T h e   u s e s   o f   S i l k

Fashion: couture and ready-to-wear.

The top position is occupied by Parisian couture, often known as Haute Couture. This the highest level of women’s fashion. The leading couturiers choose the finest fabrics among the collections presented by the silk manufacturers. In this way, the fashion industry gives silk its best possible applications, and silk contributes to the worldwide prestige of the fashion industry. The ready-to-wear sector is also a large user of silk, especially in the “luxe” category.

Women’s and men’s lingerie: Silk fabrics for women’s lingerie are characterised by their softness and the delicacy of their colours. Their contact with the skin is both agreeable and healthy, because allergy to silk garments is unknown. Men can also enjoy, in a masculine style, the advantages of silk shirts, silk pyjamas, dressing gowns.

Silk laces and tulles: Are unbeatable for their lightness and are frequently used for bridal veils and dresses.

Knitting: Silk-knitting is a very important activity which produces a very wide range of clothing articles. Knitting gives hosiery items that ideal elasticity and that plastic character which no other article can rival.

Scarves and squares: Permanent components of women’s and men’s wear, they are also highly appreciated as gifts.

Ties : For the man who is anxious to look well-dressed, the silk tie is must. It also makes a very welcome present.

Passementerie: Is the name given to all the techniques connected with the production of decorative articles such as ribbons, braids, pompoms, tassels, etc. used both in clothing and in furnishing.

Furnishing and upholstery: As far as art is concerned, furnishing and upholstery have been one of the chief outlets for silk for centuries. Even today, silk manufacturers continue to use old fashioned hand looms to reproduce the splendid fabrics used in restoring to their former glory national palaces and stately homes. The same manufacturers also create the silk fabrics required by today’s decorators.

Sewing-thread: Essential for sewing quality garments.

Ribbons: Ribbons for typewriters, computers, cash-registers, etc. are often made of silk.

Insulation: Silk is often used as an insulator in sophisticated devices such as space vessels.