Lamés

Lamé refers to fabrics woven or knitted with metallic fibers or with a metallic foil bonded to the surface, producing a bright, reflective sheen. The term comes from French, meaning fabric woven with metal threads. Historically, genuine metal threads were used, but modern lamé often relies on synthetic metallic yarns, such as polyester or nylon cores wrapped with metallic foil or metallized fibers.

Lamé fabrics generally fall into two main types. Lamé yarns integrate metallic fibers directly into the weave or knit, yielding a fabric that is bright but can be stiff and prone to snagging. Foil lamé uses a thin metallic foil bonded to a base fabric, producing high reflectivity with a softer hand in some constructions, though it can be less durable and may shed foil over time. The weight, drape, and care requirements vary with the composition and construction.

Care and durability: Lamé fabrics are delicate. They can tarnish or lose luster with abrasion, perspiration, or improper washing. Many lamé fabrics are not fully washable; dry cleaning is commonly recommended. If ironing is necessary, use a low heat setting and place a pressing cloth to protect the metallic surface.

Uses: Lamé is favored for evening wear, costumes, dancewear, trims, and linings where a metallic appearance is desired. It is often lined to improve drape and comfort.

Variants: In addition to metallic threads, lamé can be made with yarns that are metal-coated or with foil-lamé constructions. The term broadly covers fabrics designed to emit light reflection rather than any single material composition.