A plain weave fabric with pronounced, fairly flat crosswise ribs and a silky, somewhat lustrous surface, faille is the name given to such fabric in a range of weights. The weave is constructed with heavier (or grouped) weft yarns and finer and more numerous warp yarns. The warp fibers are usually filament (silk, manufactured fibers) while the weft is usually cotton or cotton blends, sometimes wool or silk. Faille may be used for moiré.
Taffeta’s ribs are even finer, while bengaline’s are heavier than faille’s.
Uses: Evening dresses, skirts, under skirts, spring coats, suits
See also:
Bengaline
Grosgrain
Moiré
Ottoman
Rep
Taffeta
