What kind of material
Shiny fabric is back in fashion. Clothes made from it are no longer considered kitsch or a sign of bad taste. And designers invite us to wear items made from shimmering fabrics not only on special occasions. With the right approach, they look harmonious in everyday looks.
There are a great variety of iridescent materials. These include smooth shiny satin fabrics, textured crepe georgette, exquisite, expensive brocade, and fragile lamé. Separately, there are canvases with lurex.
When remembering the names of shiny fabrics, do not forget about taffeta or natural silk. They also produce shimmering tulle.
What are shiny fabrics used for?
Iridescent matter has been the peak season for a decade now. It is used in many cases:
- creating cute toys;
- production of linen, tulle and curtains;
- production of accessories.
And the main point of use is clothing design. Shiny bright sequins on dresses, delicate skirts made of satin textiles, practical and minimalistic taffeta sweaters.
Shiny cream fabric
Compound
Silk has a natural pearlescent sheen. But this is not the only raw material from which “glossy” materials are produced. Based on their composition, they can be divided into:
- natural (cotton, linen, silk). They are woven with satin or satin weave;
- synthetic (polyester, lavsan, acetate). The fibers themselves have a shine, the fabrics are obtained in any weave;
- fabrics with the addition of shiny threads. More often than others, lurex is added to the composition of canvases with an iridescent surface. These are thin metal threads. They are made from aluminum or nickel foil. They are combined with cotton, viscose, wool, and synthetic fibers. Silver and gold threads are added to elite materials. They are usually combined with silk.
Diagram and diagram of satin weave
Blended fabrics also have shine. They may contain: cotton + silk, silk + viscose, polyester + cotton (no more than 30%), acetate + viscose.
Types and their properties
There are many types of shiny fabric. They can be divided into 5 main groups:
- the glossy surface is obtained due to the interlacing of threads;
- the shine of the material is given by the raw materials (silk, acetate, polyester, nettle);
- shimmer is created by weaving shiny metallic threads;
- Spraying adds shine to the material. It is applied with special devices. The base is polyester. Spraying can be plain or with patterns;
- the iridescent surface is created by sequins or rhinestones, crystals.
The first group of materials includes those obtained with satin or satin weave. Classic satin is a smooth, shiny, silky, dense fabric used to make dresses, blouses, and luxury bedding sets.
Fabric satin. Photo
A cotton variety of satin is an eraser. Due to the fact that the warp threads completely cover the weft, the material has a slight shine. It is soft and gentle. Women's clothing is made from it.
Satin fabrics have a shine due to the fact that the weft threads completely cover the warp threads. Satin is woven from cotton. It is used to make bed linen, tablecloths, nightgowns or underwear.
Satin fabric. Photo
Jacquard weave allows you to obtain materials with shine. So, from silk or its mixture with viscose, dense, thin, silky fabrics are produced with a smooth matte background and a shiny pattern.
The iridescent materials of the second group include:
- organza This is a thin, shiny, translucent fabric. It is woven from silk or polyester. The material is used for finishing clothes, sewing curtains;
- taffeta. It is most often produced from twisted polyester fibers in a plain weave. It is used for upholstering furniture, sewing curtains, and clothing;
- natural silk fabrics. They belong to elite materials. They are used to make clothes, accessories (shawls, scarves), and home textiles.
There are a large number of types of materials containing metal threads. This is a budget tulle made from polyester and lurex. Theater and concert costumes are sewn from it, as are everyday and evening wear.
Expensive silk brocade with gold and silver threads. Its surface with a textured, shiny pattern is obtained by jacquard weave. Evening dresses and clothes for clergy are sewn from it.
Stretch knitted materials are produced with the addition of lurex. Their base is polyester or its mixture with elastane. Elastic shiny materials are produced from polyester and cotton or viscose. Costumes for performances and casual wear are made from knitwear.
Stretchy, shiny material – disco knitwear. It is made from polyester. The surface can be embroidered with sequins or have a holographic shine. Dresses, skirts, and trousers are made from it.
They highlight shiny materials for outerwear. They are made from synthetic fibers. Shiny jacket and raincoat fabrics undergo special treatment and are coated with final water-repellent impregnations.
Shiny furniture fabrics are obtained with the addition of metal threads, for example, matting. The effect is also achieved using satin weave or the use of polyester fibers.
There are a great variety of color options for shiny fabrics - these include classic gold and silver fabrics, and black shimmering and neon blue or red. It is easy to find purple, pink, yellow, blue, green, and peach fabrics on sale.
How to wear shiny fabrics correctly
Even though shiny clothes look attractive, finding the right style is not always easy. A piece of clothing can not only add extra pounds, but also make the image vulgar and repulsive. To avoid embarrassment, you need to follow some recommendations for choosing outfits.
Stylish combinations of shiny fabrics
- Shimmery materials will make you look voluminous, so it's best to use them to highlight your perfect curves. If you have curvy hips, you should not wear shiny pants or a skirt. In this case, a coated jacket or scarf would look more appropriate. This will help divert attention from the problem area.
