Characterized by loops on one or both sides, bouclé comes from the French word for “buckled,” “ringed” or “curled.” Some versions of the fabric combine looped sections with plain; others are looped all over. Most commonly wool—with mohair a fine choice for this treatment—bouclé may also be acrylic or other fibers. It may be woven or knitted.
Uses: Coats, suits, sweaters
See also:
Bouclette
Poodle cloth
Ratiné
Terry cloth
Bouclette is the diminutive of bouclé (French for “buckled,” “ringed,” or “curled”) and features very small loops over the surface of the fabric. As with bouclé, it is usually made of wool, and its uses are similar.
See also:
Bouclé
A loosely constructed plain weave fabric using curly, knotty, fancy ratiné yarn. It is often made of cotton or rayon, but also silk, worsted, rayon or blends. The fabric is characterized by nub like tiny loops and a rough-textured surface. Ratiné is French for “fuzzy” or “frizzy.”
Uses: Dresses, sportswear
See also:
Bouclé
An embellishment on plain weave, shagbark features small loops spaced along warp yarns.
Terry cloth is a plain or twill weave fabric characterized by a surface either completely or partly covered in uncut loop pile on one or both sides. It is usually made of cotton or cotton blends and is known for its absorbency. The name terry comes from the French tirer, to pull out, as original Turkish toweling was made by pulling the characteristic loops out by hand.
Uses: Towels, sportswear, loungewear
See also:
Terry knit
