Crepons

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Fabrics or materials characterized by their finely crinkled or wrinkled texture typically used in garments or upholstery ; specific types of woven or knitted cloth exhibiting a distinctive puckered or pebbled surface ; textiles noted for their irregular surface caused by weaving method or finishing treatment, often valued for appearance and feel
2. Textiles that feature a pronounced textured surface formed by tight weaving or treatment to create small, raised folds ; cloths distinguished by their rough or pebbly finish commonly employed in clothing or decorative fabrics ; materials with deliberate irregularities in surface structure achieved through fabric manipulation or chemical finishing processes
3. Woven or knitted fabrics possessing a crisp, grainy texture often used in fashion and interior design ; types of cloth showing characteristic puckering or slight wrinkles due to yarn tension or fabric construction ; fabrics prepared or treated to produce a compact, textured surface that affects visual and tactile qualities

Etymology: "Crepons" is the plural of "crepon", a fabric name borrowed from French "crépon", which is itself drawn from "crêpe", the thin pancake-like cloth. The French word carries the same crimped, puckered quality as the cloth it names, so the connection to crêpe is visible in the texture as well as the spelling. Because the term is a French borrowing, English speakers encountered it as a trade name for a fabric whose surface is deliberately uneven. Its meaning has stayed close to that original sense: a crisp, grainy weave whose puckering comes from yarn tension or the way the cloth is constructed or finished.

Synonyms: crepe fabric, crêpe