The Journey of a Chiffon Saree : From a Yarn to the Whole Nine Yards

(Viewed 419 times since Dec 2023)

Chiffon has been a favorite in the textile industry for a long time now because of its high demand among people. From dresses to tunics, chiffon is used to make a lot of garments including sarees. Their sheer and transparent fabric makes Chiffon sarees a favorite among saree lovers. People usually believe that chiffon sarees come only in prints. However, they also come with exquisite embroidery, sequin work, and gota patti work which make a chiffon saree party wear perfect. People can style these sarees according to their personal preferences and mood. 


Types of Chiffon Sarees -

Silk Crepe Chiffon Saree - It has a rough texture.

Chameleon Chiffon Saree - This one has a multi-toned fabric.

Pearl Chiffon Saree -  It derives its name from the pearly shade it has.

Jacquard Chiffon Saree - This type of chiffon saree is a bit heavy.

Silk Satin Chiffon Saree - Its fabric is the softest, lightest, and most sheer out of all.


History of Chiffon - 

Chiffon is a French word which means cloth. It is a light, lustrous, and sheer fabric that is used to make a vast variety of garments, especially sarees. Chiffon can be made naturally from Silk, or artificially as well by using synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon, and nylon. It is a delicate fabric that has a slight stretch and a mesh-like feel to it. Chiffon fibers can absorb dye well and that is why every color pops on them. 

It was first produced in France and was initially made only from silk. This made the fabric very expensive and thus exclusively available to elite women. However, gradually Nylon started being used in the manufacturing of chiffon. In 1958 polyester entered the scenario and started being used in chiffon production. This variant gained popularity very quickly because it was durable and more economical as compared to silk chiffon.


Process of Making Chiffon - 

Manufacturing chiffon is quite a unique process. It involves interweaving two types of yarns. While one yarn is arranged in S-shaped curves, the other yarn is twisted in a Z-shape. Chiffon yarns are twisted tighter as compared to yarns of other fabrics. They are twisted clockwise and counter-clockwise and then bound together in a plain weave. This involves taking one weft thread and alternately running it above and under one warp thread. This weaving gives it a slightly rough texture that is the trademark of the chiffon fabric. 


Maintaining Chiffon Sarees - 

Chiffon sarees are very delicate in texture. That is why they need proper care and maintenance if one wants them to last long and wants their look and feel to remain intact. The following tips must be followed while caring for Chiffon sarees - 

  • Machine wash is quite rough and can damage the sarees. That is why they should only be washed by hand.
  • The fabric of chiffon sarees is compatible with mild detergents only.
  • They should not be soaked in water for too long. The duration should not exceed 30 minutes. 
  • Chiffon sarees should be washed only with cold water. 
  • It must be kept in a shaded area because contact with direct sunlight can make the color fade.
  • Silk chiffon sarees should only be given for dry cleaning because they are very delicate.
  • Avoid using chemicals like bleach on the saree because they can harm the fabric.


Wrapping Up - 

Chiffon sarees are popular among the masses because of the grace and elegance of their fabric. Easy to drape and carry, they make for beautiful additions to the wardrobe of any woman. Different types of chiffon sarees have a different charm to them. While some are printed with beautiful floral patterns, some are embroidered with beautiful stones, zari threads, or even sequins. While chiffon sarees made of pure silk are very expensive, the ones made of synthetic fibers like nylon, rayon, and polyester are affordable. BUt no matter which one is picked, they must always be handled with utmost care.


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