What Is Crepe Fabric?

Nowadays, countless number of all kinds of fabrics are produced in different countries. Modern crepe materials are popular and of high quality. Crepe is a unique type of fabric that stands out for its distinctive texture with tiny wavy folds or tubercles. This texture not only gives crepe its characteristic appearance but also provides it with excellent practical qualities such as good traceability and the ability to camouflage figure flaws. Thanks to these features, crepe finds a wide range of uses in various fashion applications, from casual wear to evening gowns and professional uniforms.

In this blog, we will learn what crepe is, how it is made, what are the types of crepe, the fabric history, and for what it is used. Distinctive features of crepe can be called roughness, and unevenness of the front side of the fabric. Due to its density and good resistance to repeated washing, crepe fabric is suitable for sewing a variety of products. We also explore how modern designers are using this fabric to create innovative and stylish collections, demonstrating the versatility and enduring popularity of crepe in the fashion world. Today we tell you everything you need to know about crepe.

Crepe is a unique type of fabric that stands out for its prominent texture with tiny wavy folds or tubercles. In Latin, “crispus” means rough, and wavy. To begin with, crepe is not one single fabric. The term “crepe” refers to several different fabrics. We can say that this is a whole group of types of textiles. What unites all these materials? How to understand what to buy, knitted rags in front of you or crepe? All fabrics related to crepe, have a special weave of threads, which creates a characteristic rough surface. Thanks to this crepe fabric has high strength and resistance to deformation. In addition, it holds its shape well and does not wrinkle.

Crepe fabrics can be made of different materials such as silk, viscose, cotton, polyester, nylon, and others. They come in a variety of textures, sheens, and densities, making them versatile and suitable for a wide variety of garments, from dresses and blouses to coats and jackets. Crepe fabric also drapes beautifully, allowing you to create elegant and stylish designs.

Thanks to these features, crepe is used in a wide range of fashion applications, from casual wear to evening wear and professional uniforms.

Any crepe fabric made by this technology has a set of certain properties and qualities that determine its use. First of all, it is a high strength of the fabric and its density. The material is characterized by high breathability and can repel dust and small drops of water. With high density, it stands out for its softness and lightness.

Crepe has many advantages:
Most often crepe fabric consists of very tightly twisted threads crossed diagonally, with the direction of twisting of the crossed threads always opposite. After boiling the finished material, the threads are partially untwisted, which gives the fabric relief. A fine-patterned weave, in which the yarns are not twisted, but simply woven in a special order, also creates the effect of a disorderly, convex texture. High strength and durability allow you to sew from clothes and other products that can serve for a long time, without losing appearance and quality.

The softness of the fabric makes it possible to design a variety of draperies and beautiful folds, and at the same time does not allow the formation of creases.

Lightness. With its density thin crepe is one of the most delicate and pleasant fabrics. It is great for summer in blouses and flying dresses. Wearing clothes made of it is comfortable, as the skin can breathe.

Its dirt-repelling property makes it less stainable and suitable for everyday wear. The lightness of crepe fabrics also contributes to this.

Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of such materials will be the high cost of cloth made from natural threads. Synthetics will cost less but require more attention in operation. On it, there is a higher probability of the formation of puffs and other small defects that spoil the appearance of clothes and other products.

Crepe fabrics are surrounded by legends and mysteries. Historians do not give a reasoned answer when and where they appeared. It is known for sure that the first fabrics were made of silk. Therefore, there are reasons to assume that the birthplace of crepe was China. After all, it was in this country that silk fabrics were first produced. But be that as it may, the lack of data on the origin of the cloth does not affect its popularity.

True, this popularity is unstable. The material then becomes the leader of the textile rating, then it is forgotten, and it disappears from the shelves. Crepe outfits were dreamed of in the era of art nouveau - at the turn of the XIX and XX centuries.

During the XVIII and XIX centuries, black silk crepe was considered a material for making mourning veils, and headbands or trimming mourning suits. As a result, the very name of the fabric became associated with mourning. Then for a long time, the exquisite matter was not even remembered. Gradually crepe mourning suits disappeared, and crepe fabrics began to be used for sewing clothes and accessories.

