Taffeta: what is this fabric, its description and application

The modern material of taffeta gets its name from the Persian word taffeta, meaning "taffeta" - a tough silk fabric with shimmering iridescence. This is the only thing in which multifunctional and practical synthetics are similar to expensive taffeta. Used for sewing a variety of everyday items. Like taffeta, it has a silky sheen, but doesn't look so fancy.

Taffeta is an inexpensive synthetic with a simple weave. It can be plain dyed in different colors, as well as with all kinds of printed designs. Camouflage and jacquard patterns are in great demand. The composition of the fabric is pure polyester or nylon with a protective coating. Another name for taffeta is polyester silk. It is widely used in everyday life - it is used as a lining in specialized and sportswear, as well as in the manufacture of tourist equipment.

In addition to tents, awnings and sleeping bags, curtains and bedspreads, chair covers and pillowcases for decorative pillows are sewn from taffeta. 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, a fairly clear and consistent print quality is obtained on this fabric.

Taffeta is produced in two types. Its quality characteristics are influenced by the composition of the fibers. Nylon. This composition gives the fabric strength, and with the addition of spandex - also elasticity. Such fabric 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 repellency and wear resistance. Such fabric will withstand even mechanical damage.

Description of disadvantages:

• the tendency to accumulate static electricity, provided that the matter has not been treated with special antistatic agents;
• poor hygroscopicity;
• unsuitability for body wear;
• simple view.

Polyester. It happens without additives or with the addition of elastane. It is durable and wrinkle-free material. Visually more beautiful than nylon and more pleasant to the touch. The material is resistant to abrasion, UV and different temperatures. Polyester taffeta does not fade during long-term use, but is less durable.

Several types of impregnations are used to impart specific properties to the fabric. They are distinguished by marking.

• PU - a transparent film layer that makes the fabric water-repellent. It is applied from the inside or from the outside of the matter.
• PU milky - cream colored inner polyurethane coating. Provides moisture protection to the fabric.
• PVC - a protective layer of polyvinyl chloride, which protects against overheating, wetting and contact with chemicals.
• Silver - polymer silver layer. Fluid-retaining impregnation that protects against moisture. It is the best option for insulated outerwear, camping tents and shopping sheds. Due to its reflective properties, the sun's rays do not penetrate the fabric, and the air inside the tent does not heat up.

It is mainly used as a lining, while it is more dense. This material is quilted with padding polyester padding for coats or bedspreads. The strongest taffeta is produced under the "Rip Stop" label, which indicates the additional use of extra strong fibers for the manufacture of fabric.

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

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

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

Some disadvantages:

• has unpleasant tactile properties;
• may electrify without antistatic treatment.

The area of ​​use of taffeta is not limited, despite the lack of special aesthetic appeal. The thin and airy material is ideal as a lining. It creates a decorative backdrop for the wrong side, maintains the proper shape of the product and an optimal microclimate. Can be draped without rough seams. Lightweight fabric is used for tailoring specific and sports clothing and disposable items: posters, packaging, flags, awnings, awnings.

Outerwear is sewn from dense types: windbreakers, jackets, sweatpants, raincoats. The bright colors give these windproof garments a colorful look. Rip Stop fabric is suitable for sewing tourist equipment, durable travel luggage, hardy backpacks, household bags, umbrellas and even shoes. It does not get wet or blown out. Stage curtains, costumes and theatrical scenery, curtains in classrooms of educational institutions, bedspreads in hotels are often made from taffeta.

The affordability and durability of polyester silk makes it popular with fishermen and hunters. Overalls for hunting and catching reliably protect from piercing winds, torrential rains. Such comfortable outerwear is warm, but not hot. Specially treated taffeta jackets and windbreakers keep you warm. If a layer of insulation is hemmed inside clothes or equipment, then such an attribute can be used in conditions of low temperatures. Most often, this specific garment is sewn from camouflage polyester silk reinforced with a membrane. The specially coated Dobby Ponge fabric is also suitable as ski equipment.

Coats with impregnation are often purchased by lovers of travel to the mountains. Windproof outerwear is lightweight and wrinkle-free. In hiking conditions, these characteristics are very important, in addition, the nylon or polyester product can be compactly folded into a travel backpack. The fabric will reliably protect you from rain and will not freeze during the cool part of the day, and in warm weather, a traveler in such clothes will not receive heatstroke. Matter breathes and is hygroscopic.

It is necessary to operate things made of polyester silk in accordance with the basic rules.

• Do not store crumpled or wet items.
• The fabric must be dried flat and folded neatly.
• Store in a ventilated place, free of foreign odors, as taffeta tends to quickly absorb them. Storing taffeta or taffeta products requires a dry room and room temperature.
• Before sending it for long-term storage, the item must be inspected and, if necessary, cleaned of dirt - fresh stains are easier to remove than old ones.

• Do not ignore the manufacturer's instructions on the label. Synthetics should be washed in the "hand wash" option at a temperature not higher than +30 degrees.
• To clean polyester textiles, you need to choose special products - no powder for washing taffeta is 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. The fabric without special impregnation must be ironed at a temperature of no more than 110 degrees. Gentle (manual) spin is recommended.

For information on how to wash taffeta clothes, see the next video.