What is crepe fabric?
The characteristics, uses and types
Crepe is a weaving or fabric treatment technique that produces a distinctive rippling, three-dimensional texture. Crepe fabric garments and other textiles are typically delicate and used for ceremonial purposes.
Crepe fabric was traditionally worn by women during times of mourning in many Western cultures, but this practice has largely fallen out of favor. Other cultures around the world use various types of crepe fabric in their textile production, and in some cases, traditional crepe fabric that has been woven the same way for thousands of years is still used.
Crepe is a type of fabric.
Crepe is a relatively new fabric, which means that it has had plenty of time to evolve. The term ‘crepe’ refers to a method of making fabric rather than a type of fiber. Is crepe, then, a natural fabric? Sometimes. Crepe is traditionally made from silk, but it can also be made from wool, cotton, rayon, and polyester.
So, what exactly is crepe material? The wrinkled, bumpy appearance of the fabric is the key to crepe. This look can be achieved in a variety of ways, but one of the most common is a very tight twisting of the fibers before they are made into cloth.
Crepe fabric throughout history
In the history of human civilization, there is no clear origin point for crepe fabric. Because the concept of crepe is so simple, many cultures have adopted forms of this fabric at various stages of development. Crepe, for example, is still used for mourning by Orthodox Greek women, and various cultures of the Indian subcontinent incorporate crepe into their traditional garments.
During the nineteenth century, crepe became popular outside of mourning attire in the West. Courtaulds quickly dominated the crepe manufacturing market, and over the years, this iconic company experimented with a variety of different crepe weaves and materials.
Crepe fabric properties
Crepe is a distinct look in the world of fabrics, but how does crepe fabric feel? What is the appearance of crepe fabric? Is crepe fabric attractive? Is crepe fabric comfortable to wear? Is crepe a stretchy fabric? Well, it depends. Crepe’s properties vary from fabric to fabric because it can be made from a variety of fibers. However, some properties are shared by all types of crepe fabric.
Aside from its distinctive wrinkled appearance, crepe fabric typically has a lovely drape. The fabric’s thinness makes it very breezy and breathable, and it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. While this is beneficial for wicking moisture, it also means that crepe does not retain heat well. When it comes to the question of whether crepe fabric is better for summer or winter, the answer is both. It is preferable to gamble on warm weather rather than cold weather.
Another disadvantage of crepe is that it is a very delicate fabric. The exact care instructions depend on the fibre used in your material, but crepe is typically dry-cleaned. It cannot, under any circumstances, be machine-washed. Some crepe fabrics can be hand washed in cold water.
What is the purpose of crepe fabric?
Crepe fabric is commonly used to make stunning eveningwear (suits or gowns) and high-fashion clothing such as blouses and pants. However, it can also be used to make one-of-a-kind curtains, pillows, scarves, and shawls. Crepe is an extremely versatile fabric!
Crepe fabric types that are commonly used
The materials and methods used to make the fabric define the various types of crepe fabric available and what they’re best suited for. So it’s no surprise that you might be wondering, “What is crepe de chine like?” or “What is scuba crepe fabric?” There are so many different types of crepes that listing them all would be impossible, but we have compiled a list of the most common ones:
Crepe de Chine: As the name implies, crepe de Chine fabric originated in China and is a very lightweight type of crepe typically made from silk. Crepe de Chine is distinguished from other types of crepe in that it is not puckered and feels smooth on the skin. This type of crepe can also be made of polyester for a similar look and feel at a lower cost.
Crepe georgette: This is a soft, smooth crepe silk fabric that can also be made from silk-like synthetics such as rayon. Crepe georgette is more elastic than other types of crepe and drapes beautifully. This crepe is typically used to make gowns.
Polyester crepe: A polyester crepe is any crepe fabric made of polyester. This crepe is lightweight and thin, and it is used to make dresses, blouses, and pants.
Scuba crepe: Scuba crepe is a polyester crepe with a small percentage of spandex. This results in a fabric that has the distinctive crepe look and feel on the surface while remaining smooth and elastic on the backside.
Plissé crepe: A crepe that has been chemically treated to create the appearance of folded pleats. Cotton is commonly used to make plissé crepe.
Do you want to order crepe fabric ?
So, what exactly is crepe fabric? Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know, you might want to order some for yourself. Simar Glossy will assist you to get best quality crepe fabrics.
If you’re still unsure whether crepe is the right fabric for you, we have other blogs to help you choose. Furthermore, if any of your questions remain unanswered, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are always willing to assist.
