History of fabric
Bouclé fabric has been known since the mid-20th century. She owes her popularity to fashion trendsetter Coco Chanel. The fashion designer presented to the public a formal women's two-piece suit, consisting of a skirt and jacket. The suit had all the characteristics necessary for success and public recognition: it had a feminine silhouette, was bright, practical, and comfortable. Since the 60s, bouclé fabric has become a standard of classics.
In the 70s, the scope of use of the material expanded significantly: they began to sew outerwear from it. Since then, bouclé has been the face of the fashion designer brand Lagerfeld.
Oh, this Chanel!
The original dress model lived longer than its creator. Currently, a black elegant dress is considered the best alternative to complex and glamorous attire. This year, Chanel's outfits are still considered a fashion challenge. And the skill in wearing such dresses is called an indicator of taste.
One of the main trendsetters of current fashion, Lagerfeld has held the title of artistic director of Chanel for 40 years. All this time, he preserves the sacred meaning and traditions of the brand. Mademoiselle Coco might not have understood just one thing: Lagerfeld slightly reduced the length of her iconic outfit.
How it is produced
Bouclé is created from fancy or crepe yarn. Threads with evenly distributed knots are laid in the warp or weft. When the threads are intertwined, the knots come to the surface, making the fabric embossed.
Weave types:
- plain - one warp thread overlaps one weft thread;
- patterned - combines threads of different colors, resulting in a patterned design.
Bouclé knitwear is knitted from knotted threads.
Norms and standards for manufacturing
When producing bouclé fabrics, GOST 28000-2004 is used, the requirements of which apply to a group of fabrics made from fancy yarn in the warp and single yarn in the weft. For example, this includes boucle fabric from which coats are made.
Among the indicators specified in the state standard are surface density, linear density of fancy yarn, warp and weft thread density, etc.
Other values include thickness, crease resistance, thread spreadability, color fastness, breathability, hygroscopicity, shrinkage and abrasion resistance, which is, for example, measured by the number of cycles of rotation of the head of the testing device until holes are formed (cycles should be at least 3,500).
Application
The use of bouclé fabric depends on the density and composition of the material. Thick fabric is used to make warm clothes for the off-season that provide good protection from the cold. Lighter fabric is suitable for sewing summer and spring clothes for warm weather. Silk bouclé is used to create exquisite evening dresses.
Fabric groups by purpose:
- coat;
- costume;
- upholstery;
- interior
Popular products:
- demi-season coats, warm jackets, ponchos;
- hats, scarves, stoles;
- office suits;
- dresses, skirts.
In the interior, bouclé acts as a raw material for designer curtains and bedspreads. Synthetic bouclé makes practical upholstery for armchairs and sofas.
Bouclé yarn is a suitable material for creating unique wardrobe items and exclusive handmade accessories.
The birth of a famous brand
Mademoiselle Coco did not create fashion history - she herself is part of this history . Her life and career are the clearest example of the transformation of Cinderella into a princess. Raised in an orphanage, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel did not intend to remain on the sidelines. The nuns who looked after Coco (she received this nickname later while performing mischievous songs in a cabaret) taught her to sew and this became a guiding star for her.
Thanks to her determination and ability to make useful contacts, Chanel soon moved from a small town to Paris, where she opened a small hat workshop and then her own boutique.
The creations of “little strange Coco” did not go unnoticed, but it simply could not have been any other way. The desire to shock coexisted in her with the ability to emphasize elegance and at the same time independence in a woman, which looked like a certain challenge to her time .
With Mademoiselle's light hand, dresses made of jersey, a fabric that had previously been used only for sewing underwear, and suits made of tweed, which was considered an exclusively male prerogative, came into fashion. Chanel shortened skirts, made tanning and jewelry popular, came up with a unique fragrance and, of course, a little dress , which the famous Vogue magazine compared in importance to the creation of the Ford car.
Description: composition, properties, characteristics
Boucle is easily recognized by its loose, knotty surface.
This soft, lightweight fabric, voluminous in appearance, fits nicely to the body, stretches well and fits exactly to the figure. Clothes made from bouclé keep you warm in cool weather and protect from rain and wind. The material does not require additional decoration; it looks stylish on its own.
The material is produced from all known types of fibers: natural, artificial, synthetic.
The name of the bouclé is consonant with the French adjective, which is translated into Russian as “curly, curly”, and fully reflects the appearance features of the material.
