What Is Chiffon Fabric And Its Uses?

Chiffon Fabric

Chiffon saree

Chiffon is a delicate plain-woven fabric with mesh fabric woven S- and Z-twist crepe (high-twist) yarns. This is the reason why it looks bit transparent. The word Chiffon means cloth in French language. Chiffon is a combination of cotton, silk or synthetic fibres like nylon, rayon and polyester. Chiffon is widely used in sarees, scarfs lingerie etc. to keep it lightweight

Features

Chiffon is bit slippery and delicate. Tailors take great care while sewing any chiffon fabric. It is advised to wash it very gentle.

If any handwork is to be done on chiffon, it needs a plain white canvas paper to prevent fabric from flowing

History of chiffon fabric

Until Nylon’s discovery in 1938, Chiffon was made from silk which was expensive. Now it is blend with rayon which is currently trending in market due to its durability and economic viability.

The Making

The criss-cross pattern Z and Y twist of the yarn, gives the fabric a checkered, mesh like effect and stretchable.

The yarns used in weaving the fabric are alternately twisted which results in the slight crumpling of fabric in different directions.

Chiffon fabric

Variety

The most popular form of chiffon is made from silk. The shimmer texture of silk fabric enhances Chiffon’s look. Though it is lightweight, the fabric has good strength. 

Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are most commonly used to make this fabric. These materials can be easily dyed into different colors. The synthetic Chiffon is also economical and sturdier than its silk variant.

The use of this fabric in layering an attire can be seen aplenty. It adds volume and flow to a garment and is often used as the base fabric for work like embroidery. It is most commonly used in gowns to add flowy effect

The Bollywood Factor

From rekha, jaya prada to deepika and anushka sharma, flowing chiffon sarees have become favorite of all bollywood actresses

Maintenance

Chiffon outfits should not be machine washed. It is always advised to be hand-washed or slow machine washed with extra care.

Also, It is advisable not to wash chiffon fabrics with any other outfits, as it may bleed color. If kept in water for a longer duration, it may cause damage to the fabric.

References

·         http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/chiffon_%28fabric%29

·         http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-chiffon.htm

·         http://www.ehow.com/facts_4922779_what-chiffon-fabric.html