Silk douppion is a type of plain weave silk fabric with a fantastic lustre. Also known as dupioni, dupion or douppioni, this fabric has a crisp quality that makes it suitable for many different uses.
How is silk douppion made?
The fabric is made by weaving uneven thread formed by two silkworm cocoons in the weft and a fine thread in the warp. This results in a tightly woven, heavily slubbed finish that gives the fabric great shine and texture.
How can douppion be used?
Because douppion is densely woven, it holds its shape very well. Douppion is perfect for designs that require a lot of body or structure, such as wedding dresses and other formalwear.
This dual thread method of construction makes douppion the strongest of all silk fabrics, so it is also ideal for jackets and skirts, whether formal or informal in style.
Is douppion suitable for interiors?
Silk douppion is extremely popular with interior designers for its lustrous finish and visually interesting slub. It is often used for lampshades, upholstery, curtains and blinds. Like many silk fabrics, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided. Using a high-quality lining will help to protect douppion curtains from fading in the sun.
Pongees supplies two ranges of 100% silk douppion, each with its own unique qualities. Chinese Indian douppion combines Chinese warp yarns and Indian weft yarns to create a smooth finish with fine surface slubs. This excellent quality 80g/m2 is available in over 150 colours.
Slightly heavier at 87g/m2, Indian douppion is a more natural, raw version with a prominently slubbed finish. The rustic appearance and beautiful lustre of this wonderful douppion makes it a favourite choice for both fashion and interiors projects.