Charmeuse (; ; ) is a lightweight fabric woven with a satin weave. These float threads give the front of the fabric a smooth, shiny finish, whereas the back has a dull finish. Charmeuse differs from plain satin in that charmeuse has a different ratio of float (face) threads, and is of a lighter weight. Charmeuse may be made of silk, polyester, or rayon. Charmeuse woven from blended fibers has also become more common. It is used in women's clothing such as lingerie, evening gowns, and blouses, especially garments with a bias cut. It is occasionally used in menswear.
It can be made of silk or a synthetic lookalike such as polyester. Silk charmeuse is more expensive and delicate but is softer and a better insulator.
Polyester charmeuse has characteristics that are undesirable for sewing, including a tendency to pucker at the seams and fraying during cutting and handling. Polyester charmeuse is cheaper and can often withstand Washing machine. It can be a challenging fabric to sew; it tends to be slippery and may be difficult to control through the presser foot of a sewing machine. Pin can make holes and marks in polyester charmeuse, so sharp dressmaker's pins, with a smooth taper to the point, are used when sewing charmeuse garments. A sizing product may be sprayed on charmeuse before cutting.
Its uses in menswear include the lining of and slacks, , neck tie, and underwear, such as charmeuse boxer shorts.
The look of charmeuse is prized for dressy garments, especially when cut on the bias, a technique used to create garments that flow well on the body.
Charmeuse is also the required material for the outer layer of Olympic competition ski jumper suits.
6. Sewport Support Team (2021, Oct. 10). What is Charmeuse Fabric: Properties, How its Made and Where. Sewport. Retrieved on Oct. 21, 2021 from https://sewport.com/fabrics-directory/charmeuse-fabric
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