piqué

A woman wears a piqué dress to a garden party.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of fabric: "piqué" refers to a stiff, ribbed fabric (usually cotton) with a raised pattern of small, regular bumps or ridges, often used for clothing such as polo shirts, dresses, or collars.
   • In sewing/textiles: It is characterized by its textured surface, created through a weaving technique that produces a woven-in design (like a waffle or honeycomb effect).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She bought a white cotton piqué dress for the summer party. (A dress made from this textured fabric.)
  • The tennis player wore a classic piqué polo shirt. (A shirt made of this fabric, known for its crispness.)
  • The tailor recommended piqué for the collar because it holds its shape well. (The fabric's stiffness makes it suitable for structured garment parts.)

Advanced Usage

• "piqué fabric": a specific textile used in high-quality shirts and blouses.

  • The designer chose a fine piqué for the blouse, giving it a subtle texture. (The fabric's raised pattern adds visual interest.)

• "piqué weave": a method of weaving that creates the characteristic raised pattern.

  • The piqué weave is more durable than plain cotton. (The weaving technique contributes to the fabric's strength.)

Variants and Related Words

• Piqué (adj): referring to the fabric's texture or material.

  • He wore a piqué waistcoat to the formal event. (A waistcoat made of this fabric.)

• Cotton piqué (n): a common type of piqué fabric made from cotton.

  • Cotton piqué is popular for summer clothing due to its breathability. (A specific material variant.)

Synonyms

• Textured fabric: a fabric with a raised pattern.
• Ribbed fabric: a fabric with parallel lines or ridges (though piqué has a more structured pattern).
• Waffle fabric: a specific type of piqué with a honeycomb-like pattern (often used for towels or thermal wear).

Related Idioms

• None directly associated with "piqué" as a fabric term. However, in French, "piqué" can also mean "stung" or "offended," but this is a separate meaning not relevant to the textile definition. For language learners, note that the English word "piqué" is primarily a textile term.

Note: The reference definition from the Vietnamese dictionary ("vải bông sọc") translates to "striped cotton fabric," but in standard English usage, "piqué" refers specifically to a textured, ribbed fabric, not necessarily striped. This nuance is important for accurate understanding.