Crepe de Chine Fabric

What is Crepe de Chine?

Crepe de chine is a kind of lightweight cloth similar to silk crepe, made with highly twisted yarns. The fabric is usually produced from silk, it also can be manufactured with cotton and synthetic materials which imitate silk (polyester, nylon, rayon or acetate).

Crepe de chine fabric features a silky smooth feel, fluid drape and grainy texture. Lightweight, dense and breathable, it does not have a glossy luster, however.

Silk crepe de chine is an ideal choice for evening or bridal dresses, airy summer blouses, skirts, shawls and scarves.

“When I wear a silk scarf I never feel so definitely like a woman, a beautiful woman”. - Audrey Hepburn

Fabric Properties

If we look back at the history of the fabric in the Middle Ages, clothing from this finest material was the privilege of the Chinese imperial family. By the way, the name is translated from French as "crepe of China". But the incredible popularity comes to the fabric in the 1960s. Hollywood stars chose crepe de chine fabric for red carpet outfits.

The main properties of silk crepe de chine fabric are:

1. Wrinkle resistance. This is the main distinctive property of crepe de chine, which distinguishes it from imitations.
2. Breathability. Clothes made of natural materials are especially good for a warm season.
3. Light weight. A finished product, for example, a dress will weigh up to 300 grams!
4. Durability. The strength of the fabric is explained with highly twisted fibers of 100% silk. Crepe de chine fabric does not burn out in the sun, does not lose its original appearance for years.
5. Festive appearance. Silk crepe de chine drapes well and has a muted luster. It can be called one of the most feminine and romantic fabrics.

Silk VS. Polyester

Today crepe de chine fabric is made not only of silk. One of the most popular synthetic imitations on the market is polyester crepe de chine fabric. Let’s see the difference between silk crepe, silk crepe de chine and polyester crepe de chine fabrics.

How to Care for It?

As silk is the main material for high-quality crepe de chine fabric, here comes a question: what are the silk crepe de chine washing instructions? Dry clean is strongly recommended. Coated fabric or material with lurex are for dry clean only. If you need to iron the fabric, choose the low temperature and use a pressing cloth.

However, if you decided to do laundry, these simple rules will prolong the life of your favorite clothes:

1. Hand wash or delicate mode in the washing machine.
2. Soft gels are better than soap powders because they are less aggressive and will not lead to bleaching.
3. Hang it to dry and keep away from direct sunlight. Before hanging, soak up your wet crepe de chine garment with a cotton towel. Direct sunlight, as well as drying near radiators, will lead to fragility of silk threads and tarnishing of your wear.
4. Cool iron is applied from the wrong side of the cloth.
5. Store crepe de chine garment in covers with free access for air.

Fashion Prints

Fresh colors and modern design make crepe de chine one of the fashion favorites. Lightweight, with a flowing drape and matte sheen, this fabric is perfect for a romantic look.

The printed silk crepe de chine fabric is essential for every woman’s wardrobe. Here are the fashion prints which will be hot and happening for this and next season:

1. Floral. Just imagine your airy silk crepe de chine dress with flowers all over – from small wildflowers to vibrant exotic motifs. Gorgeous dresses with floral prints are must-have this and upcoming season. See them in collections of fashion designers: Dolce & Gabbana spring-summer 2018, Elie Saab Resort 2019, Giambattista Valli Resort 2019.
2. Polka dot. Crepe de chine fabric is a perfect choice for an elegant summer dress. It is a never-ending story for runways: Blumarine spring-summer 2018, Jason Wu spring-summer 2018, Carolina Herrera spring-summer 2018, Diane von Furstenberg pre-fall 2018/2019.
3. Solid classic. Luxurious elegance? It is pretty easy! Choose black silk crepe de chine fabric to make a total black look. Is there a wedding coming? White crepe de chine fabric is perfect for a romantic yet elegant dress.

Karen Walker, a New Zealand fashion designer, gives quite a good piece of advice on how to pair crepe de chine fabric: “Our work always has a utility point of view at its heartbeat and then other things come around it, so it really allowed us to use denims and suedes and gauzes, and those sorts of hard-working fabrics — workwear fabrics — and then contrast them with crepe de chine, beautiful florals and big jewelry”.

Manufacturers

Designers choose crepe de chine fabric among other silk fabrics for elegant dresses, skirts, suits, evening and bridal wear.

At Tissura, you can buy online crepe de chine fabrics by the leading European manufacturers. Choose from classical to the most sophisticated prints:

• Jakob Schlaepfer (Switzerland) - fabulous floral prints
• Carnet (Italy) - floral, polka dot
• Taroni (Italy) - solid
• Ruffo Coli (Italy) - abstract, ornamental, botanical
• Luigi Verga (Italy) - floral, abstract
• Frontline (Switzerland) - floral, animal
• Binda (Italy) - houndstooth, paisley, floral
• Belinac (France) - solid, juicy colors
• Etro (Italy) - floral, fantasy mix of various prints

Make a fashion statement with our luxurious crepe de chine fabrics!

Silk crepe de chine fabric, 168 € (207 US$) per one running metre;

Silk crepe de chine fabric, 168 € (207 US$) per one running metre;

Silk crepe de chine fabric, 168 € (207 US$) per one running metre;

Silk crepe de chine fabric, 168 € (207 US$) per one running metre;