Definitions

A-B | C | D-F | G-O | P-S | T-Z


Pailette Satin (see Satin)
It is characterized by it's changeable color and is available in a variety of different colors.

Panne Velvet (See velvet)
Has a longer or higher pile than velvet, but shorter than plush. It is pressed flat and has a high lustre made possible by a tremendous roller-press treatment given the material in finishing. Now often made as knit fabric.

Peach Skin (Peau de Peche)
Fiber:
Weave:
Characteristics: The name comes from a French phrase meaning "skin of peach". This textile has a soft nap that is acquired after a finishing process.

Percale
Fiber: Cotton
Weave: Plain
Characteristics: Medium weight, firm, smooth, no gloss. Washes very well
Uses: Dresses, women's and children's, sportswear, aprons, and sheets.

Pique
Fiber: Cotton, rayon, synthetics.
Weave: Lengthwise rib
Characteristics: Ribs often filled to give a more pronounced wale. It is durable and launders well. Wrinkles badly. different patterns besides wales: birdseye (small diamond), waffle (small squares), honeycomb. Wears at the corded areas first.
Uses: Trims, collars, cuffs, millinery, summer dresses, skirts, blouses, shirts

Plisse
Fiber: Cotton, rayon, and others.
Weave: Plain
Characteristics: Could be made from any fine material, e.g. organdy, lawn, etc. Treated with a caustic soda solution which shrinks parts of the goods either all over or in stripes giving a blistered effect. Similar to seersucker in appearance. This crinkle may or may not be removed after washing.
Uses: Sleepwear, dresses, blouses for women and children. Often it is called wrinkle crepe.

Polyester
Fiber:
Weave:
Characteristics: xtremely resilient Fiber that is smooth, crisp and springy. It's shape is determined by heat and it is insensitive to moisture. It is lightweight, strong and resistant to creasing, shrinking, stretching, mildew and abrasion. It is readily washable and is not damaged by sunlight or weather and is resistant to moths and mildew.
Uses: Vary, depending on blend.

Pongee
Fiber: Silk, cotton, rayon.
Weave: Plain.
Characteristics: Light or medium weight. Tan or ecru in color. Woven "in the gum". Some is dyed, but color is not quite uniform. Some printed. warp is finer and more even than filling. Nubs or irregular cross ribs produced by uneven yarns. It is woven from wild tussah silk and it is a "raw silk".
Uses: Dresses, blouses, summer suits.

Poplin
Fiber: Cotton, wool, and other textile Fibers.
Weave: Crosswise rib.
Characteristics: Has a more pronounced filling effect than broadcloth. Heavy poplin is given a water-repellent finish for outdoor use.
Uses: Sportswear of all kinds, shirts, boy's suits, uniforms, blouses, dresses.

Ramie
Fiber: Cellulose
Weave:
Characteristics: natural Fiber resembling flax. The Fiber is stiff, more brittle than linen, and highly lustrous. It can be bleached to extreme whiteness. The strength of ramie is excellent.

Rayon
Fiber: Cellulose
Weave:
Characteristics: This cellulose Fiber is highly absorbent. ItŐs drapability and dyeability are excellent and it is fairly soft. Rayon does have a tendency to shrink but does not melt in high temperatures. It is resistant to moths and is not affected by ordinary household bleaches and chemicals.
Uses: Clothing, hose.

Sateen
Fiber: Cotton, some also made in rayon.
Weave: Sateen filling-face weave.
Characteristics: Lustrous and smooth with the sheen in a filling direction. Better qualities are mercerized to give a higher sheen. Some are only calendered to produce the sheen but this disappears and is not considered genuine sateen.
Uses: Dresses, sportswear, robes, pajamas

Satin
Fiber: Silk, rayon, synthetics.
Weave: Satin.
Characteristics: Usually has a lustrous surface and a dull back. Made in many colors, weights, varieties, qualities, and degrees of stiffness.
Uses: Slips, evening wear, coats, capes, and jackets, lining fabrics, millinery

Satin-Back Crepe (See Crepe-Back Satin)

Satin-Crepe (See Crepe-Back Satin)

Seersucker
Fiber: Cotton, rayon, synthetics.
Weave: Plain, slack tension weave.
Characteristics: Colored stripes are often used. Dull surface. Comes in medium to heavy weights. The woven crinkle is produced by alternating slack and tight yarns in the warp. This is permanent. Some may be produced by pressing or chemicals, which is not likely to be permanent - called plisse. Durable, gives good service and wear. May be laundered without ironing. Some comes in a check effect.
Uses: Summer suits for men, women, and children, coats, uniforms, trims, nightwear, sportswear, dresses, blouses, children's wear

Serge
Fiber: wool, cotton, silk, rayon, and synthetics.
Weave: A very distinct twill which shows on both sides of the fabric.
Characteristics: distinct diagonal. smooth, hard finish that wears exceptionally well but shines with use. It is a good cloth in tailoring as it drapes and clings very well. Made in various weights. Unfinished worsted and wool are not quite as clear on the surface.
Uses: Coats, suits and sportswear.

Shantung
Fiber: silk
Weave: Plain.
Characteristics: It is a raw silk quite similar to pongee, but has a more irregular surface, heavier, and rougher. Most of the slubs are in the filling direction. Wrinkles quite a bit. Underlining helps to prevent this as well as slipping at the seams. Do not fit too tightly, if long wear is expected.
Uses: Dresses, suits, and coats.

Sheer
Fiber: Any Fiber.
Weave: Mostly plain but could be various weaves.
Characteristics: Any very light-weight fabric (e.g. chiffon, georgette, voile, sheer crepe). Usually has an open weave. They mostly feel cool.

Shot Taffeta (See Taffeta)
Usually plain weave, woven with one color in the warp and another color in the filling, which gives the fabric an iridescent look. If fabric is moved in the light this color changes. Silk version of chambray. Also called iridescent or changeable taffeta.

Silk
Fiber:
Weave:
Characteristics: It is obtained from cocoons of certain species of caterpillars. It is soft and has a brilliant sheen. It is one of the finest textiles. It is also very strong and absorbent.

Slipper Satin (see Satin)
Strong, compactly woven with quite a bit of body. It is used chiefly for footwear. Textures are high and the material comes colored, black or white, or richly brocaded effects. - Shiniest satin.

Spandex
Fiber:
Weave:
Characteristics: It is lightweight and flexible. It resists deterioration from perspiration, detergent and body oils. It is characterized by itŐs strength and durability.
Uses: Main uses are athletic wear and foundation garments.