Chiffon

Chiffon belongs to the same family of tightly twisted plain-weave fabrics as georgette, but with a smoother, less grainy finish and generally less body, which is what gives it its floating, sheer quality. It is woven in both pure silk and polyester, and the two can look almost identical to the eye.

Region: Woven across many Indian textile hubs; not tied to a single GI region

1. 01Fine, tightly spun yarn is woven in a plain weave with less aggressive twist contrast than georgette, giving chiffon a smoother rather than puckered surface.
2. 02Chiffon is finished lightly, with little further processing, to keep the fabric as soft and sheer as possible.
3. 03It is made in both pure silk and polyester, with polyester dominating the everyday retail market.

• Chiffon is noticeably lighter and more slippery in the hand than georgette; scrunch a corner and it should float back down slowly rather than holding a puckered texture.
• Pure silk chiffon feels slightly warm to the touch and has a soft sound when rubbed; polyester chiffon feels cooler and more uniformly slick.
• Ask the seller directly whether it is silk or synthetic chiffon, since the two look almost identical to the eye.

WEIGHT

Very light, one of the lightest in this guide.

WARMTH

Cool.

BREATHABILITY

High.

DRAPE

Clings more than georgette because it has less body; flatters a fitted look but needs a well-fitted petticoat and blouse underneath.

WRINKLING

Wrinkles very little given how lightweight it is; it tends to hang smooth.

Best season: Summer and warm evenings

WASHING

Pure silk chiffon: dry clean. Synthetic chiffon: gentle hand wash in cold water, lay flat to dry, never wring.

IRONING

Rarely needed; if using an iron, the lowest heat through a cloth, since chiffon scorches and, if synthetic, melts easily.

STORAGE

Store flat or loosely rolled, not hung by the pallu, and keep away from anything with rough edges, since the sheer weave snags easily.

STAINS

Blot immediately; chiffon shows a water mark quickly because it is so sheer and light.

PERFUME AND DEODORANT

Spray fragrance on skin only; chiffon's sheerness makes any mark or stain more visible than on a heavier fabric.

Because chiffon clings, drape it over a well-fitted petticoat and blouse; a few safety pins at the shoulder and waist help it hold its pleats through a long evening.