Textile glossary

Silk designed, woven, printed or finished in the Como textile district.

The expression describes the manufacturing tradition of the province of Como. It does not necessarily indicate the Italian origin of the raw fibre: to evaluate a product it is necessary to read the composition, origin and processing declared by the manufacturer.

Rolled hem, traditionally handmade on silk scarves.

The edge is folded and rolled with small stitches, creating a soft, slightly raised finish. Regularity, elasticity and cleanliness of the stitch help to evaluate the execution.

Weaving technique that builds the pattern directly into the weave of the fabric.

The loom controls groups of warp threads separately, making complex designs possible. The pattern is not applied to the surface: it arises from the structure of the fabric itself.

Weave recognizable by thin diagonal lines on the surface.

The diagonal structure offers a good balance between fluidity, body and resistance. For this reason, twill is often used in silk scarves and accessories intended for everyday use.

Weave with a smooth and bright surface, with few visible weave points.

The threads remain exposed on the surface for longer and reflect the light evenly. Satin has a fluid feel, but may require more attention against pulled threads and abrasions.

The two systems of threads that cross each other to form a fabric.

The warp runs lengthwise and is stretched on the loom; the weft passes through it widthwise. Their relationship determines structure, compactness, weight and drape.

Unit used to indicate the average diameter of a fiber.

A lower value describes a finer fibre, but is not enough on its own to define quality. Fiber length, uniformity, strength, selection and processing influence the final result.

Grams per square meter: measures the surface weight of a fabric.

GSM helps compare density and weight, but is not a quality rating. Two fabrics with the same value can have different feel and performance based on fibre, yarn, weave and finishing.

Unit expressing the mass in grams of 9,000 meters of yarn.

For the same material, a lower value generally corresponds to a finer yarn. However, the character of the fabric also depends on twist, density and construction.

Continuous thread obtained by joining or twisting textile fibres.

Yarn is the transition between fiber and fabric. Count, twist, regularity and type of fiber contribute to defining the softness, resistance, shine and appearance of the finished product.

Historical term linked to fine fibers from the Himalayan area, today also used to indicate a wide stole.

In contemporary commerce the word can describe shape and style, not necessarily composition. To find out if a pashmina is made of cashmere, wool or a blend, it is essential to check the label.

Lightweight accessory, often square, worn around the neck, in the hair or on a bag.

It can be made of silk or other materials and in many sizes. Composition, weave, print and type of hem determine its feel, fall and care methods.

Set of final treatments that define the hand, appearance and behavior of the fabric.

Washing, steaming, calendering and other processes can change softness, shine, stability and color rendering. The correct cycle depends on the fiber and the desired result.