What are brocade fabrics: features

The word brocade brings to mind something luxurious, precious and very expensive. And this is indeed the case, considering the ancient origin and raw materials used to make the fabric.

What is brocade?

What is brocade? It is a fabric on a dense heavy silk base with large patterns made with metallic threads. The threads used are gold, silver or mixed. The brocade material looks and costs royally. It was from this fabric that emperors sewed clothes, movie stars order toilets from this fabric for ceremonial events. And high-ranking clergy wear brocade clothes during ceremonial religious ceremonies.

Church brocade
Church brocade

History of appearance

What is "brocade" anyway? The term "parcha" in Persian means fabric. But its birthplace is China, which gave the world silk - the basis of brocade. From China, the secret of production penetrated to India, and from there to Persia, Syria, Turkey and Byzantium. As it moves west, brocade becomes more and more expensive - along with threads of precious metals, precious stones and skillful embroidery appear in the fabric.

The handcrafted and long production time of the festive garment made the material affordable only to emperors. Despite all efforts to keep the method of producing the material a secret, the secret was passed on to medieval Europe. Fabric production was established in France and Italy. In Russia, brocade was first made in the 16th century, and mass production began only in the 18th century.

Chinese classical material
Chinese classical material

Brocade production

Classic brocade is a combination of silk with gold or silver. But this magnificence is so expensive that manufacturers are seriously considering reducing the cost without compromising the quality and appearance. To reduce the cost of the fabric, cotton, viscose or woolen base is used instead of silk. And metal threads are replaced with thin and shiny lurex threads. Jacquard weaving is used to create the famous brocade pattern.

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Important information! Chinese brocade, which is made by hand, is called "Nanjing" or "gold brocade" and is an object of intangible cultural heritage of China. Indian brocade "yamdani" is also made by hand according to the classic "recipe" of silk and gold.

Golden matter
Golden matter

There is also "black brocade", which is used mainly in the clothing of clergy. Church patterns are embroidered on a black silk background with gold and silver threads.

Black fabric
Black fabric

Properties

Brocade has the following qualities:

  • high weight due to the presence of metal threads in the composition;
  • high density;
  • rigidity and elasticity to the touch;
  • good thermoregulation, sufficient air permeability and hygroscopicity;
  • wrinkle resistance.
Good drape and wrinkle resistance of the fabric
Good drape and wrinkle resistance of the fabric

Modern brocade and its application

Modern material can be divided into the following types depending on the composition:

  • Classic silk with metallic threads, made by jacquard weaving - does not wrinkle, does not stretch. It is used to make outfits for clergy, outfits for ceremonial events.
  • Viscose with lurex threads - not elastic, holds shape well. Viscose fabric is used to sew clothes - elegant dresses, suits, dressing gowns, curtains and drapes for interior decoration.
Viscose fabric
Viscose fabric
  • Brocade-lycra - contains elastane, which adds stretchability to the material. Used in the manufacture of clothing, as well as exclusive concert costumes.
Brocade-lycra
Brocade-lycra
  • Cotton and wool - adds heat-insulating and hygienic properties to brocade clothing. It is used to sew custom-made headwear.

The brocade upholstery of sofas, armchairs, and chairs looks elegant and formal, and decorative elements such as tablecloths, pillowcases, and curtains will complete the picture.

Recommendations for use

Bright appearance, rich color and large pattern dictate their own rules for using brocade. It is not for everyday wear, brocade outfit should be intended for a formal reception and special occasion. It can be combined in clothes with velvet and lace. For a harmonious image, the style of the outfit should be simple and concise with a minimum of decorations.

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Important information! Due to the large, shiny pattern, the volume of the figure is visually increased. Therefore, for a more elongated silhouette, it is necessary to choose shoes with high heels.

Brocade dress
Brocade dress

Fabric care

Brocade is a fabric that requires close attention and careful care. It's all about its unique composition, which includes threads of different textures and origins. The combination of metal or lurex with silk, cotton or viscose requires delicate care of the products. The rules are as follows:

  1. Before putting clothes in the wash, you need to study the label on the clothes. Most often, hand washing is allowed only.
  2. Metal threads in the fabric must be protected from exposure to alkaline or acidic environments, as well as high temperatures.
  3. The fabric can only be dried in natural conditions, without high temperatures.
  4. If you have any doubts about your own abilities when it comes to delicate washing, it is better to take the item to a dry cleaner for dry cleaning.
  5. After drying, there is no need to iron the entire product, it is enough to just smooth out the seams on the inside. This can be done using a steam iron at medium temperature.

Please note! The products are not cheap, so you will have to carefully follow all the rules for caring for them in order to maintain a decent appearance and extend their service life.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before buying a product made of brocade fabric, it is worth getting to know the positive and negative aspects of the material better.

Advantages

  • luxurious appearance, large pattern and shiny surface;
  • strength and density of the material;
  • good drape;
  • compatibility with other types of fabrics;
  • does not wrinkle.

Flaws

  • visually increases the volume of the figure;
  • metal threads wear out quickly, lose brightness and shine under the influence of external factors;
  • complex care of the product;
  • high cost.
Expensive and beautiful fabric
Expensive and beautiful fabric

Owners of brocade outfits claim that the outfit gives a royal posture and a regal look. And if you add brocade shoes and a handbag to it, you can even go to a reception with the queen.

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