Crepe Fabric

Crepe fabric comes in a wide variety of weights, textures and weaves including Crepe de Chine, Wool Crepe and Crepeline. Known as a crisp, crimped fabric, Crepe gained its name and notoriety from its historical use in funeral garments. Woven from hard spun silk yarn, crepe fabric is a low-maintenance material that repels creases making it a versatile and hard-wearing fabric that is very comfortable on the skin.

Whaleys is a leading international wholesaler of Crepe fabrics, selling high-quality Crepe throughout the UK, Europe and America. Now open to the public, our Crepe fabric ranges provide fantastic value for money. Browse our online store and buy securely using any major credit or debit card. Wholesale and bulk order accounts are available on request. Try before you buy with our free Crepe fabric samples that allow you to quickly feel the quality of our products.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crepe Fabric

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers about Crepe Fabric. If your question isn't covered here, please contact us.

  • Crepe is a fabric category rather than a single fabric, defined by its crinkled, slightly grainy surface texture. The texture is produced through highly twisted yarns, special weaves, embossing, or chemical finishing. It can be made from silk, wool, polyester, viscose, and other fibres.

  • The classic method is to use yarns with a high twist, often alternating S-twist and Z-twist, which creates a slight pucker as the fabric relaxes. Other methods include a special crepe weave structure, embossing with heated rollers, or chemical treatment.

  • Common types include crepe de chine (light, traditionally silk), wool crepe (used in tailoring), crepe back satin (satin face with crepe reverse), moss crepe (heavier, more pronounced texture), and scuba crepe (a polyester knit with stretch).

  • Traditional woven crepe has very little natural stretch. Some modern crepes are blended with elastane for added give, and knitted crepes such as scuba crepe have built-in stretch from the knit structure. Check the fibre content if stretch is important.

    See our crepe fabric range