What is the Difference Between Crepe and Rayon

The main difference between crepe and rayon is their origins. Crepe can be made from almost any type of fiber, including natural and synthetic fibers, whereas rayon is only made with a special type of semi-synthetic fiber made with wood pulp.

Crepe and rayon are two fabrics with a beautiful and luxurious appearance. In general, they are soft and drape well. Both fabrics are used in the fashion industry for clothing like dresses, blouses, pants, and skirts.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Crepe
– Definition, Origin, Properties
2. What is Rayon
– Definition, Origin, Properties
3. Similarities – Crepe and Rayon
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Crepe and Rayon
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Crepe, Rayon, Fabrics

What is Crepe

Crepe or crêpe is a fabric traditionally made from silk, but now it can be made from almost any fiber – both natural and synthetic. Therefore, there are different types of crepe fabrics in marketing. Depending on the fiber, these fabrics can range from thick and heavy to thin and light. In general, most crepe types drape well. Additionally, it has a distinct wrinkled and bumpy look. Most crepe fabrics are breathable and breezy and don’t feel heavy on the skin. This fabric is also good at wicking moisture, which means that it doesn’t retain heat well. Most people use crepe fabrics to make clothes like dresses, blouses, pants, and suits. They are also useful in home décor; for example, in pillows or curtains.

As we mentioned above, there are different types of crepe fabrics depending on the fiber used. Some of these include:

Crepe de Chine (silk fiber) – light fabric with a smooth, matte finish and slight pebbling

Crepe georgette – popular fabric for dresses, with a soft, smoother appearance, a little elasticity as well as a beautiful drape

Polyester crepe – lightweight, thin fabric with a nice drape

Wool crepe – light to medium weight fabric having a rougher and wiry surface

What is Rayon

Rayon is a fabric made with semi-synthetic (neither natural nor synthetic) fiber. This fiber comes from wood pulp, a natural raw material based on semi-cellulose. Although rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber, it has many similarities with natural fabrics such as cotton and linen.

Rayon is soft, breathable, comfortable, and moisture-absorbent, which makes it perfect for summer wear. Rayon also drapes well. However, this fabric is prone to wrinkles, creases, and tears, similar to natural fabrics like cotton. Furthermore, manufacturers blend rayon with various other materials to achieve different properties. Therefore, the properties and characteristics of this fabric depend on factors like additives and processing. Nevertheless, there are four major types of rayon fabrics: regular rayon, high tenacity modulus rayon, high wet modulus rayon, and Cuprammonium rayon.

Similarities Between Crepe and Rayon

Crepe and rayon are two fabrics with a beautiful and luxurious appearance.
Both materials drape well.
They are comfortable to wear in warm weather.

Difference Between Crepe and Rayon

Definition

Crepe is a lightweight fabric of silk, cotton, or other fiber with a finely crinkled/ridged surface, while rayon is a fabric made from regenerated cellulose (viscose).

Appearance

Moreover, crepe fabrics tend to have a finely crinkled surface, while rayon fabrics do not have this.

Fibers

Crepe can be made from almost any type of fiber, including natural and synthetic fibers, whereas rayon is only made with a special type of semi-synthetic fiber made with wood pulp.

Properties

The properties of crepe depend on the fiber the manufacturers use, while the properties of rayon depend on additives and processing.

Conclusion

The main difference between crepe and rayon is their origins. Crepe can be made from almost any type of fiber, including natural and synthetic fibers, whereas rayon is only made with a special type of semi-synthetic fiber made with wood pulp.