Taffeta
Description
A crisp, shiny fabric originally made from Silk in Persia. Taffeta is now also made from Cotton, Rayon, Nylon, Acetate or Polyester. The plain weave fabric uses a filling yarn that is heavier than the warp to produce a fine cross-rib texture. Taffeta is used for linings, dresses, suits, and trim. There are two distinct types of silk taffeta: yarn-dyed and piece-dyed. Piece-dyed taffeta is often used in linings and is quite soft. Yarn-dyed taffeta is much stiffer and is often used in evening dresses. When different colors are used for the warp and weft threads, the fabric can have an iridescent effect and is called Shot silk.
Synonyms and Related Terms
taffety; tafetán (Esp.);
Additional Images
Taffeta apron
MFA# 52.1204
Silk taffeta bag
MFA# 50.372
Silk taffeta shoes
MFA# 50.490
Acetate taffeta
Resources and Citations
- Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
- Edward Reich, Carlton J. Siegler, Consumer Goods: How to Know and Use Them, American Book Company, New York City, 1937
- Hermann Kuhn, Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art and Antiquities, Butterworths, London, 1986
- Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985
- Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taffeta (Accessed Nov. 9, 2005 and October 21, 2020)
- Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000