Chiffon is a lightweight plain-woven fabric with mesh like weave that gives it transparent appearance. The word Chiffon has a French origin which means a cloth. It is primarily made from cotton, silk or synthetic fibers like nylon, rayon and polyester. Chiffon is most commonly used to weave Sarees, Dresses and Scarves.

The inherent brilliance of this fabric is due to the triangular shape of each fiber that refracts light in many directions. Lightweight and absorbent, Chiffon will keep you comfortable in the summer as well as warm in the winter since it holds warm air close to your skin.

Chiffon made from silk is the most popular variant of the fabric. The shimmer texture of silk fabric makes the Chiffon look more appealing. Though it is lightweight, the fabric has considerable strength. Due to its manufacturing from natural silk fiber, it is a more expensive than the synthetic Chiffon.

Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are most commonly used to make chiffon. These materials can be easily dyed into different colors. The synthetic chiffon is also economical and sturdier than its silk variant. In the form of Sarees, the fabric adds shimmer and texture to the overall appearance. This fabric is also used to create Kurtis, Salwar Kameez, Scarves, Belts, and accents.

The use of Chiffon in layering an attire can be seen aplenty. It adds volume to a garment and is often used as the base fabric for embroideries and appliques. This sheer fabric is also used to manufacture home furnishing products such as embellished sofa covers and curtains.

Outfits crafted out of Chiffon should preferably be hand-washed or slow machine washed with extra care so that the fabric does not get frayed.

It is advisable not to wash chiffon outfits with any other clothes especially in the first few wash cycles as it may bleed color. Also, the duration of wash cycle should be kept short as chiffon fabric starts loosing color if kept in water for a longer duration.

Chiffon can often be found in elegant evening dresses and formal wear, often as an overlay, and also works well in scarves, blouses and accessories

Country of Origin: India (India)