Definition

Noun: 1. A type of fabric or yarn: Bouclé is a textile characterized by its looped or curled ply, creating a distinctive nubby, knotted, or bumpy surface texture. This effect is produced by using uneven yarns that contain loops of varying sizes.

Usage

• Bouclé is primarily used as a mass noun to describe the material itself.
  • The designer chose a soft bouclé for the winter coat collection.
  • This sweater is made from a wool bouclé that is both warm and textured.
• It can also be used as a modifier before another noun to describe an item made from this fabric.
  • She wore an elegant bouclé suit to the meeting.
  • The bouclé upholstery gave the chair a cozy, tactile feel.

Advanced Usage

• In fashion and textile design, "bouclé" often carries connotations of mid-century modern style, largely due to its famous use by designer Coco Chanel in her iconic suits.
• The term can sometimes be used attributively to describe a color or pattern that mimics the textured, mottled appearance of the fabric, even on a non-textile surface.
  • The painter used a technique to create a bouclé effect on the canvas.

Variants and Related Words

• Bouclé yarn: The specific type of looped yarn used to create bouclé fabric.
  • The knitter selected a pastel bouclé yarn for her project.

Synonyms

• Loop yarn
• Curly yarn
• Nubby fabric
• Textured wool

Antonyms

• Smooth fabric
• Flat knit
• Plain weave

Related Phrases & Terms

• Channel suit: A classic, structured suit style famously made from bouclé fabric.
• Tweed: Another textured fabric often compared to or used in conjunction with bouclé, though tweed is typically woven with a more consistent, flecked appearance.

Noun

1. a fabric of uneven yarn that has an uneven knobby effect