Crepe Fabrics

Discover our collection of crepe fabrics by the metre, a broad family of textiles recognised for their characteristic slightly grainy, textured or irregular surface and, in many varieties, their beautiful drape and fluid movement.

At Ribes & Casals, you'll find everything from plain basic crepe fabrics to fashion crepes with prints and on-trend designs. The collection also includes different qualities such as Georgette, Koshibo and Bellardina, offering varying levels of lightness, opacity, body and drape for a wide range of dressmaking projects.

What is crepe fabric?

Crepe does not refer to one particular fibre or composition. Instead, it describes a broad family of fabrics characterised primarily by a grainy, slightly rough or irregular surface. Depending on the type of crepe, this texture may be very subtle or clearly visible and noticeable to the touch.

Crepe fabrics can be made from different fibres, including polyester, viscose, silk, wool and other fibre blends. As a result, two fabrics described as crepe can have very different weights, stretch, transparency, handle, body and drape.

How is the characteristic crepe texture created?

The distinctive texture of crepe fabric can be produced using a number of textile techniques. Traditionally, one of the most characteristic methods involves the use of high-twist yarns. The tension created by these highly twisted yarns helps produce the irregular, grainy surface of the finished fabric.

Yarns twisted in opposite directions may also be combined to balance tension and create particular crepe effects. In other fabrics, the crepe appearance can be achieved through the weave or construction of the fabric, the type of yarn used or treatments applied during the finishing process.

There is therefore no single method of producing crepe fabric. The term covers a variety of textile constructions that share this characteristic textured appearance.

What is crepe fabric like?

Although individual qualities vary, many crepe fabrics combine a distinctive texture with attractive drape and movement, making them particularly suitable for dressmaking. Some are fine, lightweight and floaty, while others provide greater body, opacity and structure.

Basic Crepe: versatile plain colours

Our Basic Crepe collection mainly features plain fabrics in a wide range of colours. These versatile fabrics are ideal for creating both timeless garments and pieces inspired by current seasonal trends.

Plain crepe fabrics are an excellent choice for dresses, trousers, skirts, blouses, jumpsuits, co-ords and occasionwear. Weight, fibre composition, opacity and drape can vary between individual fabrics.

Fashion Crepe: prints and on-trend designs

Our Fashion Crepe selection combines the characteristic qualities of crepe with prints, patterns and on-trend colours. These fabrics are particularly suited to garments where the design itself is intended to take centre stage.

Fashion crepes are an excellent choice for printed dresses, blouses, skirts, fluid trousers, jumpsuits and co-ords.

Georgette crepe: fine, lightweight and floaty

Georgette or crepe Georgette is one of the lighter varieties within this fabric family. It is fine and fluid with a subtly grainy surface and usually has a degree of sheerness.

Its floaty appearance and elegant movement make Georgette fabric particularly suitable for flowing dresses, blouses, sleeves, ruffles, skirts and occasionwear. Depending on its transparency and the garment being made, a lining may be required.

Koshibo crepe: soft, fluid and versatile

Koshibo is a crepe fabric, commonly made from polyester, known for combining a fine crepe texture with a soft handle and attractive drape. Compared with very lightweight and sheer fabrics such as Georgette, it generally offers greater opacity and a slightly more substantial feel.

Koshibo crepe is a versatile dressmaking fabric suitable for dresses, blouses, skirts, fluid trousers, jumpsuits and co-ords. Its balance of drape, body and softness makes it useful for both everyday garments and more elegant designs.

Bellardina: opacity, body and drape

Bellardina behaves differently from lighter crepe fabrics. It is soft and opaque with more body, while still retaining an attractive drape, making it particularly useful for garments that need to combine fluidity with structure.

It can be used for dresses, trousers, skirts, lightweight jackets, jumpsuits and co-ords. Within our collection, Bellardina is grouped alongside crepe fabrics because of its characteristics and dressmaking applications, although its construction and appearance may differ from traditional high-twist crepes.

Differences between Crepe, Georgette, Koshibo and Bellardina

• Crepe: a broad family of fabrics with a characteristic grainy or irregular surface, available in many weights, fibre compositions and finishes.
• Georgette: fine, lightweight and floaty, usually with some sheerness and a noticeable crepe texture.
• Koshibo: a soft, fluid crepe, generally more opaque and substantial than Georgette, with a fine texture and attractive drape.
• Bellardina: a soft, opaque fabric with more body and structure while retaining a pleasant drape.

Buy crepe fabric by the metre online

Explore our collection of crepe fabrics by the metre and choose from Basic Crepe, Fashion Crepe, Georgette, Koshibo and Bellardina for a wide range of dressmaking projects.

Discover plain colours, prints and on-trend designs and buy crepe fabric online by the metre, ordering exactly the amount you need. Check each product page for details of fibre composition, width, weight, transparency, drape and individual fabric characteristics.