A crisp, smooth, plain-weave fabric with a slight sheen, often made from silk or synthetic fibres.
Taffeta is a closely woven plain-weave fabric whose densely spaced warp yarns cover slightly thicker weft yarns, producing fine ribs across the cloth. This construction gives the surface its smooth sheen and crisp character. The name describes a fabric construction rather than a fibre alone, so silk taffeta and versions made from other fibres belong to the same broad category. Faille and ottoman are related ribbed fabrics, with differences in yarn scale affecting weight and drape. Satin can also look shiny, but its satin weave distinguishes it from the plain weave of taffeta.
In job listings
Taffeta appears in eveningwear design, alterations and product work more than in job descriptions. Alteration staff may need to know that a crisp fabric like this can show needle marks, which leaves little margin for error. Search local jobs for “fabric”.
