---
type: "fabric"
name: "Shantung"
slug: "shantung"
fabric_family: "specialty"
construction: "jacquard"
typical_fibers:
  - "Silk"
weight_gsm: "130–200 g/m²"
price_tier: 4
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/shantung"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:26:17.998578+00:00"
---

# Shantung

Shantung is a luxurious silk fabric known for its crisp texture and slight sheen, often used in formal wear and evening gowns.

- **Fabric Family**: Specialty
- **Construction**: Jacquard
- **Typical Fibers**: Silk
- **Weight**: 130–200 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.3–0.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 114 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$$ (4 of 5)

## About Shantung

Shantung is a specialty silk fabric characterized by its unique crispness and subtle luster. It is typically woven using a jacquard technique, allowing for intricate patterns and textures. The fabric is lightweight yet has a substantial feel, making it ideal for structured garments like evening dresses, jackets, and formal attire. Its natural fibers provide breathability and a soft hand, while the jacquard construction adds visual interest and depth.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 80
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 60

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 0%
- **Weft Stretch**: 0%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 50 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 0
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.2
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Bright
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: smooth
- **Hand & Drape**: Balanced

## Performance Features

- Wrinkle Resistance
- Stain Release

## Common Finishes

- Mercerized
- Calendared

## Common Applications

- Evening Gowns
- Bridal Wear
- Formal Jackets
- Dresses

## Common Uses in Detail

### Bridal & Evening Wear

Its crisp drape and subtle sheen make it a premier choice for wedding gowns and evening dresses. The fabric holds structured silhouettes beautifully, lending an air of refined elegance to formal occasions where a polished, luminous appearance is essential.

### Formal Tailoring

Tailors prize its body and crispness for constructing formal jackets, blazers, and suits. The fabric's natural stiffness supports sharp lapels and clean seams, making it ideal for structured garments worn at galas, ceremonies, and high-profile professional events.

### Decorative Home Accents

Its lustrous surface and firm weave translate beautifully into decorative throw pillows, ornate drapery panels, and table runners. The sheen catches ambient light elegantly, adding a sophisticated, luxurious touch to formal living rooms and dining spaces.

## Care Instructions

Dry clean recommended; if washing, use cold water and mild detergent. Iron on low heat.

- Washing Machine Symbol
- Iron Symbol

## Additional Information

Shantung is often confused with taffeta due to its similar appearance, but it is generally softer and has a more textured surface.

- **Regional Names**: Shantung silk, Silk Shantung
- **Sourcing Regions**: China, India, Italy
- **Testing Standards**: Martindale/Rub count, Colorfastness to wash, Tear strength

## Fibers in This Fabric

- Silk

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*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/shantung) — HTML version of this page.*