We offer a wide selection of high-end silks from major French couture houses. But before talking about our fabrics, let's dive into the fascinating history of this exceptional fibre.
Ancient origins
Silk is a material of animal origin discovered by China around 2500 BC. The secret of its manufacture was guarded for millennia by the Chinese people — an imperial decree even stipulated that anyone who divulged this secret would be condemned to death.
Silk later arrived in Europe, where production began in the 6th century, then in France in the 13th century. Lyon became the European capital of silk, a heritage that still endures today in French textile craftsmanship.
Different types of silk and their uses
Silk satin
A shiny and flowing silk, perfect for making evening gowns, jacket lapels, tuxedo sashes, lingerie and luxury bedding. Its natural sheen makes it an exceptional fabric for special occasions.
Silk crêpe
A grainy-textured fabric, quite flowing. Depending on its weight, it can be used to create anything from an elegant suit to a refined evening gown. It's one of our best-sellers at So Tissus.
Silk organza
A stiff, transparent and very delicate fabric. Organza is the fabric of choice for wedding dresses, airy blouses and hat ornaments.
Silk chiffon
A soft, transparent and incredibly flowing fabric. Perfect for scarves, airy summer dresses and delicate layering.
Silk twill
A matte fabric with a magnificent drape, ideal for trousers, jackets and designs that need a bit more structure than crêpe.
Silk today
Since World War II, synthetic fibres like nylon have reduced the use of silk worldwide. But it remains a highly prized fabric for its nobility and unique properties.
Silk is a hypoallergenic fabric that adapts to external temperatures: cool in summer, warm in winter. It is also an incredibly strong fibre — a silk thread is stronger than a steel wire of the same diameter.
Sewing and caring for silk
- Sewing: use a fine needle (60-70), a silk or fine polyester thread, and extra-fine pins
- Cutting: place the fabric between two sheets of tissue paper to prevent it from slipping
- Washing: by hand in cold water with a gentle shampoo, or dry cleaning
- Ironing: low heat, always on the wrong side, never direct steam
For more details, see our article "How to sew silk: 10 tips for a perfect result".
Discover our haute couture clearance silks at sotissus.com — crêpe de chine, satin, organza, chiffon... at accessible prices. Write to us on Instagram @sotissus_com!
Unfortunately, the fabric in the photo is no longer available. Find our other silks here!
kr23xz