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What is "Crepe" - Definition & Explanation

Crepe
Crepe, in textile terminology, refers to a fabric with a distinct crinkled or pebbled appearance. It is characterized by a unique surface texture created through a combination of weave structure, yarn type, and finishing techniques. Crepe fabrics are known for their exceptional drape, elasticity, and versatility, making them popular in various garment applications.

The term "crepe" originated from the French word "crêpe," which means "crinkled" or "wrinkled." The crepe effect is achieved by using highly twisted yarns in the fabric construction. The yarns are tightly twisted, imparting a natural elasticity to the fabric. This inherent elasticity allows the fabric to recover quickly after being stretched or crushed, resulting in the distinctive crinkled texture.

Crepe fabrics can be made from various fibers, including silk, wool, polyester, rayon, and cotton. Each fiber contributes unique characteristics to the crepe fabric. Silk crepe, for instance, is renowned for its luxurious feel and graceful drape. Wool crepe is favored for its warmth and ability to retain its shape. Synthetic fibers like polyester and rayon offer durability, affordability, and ease of care, making them popular choices for crepe fabrics.

The weave structure used in crepe fabrics is typically a variation of a plain weave or a twill weave. Plain crepe weaves involve interlacing yarns in an alternating pattern, creating a crinkled surface. Twill crepe weaves feature diagonal parallel ribs on the fabric's surface, providing additional texture and interest.

Crepe fabrics undergo special finishing processes to enhance their properties and texture. These finishing techniques can include washing, steaming, heat-setting, or chemical treatments. Finishing treatments help stabilize the crinkled effect, improve the fabric's draping quality, and prevent excessive wrinkling.

Crepe fabrics find applications in a wide range of garments, including dresses, blouses, skirts, and scarves. The fabric's natural elasticity and drape make it ideal for flowing, loose-fitting designs. Crepe is also commonly used for bridal gowns and eveningwear due to its elegance and luxurious feel. In addition to apparel, crepe is occasionally utilized in home furnishings such as curtains, draperies, and upholstery.

When it comes to top users and manufacturers of crepe fabrics, several notable brands and designers specialize in producing high-quality crepe textiles. Some prominent names in the fashion industry known for their extensive use of crepe include Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Diane von Furstenberg. These designers have incorporated crepe fabrics into their iconic collections, showcasing the fabric's versatility and timeless appeal.

In terms of manufacturers, there are numerous textile companies globally that produce crepe fabrics. Some renowned manufacturers known for their crepe textiles include Liberty Fabrics, Marimekko, Pucci, and Etro. These companies have established a reputation for their exquisite crepe fabrics, which are sought after by fashion designers and consumers alike.

Overall, crepe is a fabric known for its distinctive crinkled texture, excellent drape, and versatility. Its unique surface appearance is achieved through the use of highly twisted yarns and specialized finishing techniques.
Crepe
Used to describe all kinds of fabrics--wool, cotton, silk, rayon, synthetics and blends-that have a crinkle, crimped or grained surface. Made from worsted cotton, wool, silk, man-made synthetics. Has a crinkled, puckered surface or soft mossy finish. All crepes have a pebbled, rough feel and appearance due to the yarns having a high twist in the filling or the warp or both. Crepe comes in different weights and degrees of sheerness. Dull with a harsh dry feel. Woolen crepes are softer than worsted. If it is fine, it drapes well. Crepe has very good wearing qualities and a slimming effect in garments. Most crepes launder well with care.
Crepe
(Flat Crepe) - Also called French Crepe or Lingerie Crepe but not exactly the same. It is the flattest of all the crepes with only a very slight pebbled or crepe effect hard twist alternating 25 x 22 in filling; warp has ordinary twist. It is very soft and pliable, which makes it good for draping. It is very light weight - 2 times as many ends as picks. Most of it launders well and is often used in accessories, blouses, dress goods, negligees, pajamas and other pieces of lingerie and linings.
Crepe
(Georgette Crepe) - Lightweight, sheer fabric that is more stiff and with body giving an exellent wear. Has a dull, crinkled surface achieved by alternating S and Z yarns in a high twist in both warp and filling directions. Georgette has a harder, duller, more crinkled feel and appearance than crepe de chine.
Crepe
(Moss Crepe or Sand Crepe) - Has a fine moss effect created by plain weave or small Dobby. Made with a spun-rayon warp and a filament rayon filling. The two-ply warp yarn is very coarse and bulkier than the filling. Mostly made in rayon and synthetics but some in silk.
Crepe
A variety of lightweight fabrics characterized by a crinkly surface, obtained either via use of hard twist yarns, chemical treatments, weave, construction, or some form of embossing or surface treatment. Crepes are available today in an unlimited variety of fibers and blends, and in may different constructions.
Crepe
Fibre: Worsted cotton, wool, silk, man-made synthetics. Weave: Mostly plain, but various weaves. Characteristics: Has a crinkled, puckered surface or soft mossy finish. Comes in different weights and degrees of sheerness. Dull with a harch dry feel. Woolen crepes are softer than worsted.
Crepe
A general classification of fabric characterized by a broad range of crinkled or gained surface effects. Methods of making crepe include the use of hard twisted yarns, special chemical treatment, special weaves and embossing.
Crepe
A Fabric Characterized By An All Over Crinkled, Pebbly, Or Puckered Surface. The Appearance May Be A Result Of The Use Of High Twist Yarns , Embossing , Chemical Treatment Or A Crepe Weave.
Crepe
A term used to describe a variety of lightweight fabric in various fibers and blends characterized by their puckered surface obtained by highly twisting either the yarn, or chemical treatments or weave construction.
Crepe
A variety of light-weight fabrics characterized by a greasy surface obtained via use of hard twist yarns, chemical treatments, weave or some form of embossing or surface treatments.
Crepe
A fabric with a crinkled effect achieved by a differentiated pattern of yarn twisting. In our collection it is dubbed Provence Crepe.
Crepe
Used to describe all kinds of fabrics--wool, cotton, silk, rayon, synthetics and blends-that have a crinkle, crimped or grained surface.
Crepe
A quality in a fabric imparted by wrinkling or embossing to give crimped surface and greater fabric bulk.
Crepe Fabric
Fabric of highly twisted yarns with crimped effect produced by
alternate S and Z twist.
Crepe
A fabric characterised by a crinkled or puckered surface. Crimp: The waviness of a fibre or filament.
Crepe
Crepe is a silk fabric of a gauzy texture, having a peculiar crisp or crimpy appearance.
Crepe
A fabric characterized by a broad range of crinkled or grained surface effect.
Crepe
A highly twisted yarn with crimped effect produced by alternate twist
Crepe
A fabric characterised by a crinkled or puckered surface.

Some other terms

Some more terms:

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This fabric is tightly woven from a very fine poly thread and has a sueded finish for a luxurious, soft feel. Microfiber fabric is naturally water repellent due to its construction process and when...
A lightweight, plain weave fabric traditionally of wool or wool blends with a napped, fleecy surface. So named because the texture resembles the breast of an albatross. Usually light in color- used...
A resistant to wrinkling created through the use of a variety of finishes and treatments. Wrinkle Recovery - Similar to resiliency. It is the ability of a fabric to bounce back after it has been...
A jersey is a piece of wollen or cotton clothing with sleeves worn as a pullover; this is to say, it does not open at the front as does a cardigan. It is usually close-fitting and machined knitted in...

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