Fashionable colors and prints
Mademoiselle Coco had a magnificent sense of color. Among her favorites were not only black and white, but also rich shades of pink, orange, blue and, of course, gray . They are good both on their own and in various combinations.
A dark dress with a white collar returns to fashion catwalks again and again. It would seem, what is the mystery of this simple piece of clothing, somewhat reminiscent of a uniform and monastic robe? What makes it strict and at the same time solemn? The answer is obvious: simplicity of cut and play on contrast - and you are perfection itself , as the unforgettable Mary Poppins used to say. In addition, the emphasis on a white collar will divert attention from problem areas.
A small white or gray dress, along with its black counterpart, will be an excellent base for both an evening look and a wardrobe for every day. All you have to do is change your neckerchief to a pearl necklace, take off your office jacket and put on high-heeled shoes.
Take note! When choosing the color of a dress, you need to focus not only on the fashion trends of the season, but also on your color type of appearance.
Those with pale skin who cannot afford an extravagant black color should take a closer look at blue or gray shades , the variety of which will surprise even seasoned fashionistas. Among them you can easily find the necessary tone that will correctly highlight the advantages of the skin, add radiance and tenderness to it.
Marine themes have remained in trend for decades. The technique of randomly alternating dark blue (red, black) and white details was used by Madame Chanel herself, inspired by the spirit of endless open spaces and freedom. It is still relevant today.
And of course, the checkered pattern so beloved by the legendary Frenchwoman - large and small, classic black and white and in various color variations - Coco adored this pattern and followed her affection for the rest of her life. Checkered tweed dresses, jackets, sundresses have been the hallmark of the brand for more than half a century.
Types of bouclé
Bouclé fabric is classified by density, composition and color.
Bouclé is produced in any color and different dyeing options:
- plain;
- melange;
- patterned.
Common pattern options: chicken foot, check, stripes.
The material may consist of:
- wool;
- cotton;
- silks;
- viscose;
- polyester.
Blended fabric contains different types of fibers.
Species diversity and composition
The raw materials can be natural, artificial and synthetic fibers.
The first option is the most common. So, the booklet is woven from:
- cotton;
- wool;
- silks.
Viscose is often used among artificial fibers in fabric production. Synthetic - polyester.
Nowadays, they practice the use of mixed fibers to improve the quality characteristics of the final product. Classic wool never goes out of fashion.
The fabric is variable not only in composition, but also in:
- thickness (depending on the volume of the original thread);
- color and pattern (from one tone to intricate patterns).
A special type of material is bouclé knitwear. At first it was knitted by hand using knotted threads. Currently, the process has been automated and transferred to large-scale production. Such knitwear is often made from artificial fibers.
Coat bouclé fabric.
Advantages and disadvantages
The material has a large number of undeniable advantages:
- has an attractive appearance;
- gives pleasant tactile sensations;
- drapes easily, forms soft feminine folds;
- breathable, allows the skin to breathe;
- resistant to deformation, wrinkles little;
- retains heat well.
Disadvantages of bouclé:
- puffs easily form on the fabric;
- the material is whimsical in care;
- crumbles when cutting;
- the products look bulky and add extra volume.
Decorations
The perfect decoration for such dress models is natural pearls, a small handbag and pumps . If you want to create a complete look, choose soft makeup in neutral shades and modest styling. Coco Chanel said that every beautiful woman should have a miniature black dress in her wardrobe. And if it is appropriate to complement it with shoes and hairstyle, then you will look elegant and relevant in any situation. In the pictures you can see confirmation of this opinion!
Care instructions
General recommendations:
- Gentle hand washing or machine washing in gentle mode at a water temperature of no higher than 40 degrees is allowed;
- spinning is not recommended;
- drying is done in the shade;
- ironing of products is shown from the wrong side at the minimum temperature.
Caring for a wool bouclé:
- Home washing is strictly contraindicated; products must be dry cleaned;
- Once a week, dirty items can be cleaned with a soft, dry brush;
- Products should be ironed from the inside out, using a protective cloth and avoiding strong pressure on the iron.
Some reviews from our users
Natalia
The structure of the fabric does not require a complex style. I sewed myself an autumn coat with a straight silhouette and padding polyester lining. Warm, comfortable and stylish. In addition, the price of the fabric is affordable.
Galyunya
I chose a mid-weight bouclé skirt suit. Thanks to the original weaving and colored “loops” it looks great. I use it for everyday wear because it doesn’t wrinkle at all. True, I keep jewelry and drop earrings away so as not to put a puff on them.
