crepe de chine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Fashion/Trade
Quick answer
What does “crepe de chine” mean?
A fine, lightweight fabric of silk or synthetic fiber, with a crinkled texture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fine, lightweight fabric of silk or synthetic fiber, with a crinkled texture.
A luxurious fabric, often used in high-end fashion and lingerie, known for its soft drape and characteristic grainy surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling may sometimes appear without the acute accent in informal contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes luxury, elegance, and high-quality fashion.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects, used primarily in fashion and textile contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “crepe de chine” in a Sentence
made of/from/in crepe de chinea dress [in crepe de chine]crepe de chine [blouse/dress/scarf]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crepe de chine” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She selected a lovely crepe de chine scarf for the wedding.
- The vintage shop had a crepe de chine evening gown from the 1920s.
American English
- Her new crepe de chine top was perfect for the summer party.
- The designer's latest collection features several crepe de chine pieces.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the fashion retail and textile manufacturing industries to specify fabric types.
Academic
Appears in texts on textile history, material culture, and fashion design.
Everyday
Very rare in everyday conversation outside of specific discussions about clothing or sewing.
Technical
A precise textile term denoting a specific weave and weight of fabric, often made from raw silk.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crepe de chine”
- Pronouncing 'chine' as /tʃaɪn/ (like 'China') instead of /ˈʃiːn/.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a crepe de chine' instead of 'a piece of crepe de chine').
- Misspelling as 'crepe de sheen'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, yes, it is a silk fabric. However, modern versions can be made from synthetic fibers like polyester that mimic the texture and drape of silk.
It is pronounced /ˌkreɪp də ˈʃiːn/. The 'ch' is pronounced like 'sh' in 'she', and the final 'e' in 'chine' is silent.
No. It refers specifically to the type of fabric and its texture, not a colour. You would say 'a crepe de chine dress in red'.
Crepe de chine is a specific, finer, and lighter type of crepe, traditionally made from silk. Regular 'crepe' is a broader category that includes heavier, woolen varieties and has a more pronounced crinkle.
A fine, lightweight fabric of silk or synthetic fiber, with a crinkled texture.
Crepe de chine is usually formal, fashion/trade in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a queen (CHINE sounds like 'queen') wearing a fancy, crinkled (CREPE) dress.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS DELICATE TEXTURE; ELEGANCE IS FLUIDITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'crepe de chine' primarily known as?