Faille
Also known as: Faille silk
Cross-rep fabric with flat, wide horizontal ribs — softer and coarser-ribbed than grosgrain.
Description
Faille is a fine cross-rep fabric with flat, wide horizontal ribs. Like classic rep it is formed by thin warp threads that enclose a distinctly heavier weft — the ribs run at right angles to the warp and are wider and flatter than in grosgrain (rep ribbon). Faille looks softer, more drapable and less stiff than grosgrain but still has a structured, refined character.
Classically made from silk (faille française), today also from viscose, cotton, wool and polyester blends. Weights 120-260 g/m². The hand is smooth and rib-cool, the drape a touch heavier than poplin. The French additionally distinguish tissue faille (lighter, for blouses) and grosgrain faille (heavier, for skirts and coats).
Uses: classic ladies' suits (Chanel style), skirts, opera coats, structured blouses, eveningwear and historically the base fabric for 19th-century redingotes. In bridal and confirmation wear as an alternative to duchesse satin.
Properties
| Weave type | Cross rep, flat cross ribs |
|---|---|
| Typical fibres | Silk, viscose, cotton, polyester |
| Fabric weight | 120-260 g/m² |
| Use | Suits, skirts, blouses, eveningwear |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Faille Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faille
- Textile Institute textileinstitute.org https://www.textileinstitute.org/
