Faille Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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faille

[feɪl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

material defect

Faille is a type of woven fabric, typically made of silk or a silk blend, characterized by its fine ribbed texture. The fabric is known for its durability and subtle sheen, making it popular in clothing, especially for dresses and evening wear. Faille can also refer to a fault or defect in material, indicating a shortcoming or imperfection in quality. The texture allows for elegant drapes and adds a luxurious feel to garments.

Synonyms

fabric, material, textile.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a beautiful faille gown to the gala.
  • The designer preferred faille for its structured silhouette.
  • They discovered a faille in the upholstery fabric.
  • The faille fabric was perfect for the evening dress.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • Faille is often used in formal wear, including wedding dresses and evening gowns, due to its elegant appearance.
  • Designers appreciate faille for its ability to hold shape while providing a slight sheen, making garments look sophisticated.
  • This fabric became popular in haute couture fashion in the 1920s and continues to be a staple for luxurious clothing.

Technology

  • Modern faille can be made from various materials, including silk and polyester, evolving from its traditional fabric origins.
  • In textile technology, faille is crafted through a weaving technique that gives it its distinctive ribbed pattern, catering to both durability and style.
  • Recent innovations have led to eco-friendly faille options, appealing to sustainable fashion trends.

Cultural Significance

  • Faille is often associated with high fashion and is favored in cultural events where elegance is essential, like galas and formal celebrations.
  • In various cultures, the elegance of faille has made it a symbol of status and wealth in clothing designs.
  • Historical garments made of faille can often be seen in fashion museums, showcasing its longstanding relevance in high fashion.

Crafting

  • Faille is a favorite among seamstresses for its ease of handling and ability to create structured pieces like jackets and skirts.
  • Its texture allows for special techniques in tailoring, giving garments a polished look while remaining soft to the touch.
  • Crafters often choose faille for DIY bridal projects due to its versatility in both draping and holding intricate designs.

Origin of 'faille'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'faille' comes from the French language, where it means 'to fail' but refers to the texture of the cloth in this context.
  • Although it sounds similar to 'fail,' the connection is more about the 'fall' of fabric, as faille is known for its gentle drape.
  • First used in the English language in the late 19th century, it has origins linked to silk fabric textures from France.

The word 'faille' derives from the French term 'faille', which refers to the fabric's characteristic ribbed structure. This term itself is developed from the Old French word 'faile', meaning 'to fail' or 'to lack', reflecting the fabric's unique texture and feel. It has been used in the context of textiles since at least the 18th century, where it originally described a particular cloth made of silk. As the textile industry evolved, 'faille' became associated more specifically with various types of woven fabrics that include ribbed patterns, thus developing its current meanings in fashion and material usage.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,540, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.