What does taffeta mean?
Taffeta is a crisp, plain-woven fabric known for its smooth surface, slight sheen, and characteristic horizontal ribs. It was traditionally made from silk and became especially prominent in elegant formal dress, where its stiffness allows gowns, skirts, ribbons, and decorative accessories to hold a sharply defined shape. Because it can rustle and reflect light softly, taffeta has long conveyed refinement, though the term does not necessarily imply an expensive or purely silk textile. Modern versions are also woven from cotton, rayon, polyester, and other synthetic fibers, making the material more widely available. The word can therefore refer both to a traditional silk textile and to modern fabrics that imitate its crisp appearance. Its name derives from a Persian word associated with twisting or weaving, reflecting the fabric’s historic connection with carefully worked silk yarns.
nounA crisp, plain-woven fabric with a slight sheen and characteristic horizontal ribs, traditionally made from silk but now also produced from cotton, rayon, and synthetic fibers.
- A crisp, plain-woven fabric with a slight lustrous sheen and fine horizontal ribs, traditionally made of silk and now also made from cotton, rayon, and synthetic fibers.
"She wore a sweeping gown of emerald silk taffeta to the evening reception."
"The photographer chose a taffeta gown that caught the light with every movement."
"This lightweight polyester taffeta is suitable for making curtains and decorative cushions."
The plural is rare and is used mainly when distinguishing different kinds, colors, or finishes of the fabric.
"The shop offers taffetas with both matte and lustrous finishes."
Taffeta’s name comes from Persian for “twisted” or “woven,” preserving the memory of the tightly woven fabric that made it famous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does taffeta come from?
The English word entered use in the 16th century through French taffetas, from Italian taffeta, ultimately borrowed from Persian tāfta, meaning “twisted” or “woven.” The Persian verb tāftan, “to twist,” underlies the term and reflects taffeta’s long association with tightly worked silk yarns.
How taffeta is actually used
In current English, taffeta is normally used as a mass noun. It may sound formal or luxurious, especially when referring to silk, but modern synthetic taffeta is common in clothing, drapery, and accessories.