Shantung

/ʃænˈtʌŋ/ noun

Definition

A plain-weave silk fabric with an irregular, slightly rough texture created by thick and thin yarns, originally from the Shandong province of China.

Etymology

Named after Shandong (formerly romanized as Shantung) province in China where it originated. The irregular texture comes from using silk reeled from double cocoons or wild silk with natural variations.

Kelly Says

Shantung's signature texture comes from silkworms that spun their cocoons together – these 'doupion' cocoons create the thick, irregular yarns that give the fabric its beloved nubby surface! Jackie Kennedy's iconic pink suit was made from wool that mimicked shantung's distinctive texture.

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