Until the 60s of the XX century came. Then crepe was swept by a new wave of popularity. Today, a group of fabrics with an unusual texture again breaks all sales records. This speaks of their good characteristics and aesthetics.

The range of crepe materials is quite diverse and includes the following types of fabrics:

Wool crepe - a warm material made from wool or semi-wool yarn, ideal for cozy coats and suits.

Crepe georgette is a strong and stretchy fabric with a shiny grainy surface that is lightweight, but also quite strong and heavy. It is made of natural materials, comfortable to wear in any weather.

Crepe de chine - this type of crepe is most often made of natural silk, although there are also products with artificial or synthetic fibers. It has a matte, rough surface and does not have elasticity. Unlike such light materials as chiffon or georgette, crepe chiffon is less transparent and does not require additional lining.

Crepe chiffon is an elegant combination of crepe and chiffon, combining the best qualities of both. Lightweight and translucent material, ideal for making smoothly flowing outfits.

Crepe Jacquard - a dense and heavy fabric with a voluminous printed pattern achieved through a complex weave of threads.

Crepe satin - available in natural and synthetic versions, it is characterized by a matte underside and a shiny front side. This soft and resilient fabric has pleasant tactile properties.

Stretch crepe - a thin fabric, which often includes artificial fibers, although there are also natural variants with the addition of elastane to provide elasticity. This fabric stretches well and can return to its original shape, and the addition of lycra increases its wearability.

Crepe satin - is created from silk or synthetic fibers using a satin weave. This material has an embossed texture on the underside and a smooth, slippery front side, making it a great choice for evening wear.

Crepe fabric has a wide range of uses due to its versatile characteristics that make it suitable for various types of garments and accessories, as well as for interior use.

Clothing:
Casual Fashion. Crepe is ideal for creating casual pieces such as dresses, skirts, and blouses. Its lightness and traceability allow designers to create models that fit well on the figure and do not require complicated care. Crepe stretch, for example, is particularly popular for pants and skirts because it combines comfort with an elegant look.

Evening fashion. Crepe chiffon and crepe chiffon are widely used to create evening outfits. These fabrics allow you to create airy, layered dresses and shawls that add lightness and romanticism to the image. Thanks to their texture, crepe fabrics are easy to drape, creating smooth lines and exquisite silhouettes, which makes them indispensable in evening fashion.

Business wear. Crepe satin and crepe georgette are often used in business fashion, where the balance between rigor and style is important. These fabrics allow you to create elegant blouses, suits, and dresses that emphasize professionalism, but at the same time do not lack grace. The smoothness and sheen of crepe satin, for example, give the pieces a special sophistication, making them an excellent choice for the office closet.

Accessories:
Shawls and shawls. Lightweight and drapey crepe fabrics such as crepe chiffon are ideal for creating shawls, shawls, and other accessories. They can serve as both a decorative element and a functional one - to protect from wind or sun. Thanks to their translucency and softness, these products become an integral part of an elegant image.

Ties and butterflies. Crepe de chine and crepe satin are used to create ties and butterflies, adding a touch of luxury to men's closets. Thanks to the dense structure and luster, these fabrics allow you to create accessories that retain their shape and perfectly complement a business suit.

Thus, crepe fabric is a versatile material that can fulfill a wide variety of fashion and design needs. From light, airy dresses to strict business suits and stylish interior elements, crepe fabrics allow you to create products that combine beauty and functionality.

For crepe products for a long time to be characterized by an unsurpassed appearance and high quality, it is important to adhere to certain care rules. Before washing it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the information on the label from the manufacturer. Fabric crepe needs a gentle attitude, so the optimal solution will be hand washing, with water not exceeding 30 degrees. If you still decide to resort to machine washing, then use the delicate mode. The washing agent should be selected according to the type of fabric.

Drying crepe products is recommended in natural conditions, without artificial heat sources and direct sunlight. Taking into account the features of this fabric, it should be noted that most crepe products do not require ironing. If there are creases, it is necessary to carry out the ironing process from the wrong side and slightly moistened fabric. It is recommended to store crepe products in cases or paper bags in well-ventilated rooms. By following these general rules, you will prolong the life of crepe garments and will be able to enjoy their beauty and excellent quality for a long time.