---
title: "Chiffon"
description: "Chiffon is a sheer, lightweight plain-woven fabric of fine twisted yarns that drapes softly and fluidly."
type: Glossary
url: https://teazle.art/glossary/chiffon
published: 2026-10-14
updated: 2026-10-14
author: "The Teazle editors"
---

# Chiffon

*Chiffon is a sheer, lightweight plain-woven fabric of fine twisted yarns that drapes softly and fluidly.*

Chiffon is the soft counterpart of [organza](https://teazle.art/glossary/organza.md): equally transparent, but floating rather than crisp. Its yarns are highly twisted, which gives a faintly grainy surface and a fluid drape suited to layered evening dresses, scarves and blouses.

## Why is it hard to sew?

It slips and frays, and it shifts off [grain](https://teazle.art/glossary/grain.md) easily, so dressmakers cut it between layers of paper and finish seams with narrow rolled hems or French seams. It was first made in silk; most chiffon today is polyester.


## Sources

1. [Chiffon (AAT 300249449)](http://vocab.getty.edu/page/aat/300249449). Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus
2. [Chiffon (Q691189)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q691189). Wikidata

Canonical: https://teazle.art/glossary/chiffon