drapey

Drapey is an adjective used primarily in fashion and textiles to describe fabric or garments that hang smoothly and fluidly, with a soft, graceful fall. Fabrics described as drapey tend to have a fluid movement and do not cling tightly to the body. The term is largely a qualitative design descriptor rather than a strict technical specification.

The drape of a fabric is influenced by fiber content, yarn structure, weave or knit, and overall weight. Lightweight to mid-weight materials with flexible fibers commonly exhibit good drape, while stiff or heavy fabrics fall differently. The arrangement of fibers, the presence of stretch, and the surface finish can also affect how a fabric falls and swishes.

Common drapey materials include silk, satin, chiffon, crepe, viscose, rayon, modal, and lightweight wool or blends, as well as knits like jersey. In fashion, drapey fabrics are often used for silhouettes that emphasize fluid lines, such as bias-cut dresses, draped panels, cowl necks, and wrap designs. They are valued for their ability to create soft folds, layered dimensions, and a relaxed yet elegant aesthetic.

Etymology traces to the French drapé, meaning draped. In usage, drapey is a descriptive term rather than a standardized specification, and its interpretation can vary by designer, retailer, and consumer perception. See also drape and flow in textiles for related concepts.