Anastasia
Last year we bought a charming bouclé cap for my husband. The laconic black and white combination and structured surface give a stylish look. The autumn-spring season was fully considered. He says that such a headdress is comfortable and warm.
Recommendations for use
It is not difficult to recognize bouclé: the fabric has a wavy, knobby surface covered with small knots.
Bouclé material goes well with denim, tweed, smooth fur and varnish. Depending on the combination, bouclé helps create a youthful, romantic or formal business look.
Clothes made from boucle are great for those with a slender figure; plump women should be careful with the fabric: boucle will visually increase the volume of an already curvaceous figure.
Variety of Chanel dresses
It would be naive to believe that the fashion house’s lineup is limited to the traditional black dress or tweed or bouclé outfits. Fashion designers offer clients many options for all occasions.
The hallmark of a classic dress in the Chanel style is a straight cut, no fasteners, a contrasting front placket, and fake pocket flaps on the front of the skirt. There are many variations.
Wedding dresses in the Chanel style evoke light nostalgic notes for the times when the grandmothers of today's brides got married. Luxurious shortened models amaze with the variety of finishes and will appeal to retro fans. You can complement the look with an elegant hat and gloves a la Audrey Hepburn.
Knitted outfits do not look boring at all and will become undoubted favorites of the autumn-winter season. Made from high-quality yarn, they are pleasant to wear - they will keep you warm in any weather, while demonstrating the good taste of its owner. Warm knitted dresses (as well as boucle) are combined with ankle boots and high boots with thick soles, and any color is chosen that suits the occasion and the look being created.
Lace is Mademoiselle Coco’s favorite material , which continues to hold its ground today. Light translucency in combination with the laconic design of the dress emphasizes not only its elegant sophistication, but also adds sexuality to the image. It is used in the format of all kinds of social events: dinner parties, cocktail parties, wedding celebrations.
A business or casual dress from Chanel is a strict cut, a minimum of details and comfort . A little black dress with a jacket, a shirt, or a sundress in combination with a blouse will all fit for this role. The preferred fabrics are soft, but retain their shape well: tweed, various types of crepe, knitwear.
Customer Reviews
Buyers are satisfied with the fashionable fabric and leave positive reviews about it. The material is praised for its heat-insulating properties, original appearance, excellent fit, lightness and wrinkle resistance.
Owners of their boucle clothing warn that the material is afraid of sharp objects that can leave puffs on the surface. It is advised not to experiment with methods of caring for products, but to take your favorite items to a professional dry cleaner.
Boucle is an original canvas that has no analogues in appearance. Clothing made from fabric is suitable for everyday wear and for special occasions. With proper care and careful wear, bouclé products can delight their owners for a long time, giving warmth, comfort and a sense of confidence from the impeccability of the image.
Dress finishing - what is it like?
The little black dress got its name not because it was short in length (in the original version it reached the ankles), but because of its exceptional minimalism. The concept of the fashion house implies restraint of lines , but even Madame Chanel herself did not shy away from experiments.
The keeper of traditions and part-time creative director of the brand, Karl Lagerfeld, allowed himself not only to present to the public the naked ladies’ knees, but things that were much more daring. Today's trends allow the use of decorative elements in the form of lace, beads, luxurious embroidery, fringe, ruffles and draperies , but this applies more to evening looks for going out.
Read about lace dresses in this article.
Daytime bows in the style of the great Coco, despite some predictability, are also distinguished by a variety of finishes. All kinds of buttons and fasteners, collars and cuffs, peplums and pockets, contrasting inserts and piping made of other fabrics make a woman’s look unique and help her make a statement.
Note! Both everyday and the most luxurious dresses from Chanel have a certain touch of sophistication and aristocracy, which invariably makes them recognizable.
Video: bouclé fabric
This short video shows two bouclé fabrics in different colors, dark blue and brown. The fabrics are well shown: they are wrinkled, shaken and smoothed.
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- Tapestry - thick fabric with patterns for the interior
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What are they sewing?
The structural surface of the boucle material allows you to compensate for minor defects in workmanship, therefore it is valued by novice seamstresses.
Woolen boucle fabric is in demand in the production of warm suits, coats, jackets and hats for women and men. Summer jackets, dresses and skirts are made from thin, lightweight material. Bouclé is also used in the manufacture of textiles: curtains, covers and upholstery for upholstered furniture.
Knitwear made from bouclé yarn is popular. Thanks to the thick thread, craftswomen will quickly knit an original, fluffy blouse.
