Moire (fabric)

Moire (/ˈmwɑːr/ or /ˈmɔːr/), less often moiré, is a textile with a wavy (watered) appearance produced mainly from silk, but also wool, cotton and rayon.

The end result is a peculiar luster resulting from the divergent reflection of the light rays on the material, a divergence brought about by compressing and flattening the warp and filling threads in places, thereby forming a surface which reflects light differently.

The moire effect may be obtained on silk, worsted, or cotton fabrics, though it is impossible to develop it on anything other than a grained or fine corded weave.

[2] In French, the adjective moiré (in use since at least 1823) derives from the earlier verb moirer, "to produce a watered textile by weaving or pressing".

During the Middle Ages, moire was held in high esteem and was, as currently, used for women’s dresses, capes, and for facings, trimmings, etc.

[7] Originally moire was only made of silk taffeta; however, now cotton and synthetic fibers such as viscose (rayon) are also used.