Silk Fabric Key Terms

Smooth as silk fabric key terms

By Nikki Wheeler

There are many areas of commerce that might find a need for the luxurious qualities of silk fabric. From interior designers and clothing boutiques to artisans and party planners, the functions of silk fabric are as numerous as the types of silk fabric. To fully prepare for the introduction of silk to your business, it's important to have an understanding of some silk fabric key terms. Knowing these will be essential for making the right decisions about which silk fabrics will best serve the purpose of the business.

Sheer silk fabric

There are several types of sheer, translucent silk fabrics; chiffon is the most lightweight, soft and sheer; organza is similar yet more crisp than soft; and georgette is the heaviest and least sheer.
Try: HartsFabric has a wide selection of sheer silk fabrics including chiffon, organza and georgette.

Silk dupioni

Silk dupioni is a medium-weight, shiny fabric used for formal jackets, dresses, drapes or slipcovers. It is recognized for its unique weave with horizontal lines and imperfections, or knobs, in the weave.
Try: Silk Road has an in-depth description of silk dupioni and the common uses of it, as well as links to swatches.

Silk brocade

Silk brocade is heavyweight silk often decoratively embroidered or printed with Asian motifs. It is brightly colored and usually used for formal and highly decorative clothing or in luxury decorating.
Try: See a description of how silk brocade is used at Changsha Xiangchu Silk Co.

Silk charmeuse

Silk charmeuse is a shiny, opaque, lightweight and extremely soft silk fabric used often for lightweight billowy dresses or blouses, undergarments, nightwear and scarves.
Try: Have an up-close look at the qualities and texture of silk charmeuse with the magnifying tool at the NY Fashion Center.

Silk velvet

Silk velvet is often blended with rayon to make a heavy, rich, luxurious and soft velvet fabric. It is used mostly for decorating or re-creating historic royal looks for creative purposes.
Try: Look at a description and samples of silk velvet at Hyena Productions.

Thai silk

Thai silk is manufactured in Thailand and due to the unique design patterns, bright colors and artisan craftsmanship of the highest quality, it is considered one of the finest and most luxurious fabrics in the world.
Try: Find out everything about Thai silk from World of Thai Silk.