress a floating appearance and an element of luxury.
Because of the light and airy feel of chiffon, it’s also used for decorative scarves or for blouses. Chiffon is also used in shirts, scarves and lingerie for similar reasons.
Chiffon Origins
‘Chiffon’ originates from the French word ‘chiffe’, meaning cloth or rag. Silk chiffon has been available since the 1700s throughout Europe, and was generally used to symbolise wealth and social standing. Nylon was invented in 1938, which led to the invention of chiffon made using synthetic fibres. In 1958, following the introduction of polyester chiffon, synthetic chiffon became very popular because of its durability and particularly low price.
Silk chiffon has held its place worldwide, with the Textile Museum in Washington demonstrating the international appeal of the fabric by exhibiting traditional chiffon caftans from Saudi Arabia.
Polyester Chiffon vs Silk Chiffon
Polyester chiffon and silk chiffon are both very popular variants of the fabric. When cost is not an issue, designers generally tend to favour silk chiffon because of its luxurious quality. However, polyester chiffon is more widely used because of its resilience and much lower cost – despite being more difficult to dye.
Polyester
Pros
- Cheaper to work with
- More versatile than silk
- Available in different weights
- Available in different patterns
- Sturdier than silk
Cons
- Can be difficult to dye
- Can tear more easily
- Not as breathable
Silk
Pros
- Luxury feel
- Shimmering appearance
- Comfortable on the skin
- Soft drape
- Some stretch
- Natural fabric
Cons
- Not as versatile
- Can be difficult to manage
Chiffon fabric printing
You’ve explored the history and making of chiffon, so why not try designing your own? It’s super easy and can be done in just a few simple steps. Simply upload your design and position exactly as you want it, and then send it to us to print. It really is as easy as that. Order a test print and check out how simple it is to do as well as receive a £10 discount off of your first fabric order.
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