Drape: what kind of fabric is it?

Jackets, jackets and coats made of durable, heavy and very cozy material called drape have long been a basic component of women's, men's and even children's wardrobes. Winter and mid-season clothes made of drape are always in fashion, and depending on changes in trends, they can be presented in youth, classic, “casual” or “street” styles.

Drape what kind of fabric is this

drape
In its original form, the drape was a woven material with a slightly fleecy surface, made of pure wool. It first appeared in the late 18th century in Europe during the revolution. On machines invented specifically for the production of this type of fabric, fabrics were produced consisting of two layers of woolen threads, which made the drape unusually warm and wear-resistant.

Reference! Translated from a foreign language, “drape” is cloth.

The new type of cloth quickly gained popularity in Europe and spread far beyond its borders. It came to Russia at the end of the 19th century, where it was called and produced differently.

Reference! The first analogues of drape fabric, which was made in Russia, were most often used for sewing women's clothing; they called it dradedama.

Today, drape is noticeably different from its ancestor; it has become lighter, softer and more elastic. In the production of a modern analogue, not only natural woolen threads are used, but also synthetic fibers, making it a truly universal fabric that is resistant to weather conditions and time.

Features and benefits of fabric

Drape what kind of fabric is this
If earlier drape was a dense and heavy fabric consisting entirely of wool, today it is divided into:

  • pure, which includes materials that contain no more than 15% synthetic additives. It is well-turned; reclaimed wool is often used for its production. The highest quality is considered to be dense wool made from Australian fine-fleeced Merino sheep (Wullmark marking).
  • half-woolen, which contains about 70% synthetics. In most cases, modern models of outerwear are made from wool blend drape.
  • synthetic, which is an imitation of natural cloth, created using artificial fibers. This category of fabrics is used for the production of specialty products. clothes, toys, souvenirs or cheap furniture upholstery.

Depending on the thickness there are:

  • single-layer material used for sewing suits;
  • one-and-a-half-layer fabric from which demi-season outerwear is sewn;
  • two-layer fabric, from which almost all winter coats and jackets are made.

Most fashion designers consider this fabric to be one of the most versatile and comfortable materials from which it is easy and convenient to sew. Finished drapery products have the following positive qualities:

  • retain heat well and allow air to pass through;
  • comfortable to wear;
  • quickly disappear in the fresh air, getting rid of even the most persistent odors of tobacco, sweat or mothballs;
  • do not tear or deform, keep their shape well;
  • do not require special and complex care;
  • do not lose color during washing;
  • combine well with other fabrics.

What is drape used for?

things from drape
Each type of this fabric has its own area of ​​application. Pure and half-wool is used to create winter clothing, hats and as a trim for bags and shoes. Suit drape is used for sewing skirts, trousers and jackets. Ponchos, overcoats and scarves are made from light wool blend material.

In addition, chair covers are made from it and used as upholstery material for upholstery of upholstered furniture. Needlewomen use synthetics to sew toys, dolls and their clothing items.

Important! Although drape is considered an easy-care material, it is important to remember that outerwear made from it must be dry cleaned at the end of each season.

Items such as jackets and trousers are machine washed at low speed using special soft gels. Ironing and steaming items should only be done through a slightly damp cloth.

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