- If you want to show off your slender long legs, then feel free to wear shiny trousers or a skirt. Shimmering materials tend to not only highlight flaws, but also the advantages of a figure.
- Ladies with enviable appetizing shapes are still better off avoiding shiny outfits. They can be replaced with bright accessories or rhinestones, sequins, etc.
- Shiny fabric for a dress is bright and beautiful in itself, so the cut of the garment should be as simple as possible.
Harmony of satin and sequins
Materials with glitter are quite capricious, but with the right placement of accents you can create a stunning look.
Flaws
The main disadvantage of clothes made from shiny fabrics is that they are difficult to care for. It requires careful handling. The disadvantage of synthetic fabrics is low hygroscopicity. They also accumulate static electricity.
A common disadvantage of iridescent clothing is the difficulty in creating a harmonious image. You need to have a subtle sense of style so as not to overdo it with accessories or choose the right materials for your companions. Plus, light shimmery items add extra volume, and plus-size girls should be careful with them.
Application area
Shiny materials are widely used in the production of clothing, home textiles, concert and gymnastics costumes. They are used by both decorators and costume designers.
Sparkling clothing was all the rage in the 80s and early 90s. Closer to the “zero”, it became a symbol of bad taste. But in fashion, everything is cyclical and shiny fabrics are returning to everyday wardrobe.
Outerwear is made from them. Oversized down jackets made of shiny fabric have been popular for several seasons now. Most of the models are made in a unisex style, and they are suitable for both girls and boys.
Demi-season jackets and windbreakers made of shiny material are also in demand by fashionistas of any gender and age. They can be either with a slight delicate shine or bright neon colors with a holographic effect.
Dresses made of shiny fabrics are no longer just for evening wear. In combination with classic jackets or trench coats in soothing colors, they are also suitable for everyday wear. It is better to choose dresses of silver or pearl color.
For evening dresses, fabric embroidered with sequins is suitable. Sputtered materials will look impressive. Embroidered or jacquard silk is suitable for wedding dresses; it is combined with chiffon or other translucent fabrics.
Trousers and skirts made of shiny fabric are especially popular. Fashion bloggers choose models in silver, steel, and black colors. Pair with jumpers, shirts and cardigans of a simple cut. They look great with classic coats.
Stylists suggest combining blouses, tops and sweaters made of shiny fabrics with wool, denim or matte leather. Both thick cotton and linen will do. The companions choose things as simple and concise as possible.
Accessories are made from shining materials: bags, backpacks, shoes, belts. Thin, dense silk fabric with a shiny pattern - chesucha. It is used to make neckerchiefs, kerchiefs, scarves, and ties.
Shiny thread is added to fabrics made of wool, cotton, or silk. Lame and brocade are used for luxurious evening dresses. Knitwear, including wool - for sewing jumpers and sweatshirts.
Swimsuits are made from shiny synthetic fabrics for beach holidays and gymnastics. They are used to make costumes for sports and ballroom dancing and concert performances.
Shining materials are actively used in interior design. They are used to make drapes and light curtains. They are used for upholstery. Shiny thread is woven into fabrics for canopies and curtains.
Shimmering fabrics are used in handmade. They are used to decorate postcards, albums, and other crafts made using the scrapbooking technique. They are used to make dresses for dolls or clothes for knitted toys.
What can you combine with?
Once you've worn a piece of clothing with a sparkle, you need to make every effort to ensure that it matches well with other things. If you have already selected a bright component, now you need to understand what it will best harmonize with.
Satin skirt with blue jacket
- For a casual look, you can choose brocade trousers and a plain blouse or sweater. Such an outfit allows you not only to appear in all your glory in the office, but will also be appropriate for a romantic dinner.
- A shiny skirt or trousers with a matte shirt makes the look spectacular and stylish. A shiny top with classic formal trousers or a midi skirt also looks good.
- Shiny outfits are luxurious in themselves, so they will not tolerate competition with bright products with complex prints and designs. Combine black trousers with a shiny top, and a dress with sequins will complement a matte jacket well. One colorful item is enough for a complete, sophisticated look. A jacket with lurex will look stylish together with a plain pencil skirt, light blouse or jeans.
- If you have a passion for shimmering clothes, but doubt that you will look good in them, you can compensate for this “shortcoming” with the help of accessories. For example, classic pumps with metallic or a neat clutch with sequins.
Shiny fabrics are quite versatile, because they are used not only for sewing dresses, but also for textiles. Shimmering decor will add charm to the interior, and the correct use of shining textures will only confirm the presence of aesthetic taste.
Care
Shiny materials require careful handling. The easiest way to care for fabrics made with satin weave. It is permissible to wash them yourself. The regime will depend on the composition. Silk will require gentle hand washing. Cotton and synthetics can be machine washed on the appropriate cycle for the type of material.
If there are shiny threads in the fabric, it is better to dry clean them. This applies to brocade, lamé, and woolen knitwear. Materials with spraying or sequins also require special cleaning.
Dear readers of the Tkan.Club website, if you still have questions on this topic, we will be happy to answer them. Leave your reviews, comments, share stories if you have dealt with this material! Your life experience may be useful to other readers.
