
In the 21st century, the word “crepe” is so disambiguated that it can refer to any number of different types of textured fabric. Often mixed with other fabric types and weaves, crepe has a unique light, textured profile that makes it highly useful in flowing, airy garments. Crepe fabric has long since lost its immediate association with mourning attire, which has allowed the use of this textile to expand outside of its traditional uses. Today, crepe is most commonly used in high fashion and other types of decorative apparel design.


Very rapidly, a company called Courtaulds almost completely dominated the crepe manufacturing market, and over the years, this iconic firm experimented with a variety of different crepe weaves and materials.Ĭalvin Klein Collection - Crepe and Ribbed-Knit Dress - Black Crepe fabric today In the West, crepe gained popularity outside of mourning attire during the 19th century. For instance, Crepe is still used by Orthodox Greek women for mourning, and various cultures of the Indian subcontinent incorporate crepe into their traditional garments. Since the concept behind crepe is so simple, many cultures have adopted forms of this fabric at one stage of development or another. Other cultures around the world incorporate various types of crepe fabric into their textile manufacturing, and in some cases, traditional crepe fabric is still used that has been woven the same way for thousands of years.Ĭrepe fabric has no clear origin point in the history of human civilization.

Traditionally, crepe fabric was worn by women at times of mourning in many Western cultures, but this practice has largely gone out of fashion. Garments and other textiles made with crepe fabric are generally delicate and used for ceremonial occasions. Scarves, shawls, wraps, dresses, eveningwear, hats, mourning wear, high fashion, curtainsĬasa Collection Crepe Fabric What is crepe fabric?Ĭrepe is a weaving or fabric treatment method that results in a unique rippling, three-dimensional texture. Crepe made with organic materials has higher breathability than synthetic crepeīiggest exporting/producing country today
