crape

Crape, also spelled crepe, is a textile characterized by a crinkled or pebbled surface. The texture is produced by a crepe weave, by twisting the yarns to a high degree and setting them with finishing treatments, or by certain chemical finishes. Crape fabrics can be made from silk, wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers, and they range from lightweight to heavier weights with varying drape.

There are several well-known varieties of crepe. Silk crepes include crepe de Chine (soft and fluid) and crepe georgette (sheer and airy). Crepe satin offers a glossy surface with a crepe back, while cotton crepe and wool crepe provide crisper or more structured options. Some fabrics are marketed specifically as stretch crepe, which incorporates elastane for added flexibility. The term crepe also encompasses fabrics that imitate the crepe texture in blends and synthetic fibers.

Uses and care: Crape is popular for dresses, blouses, skirts, and evening wear due to its drape and texture. In historical Western fashion, black crepe known as crape or crape de Paris was used for mourning attire. Care varies by fiber: silk crepe is typically dry-cleaned, wool and cotton crepes may require gentle washing or dry cleaning, and many synthetic crepes are machine washable on gentle cycles.

History and terminology: The word derives from French crêpe. In older English, crape is a variant spelling often associated with mourning textiles, though crepe is the modern and more general spelling for most fabrics. The development of crepe fabrics occurred across Europe and Asia and spread widely in fashion.