Moiré
Also known as: Watered silk
Rep fabric with a wavy, water-like pattern reflex produced by calendering two fabric layers under pressure.
Description
Moiré is a surface finish applied to rep fabric: two layers with pronounced cross ribs are laid on top of each other, slightly offset and passed together through a heated calender under pressure. The crushed ribs reflect light in changing directions, producing the characteristic cloudy-wavy pattern (like water or wood grain). A distinction is made between true moiré (mechanically fixed and irreversible) and imitation moiré (embossed with engraved rollers, less durable).
Fibres are classically silk (silk moire), today mainly viscose or polyester filament; half-silk also occurs. Weights 80-200 g/m². The rep character (cross ribs) is fully preserved; the moiré effect is purely optical via light reflection.
Uses: medal ribbons (heraldic moiré ribbons), formal ties, eveningwear, blouses and waistcoats, historical costumes, wedding sashes and upholstery. Moiré rep is standard on diplomatic uniforms and knight-of-order ribbons.
Properties
| Weave type | Rep + moiré calender finish |
|---|---|
| Typical fibres | Silk, viscose, polyester |
| Fabric weight | 80-200 g/m² |
| Use | Order ribbons, ties, dresses, waistcoats |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Moiré Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moiré
- Textile Institute textileinstitute.org https://www.textileinstitute.org/
