Translation guide
A type of silk fabric with a crinkled or pebbled texture, often used in clothing. The most common Japanese term is 絹クレープ, but other specific traditional weaves exist.
Referring to silk crepe as a material in general, such as for dresses, blouses, or scarves.
The most direct and widely understood term for silk crepe. Combines 絹 (silk) with the loanword クレープ (crepe).
このブラウスは絹クレープでできています。
This blouse is made of silk crepe.
An alternative using the English loanword シルク for silk. Common in fashion contexts.
シルククレープのスカーフを探しています。
I'm looking for a silk crepe scarf.
Referring specifically to the traditional Japanese crinkled silk fabric used in kimono and crafts.
A traditional Japanese silk crepe with a distinct pebbled texture, produced by using highly twisted weft threads. Essential for kimono and obi.
この着物は縮緬で仕立てられています。
This kimono is made of chirimen silk crepe.
Explicitly states silk chirimen, distinguishing it from synthetic chirimen-like fabrics.
絹縮緬は高級な和装小物に使われます。
Silk chirimen is used for high-quality kimono accessories.
A finer, lighter variety of silk crepe, often used for elegant kimono.
A high-quality, lightweight silk crepe with a smooth, fine texture. Often used for formal kimono and obi. Not as commonly known as chirimen.
金紗の訪問着はとても上品です。
A kinsha visiting kimono is very elegant.
縮緬 specifically refers to the traditional Japanese silk crepe with a pronounced texture, deeply tied to kimono culture. クレープ is a broader term that can refer to Western-style crepe fabrics, including synthetic ones. When in doubt, use 絹クレープ for general silk crepe and 縮緬 for traditional contexts.
洋服には絹クレープ、着物には縮緬がよく使われます。
Silk crepe is often used for Western clothing, while chirimen is used for kimono.
The word クレープ in Japanese can also mean the thin pancake (crêpe). To avoid confusion, always specify 絹 (silk) or use シルク when referring to the fabric.