All About the Brocade Fabric: Properties, Types, and Uses

When it comes to ethnic fashion, trends keep changing, but certain silhouettes are always in vogue. Today, we will talk about one such fabric that is quintessential for Indian wear. 

Brocade is made by weaving patterns into the fabric. The fabric has a long history in traditional wear clothing and various cultures. Initially, brocade was used for ornamental garments, but with time, the fabric has become an indispensable part of garment making and home décor. So, dear readers, let's start getting into the depths of the fabric, from brocade fabric properties to its types and uses. 

Brocade - History v/s Present Scenario

Until the first few centuries AD, the use of brocade fabric was limited to China, and silk was the default material for making brocade garments. During the 6th century AD, monks from the Byzantine Empire smuggled the secrets of the fabric and became its biggest producers. From using brocade silk fabric to making textiles from wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers, the era changed. 

The fabric remained popular throughout the Late Middle Ages and during the Renaissance period, the fabric became famous for curtains, drapes, and upholstery. Then, the Jacquard loom was invented, and the production of brocade became more efficient. At present, The fabric is reasonably popular as a material for making ethnic attire, modern upholstery, and drapes.

How is Brocade Fabric Created? 

Warp and weft yarns are used to create the basic structure of the brocade textile, and the fabric consists of three yarns woven together. Traditionally, brocade used to be made on conventional looms, and then, with the production of the Jacquard look, the production was simplified. The yarns used to make this material are invariably dyed before weaving beautiful, multicolored patterns. You can find a large variety of brocade fabric online in different materials, patterns, and designs. 

Brocade Fabric Properties

Talking about brocade fabric properties, this material is shiny with a lustrous surface. The texture is smooth and soft, with an opaque appearance. The fabric drapes quite well and gives a nice shape to the outfits. This heavyweight, patterned and woven textile has the following characteristics –

Types of Brocade Material

You can find different types of brocade fabric online, and the following are the most common ones –

• Silk Brocade : The brocade silk fabric is the most traditional form of this textile. Silk is the epitome of luxury and is the smoothest and one of the most durable materials.

• Cotton Brocade: Cotton brocade is much simpler to produce, and the pattern is way less complex. Fashion labels and manufacturers usually use cotton brocade material for creating casual Indian and ethnic wear clothing.

• Zari Brocade: Traditionally, zari brocade was made with threads of actual copper, silver, and gold. Nowadays, synthetic materials are used to imitate the appearance of these precious metals. 

• Synthetic Brocade: One of the most affordable types of brocade, synthetic brocade, contains polyester and other synthetic fibers that are less comfortable to wear than cotton and silk.

• Continuous Brocade: In this type of brocade material, the remaining threads are left hanging on the backside of the brocade fabric or cut off. 

• Discontinuous Brocade: Unlike continuous brocades, the leftover threads in discontinuous brocades are weaved into the material to create additional patterns and designs. 

Usage & Styling Tips for the Brocade Material

Being a part of Indian heritage textiles for ages, brocade is used for various garments and home furnishing pieces. When it comes to clothing, brocade fabric can be used for Indian suits, sarees, and blouses. You can also use the material for making fusion wear and Indo western clothing, such as a shirt with a ghagra skirt. The fabric looks beautiful when paired with antique gold and silver jewelry. If you have a bridesmaid look to create or a wedding function to attend, brocade silk fabric is your best bet. The silhouette looks exquisite and royal and can be paired with other fabrics well. 

You can create brocade co-ord sets featuring a pair of pants, an ethnic jacket, and a crop top for stylish and trendy contemporary attire. For accessories, you can opt for classy ties and pocket squares for menswear. The material is suitable for festive-themed home décor and at wedding venues. You can make cushion covers, sofa covers, curtains, and throw pillows with vibrant brocade material.  

Maintaining the Brocade Fabric

It is recommended to dry clean brocade fabrics, especially brocade silk, to protect their color and design. If you are washing the fabric at home, use mild detergents as opposed to rough and hard ones. Do not twist or squeeze the fabric while drying, and iron it at a low to medium heat level.

Given proper care, brocade fabric can prove to be a great wardrobe investment. Your ethnic wardrobe is incomplete without brocade clothing pieces. If you are looking to shop for brocade fabric online, you can check out our store at TradeUNO Fabrics. You will find everything for the wedding and festive season in every color, fabric, and design. Not only that, our collection ranges from menswear to kidswear to home furnishing. 

While you treat yourself to some shopping therapy, let us know about your favorite Indian fabric for festivals and weddings in the comment section below.