Taffeta: what is this fabric, its description and application

The modern material taffeta got its name from the Persian word taffeta, meaning taffeta, a rigid silk fabric with glittering modulations. This is the only multifunctional and practical synthetics that is similar to expensive taffeta. Used for sewing a variety of everyday things. Like taffeta, it has a silky sheen, but does not look so elegant.

Taffeta is an inexpensive synthetics with simple weaving threads. It can be one-colored in different colors, as well as with all kinds of printed patterns. Camouflage and jacquard pattern are in special demand. The fabric contains pure polyester or nylon with a protective coating. Another name taffeta is polyester silk. It is widely used in everyday life - it is used as a lining in specialized and sports clothing, as well as in the manufacture of tourist equipment.

In addition to tents, awnings and sleeping bags, from taffeta they sew curtains and bedspreads, chair covers and pillowcases for decorative pillows. The low cost, as well as the significant wear resistance of polyester silk, allows it to be used everywhere and even in outdoor advertising, for example, in banners, stretch marks, in flag canvases. In addition, this fabric produces a fairly clear and durable print quality.

Taffet produce two kinds. Its quality characteristics affect the composition of the fibers. Nylon. This composition gives the fabric strength, and when added spandex - also elasticity. Such matter stretches well and practically does not wrinkle, is not blown in the wind, and dries quickly after getting wet. The nylon version has high water-repellent properties, wear resistance. Such fabric will resist even with mechanical damage.

Description of the disadvantages:

• tendency to accumulate static electricity, provided that the matter is not treated with special antistatic agents;
• poor hygroscopicity;
• unsuitability for the body wearing;
• simple look.

Polyester. It happens without impurities or with the addition of elastane. This is a durable and non-palpable material. Visually more beautiful than nylon and tactile more pleasant to the touch. The material is resistant to friction, ultraviolet and different temperatures. Polyester taffet does not fade in the process of long-term operation, but less durable.

To impart fabric specific properties, several types of impregnation are used. They are distinguished by labeling.

• PU - the transparent film layer giving to water-repellent qualities. It is applied from the inside or from the outside of the matter.
• PU milky - internal polyurethane coating cream color. It gives the fabric moisture-proof properties.
• PVC - a protective layer of polyvinyl chloride, which protects from overheating, getting wet and contact with chemicals.
• Silver - polymer silver layer. Impregnation to protect against moisture. It is the best option for warmed outerwear, camping tents and shopping sheds. Due to the reflective properties of the sun's rays do not penetrate the fabric, and the air inside the tent is not heated.

Mainly used as a lining, with greater density. Such material is quilted by a synthetic winterizer for podstzhek a coat or covers. The strongest taffet is produced under the “Rip-Stop” label, which refers to the additional use of highly durable fibers for the manufacture of fabric.

In taffeta, advantages prevail over disadvantages, which explains the popularity of the fabric:

• retains its original appearance and shape after frequent washes, including in automatic washing machines;
• it is strong and attractive;
• has a long service life;
• well absorbs moisture and sweat, keeping the dry outer surface;
• well ventilated;
• is a reliable shelter from wind and frost (some types of fabric can withstand up to -160 degrees);
• not wrinkled;

• holds the print for a long time;
• differs in wear resistance;
• does not cause allergic reactions;
• has a small weight, even in large volumes;
• does not need special care;
• easy to wash and dry quickly;
• available for sale.

Some disadvantages are:

• has unpleasant tactile properties;
• can be electrified without antistatic treatment.

The use of taffeta is not limited, despite the lack of special aesthetic appeal. Thin and airy material is ideal as a lining. It creates a decorative background for the reverse side, maintains the proper shape of the product and the optimal microclimate. Amenable to drape without the formation of coarse seams. Lightweight fabric is used for tailoring specific and sportswear and single-use items: posters, packaging, flags, awnings, awnings.

From dense types sew outerwear: windbreakers, jackets, sports pants, raincoats. Bright colors give such windproof products a colorful look. Cloth "Rip Stop" suitable for tailoring travel equipment, durable luggage, hardy backpacks, household bags, umbrellas and even shoes. It does not get wet and is not blown. Of the taffeta often make stage curtains, costumes and theatrical scenery, curtains in classrooms of educational institutions, bedspreads in hotels.

Price availability and wear resistance of polyester silk make it popular among fishermen and hunters. Special suits for hunting and catch reliably protect from piercing winds, torrential rains. In such a comfortable outerwear warm, but not hot. Special impregnated jackets and windbreakers of taffeta hold heat. If a layer of insulation is hemmed inside clothing or equipment, then this attribute can be used in conditions of low temperatures. Most often, these specific clothes are sewn from camouflage polyester silk, reinforced with a membrane. Dobby Ponge special coating material is also suitable as a ski equipment.

Impregnated windbreakers are often acquired by mountain lovers. Windproof outerwear is lightweight and does not wrinkle. In traveling conditions such characteristics are very important, besides nylon or polyester products can be compactly folded into a tourist backpack. The fabric will reliably protect from rain and will not allow to freeze in the cool time of the day, and in warm weather a traveler in such clothes will not get a heat stroke. Matter "breathes" and is hygroscopic.

It is necessary to operate things from polyester silk according to basic rules.

• Do not store crumpled or wet items.
• The matter needs to be dried in the straightened form and carefully folded.
• Store in a ventilated place, without odors, as taffeta tends to quickly absorb them. For storage of taffeta or products from it you need a dry room and room temperature.
• Before sending for long-term storage, the item should be inspected and, if necessary, cleaned of contamination - it is easier to remove fresh stains than old ones.

• Do not neglect the instructions from the manufacturer indicated on the label. Wash synthetic in the option of "hand wash" should be at a temperature not higher than +30 degrees.
• For the purification of polyester textiles, you need to choose special products - powder for washing taffeta is not allowed. Drying in natural conditions is recommended - high temperature machine drying is prohibited by the manufacturer.
• Washing with chlorine-containing substances, dry cleaning of any type, bleaching is contraindicated. Fabric without special impregnation should be ironed at a temperature not exceeding 110 degrees. Recommended delicate (manual) spin.

See how to wash taffeta clothes in the next video.