Imperial Taffeta

Style: #1317
Width: 60” Wide
Fiber Content: 100% Polyester
Average Roll Size: 125-150 yards
Fire Code: NFPA 701 & California Title 19 - Certified & Registered

Imperial Taffeta offers a crisp, smooth finish, perfect for high end event decor and swagging. It maintains consistent fire compliance – ideal for draping, swagging, and apparel lining.

Lightweight yet structured, this taffeta provides a moderate drape that’s easy to handle and install onsite. It’s slightly translucent – not sheer – allowing for soft light diffusion without full visibility. This is a very popular fabric choice for tent drapery and swags. In the photography and film industry, this fabric is often referred to as poly silk, prized for its ability to diffuse light and deliver elegant visual effects. Designers and event professionals especially love the wide selection of over 50 rich, vibrant color options that allow for endless creative combinations.

Key Features:

Crisp texture with moderate body
Lightweight and easy to work with onsite
Available in 50+ colors for total design flexibility
Known in photography and lighting as poly silk
Excellent for draping, overlays, swagging, and lining

Common Uses:

Event draping, swagging, and ceiling treatments
Decorative table overlays and runners
Photography and film light diffusion (as poly silk)
Pipe and Drape, booths, and panel backdrops
Apparel Lining: jackets, dresses, skirts, and formal garments where a smooth, lightweight interior finish is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Imperial Taffeta Fabric

What is Imperial Taffeta commonly used for in event draping and decor?

Imperial Taffeta is widely used for decorative draping in weddings, corporate events, and tented events. The fabric is lightweight yet opaque, making it suitable for backdrop panels, ceiling treatments, and perimeter draping. Because it behaves as a poly silk fabric, it provides a clean, slightly structured look without the heaviness of thicker materials. Event designers often choose Imperial Taffeta when they want drapes that are easy to handle while still providing solid visual coverage.

Is Imperial Taffeta sheer or opaque?

Imperial Taffeta is considered opaque rather than sheer, which makes it different from fabrics like 118in Voile or 118in Batiste. While it remains lightweight, the fabric provides enough coverage to block visibility behind drapes without requiring additional layering. This balance makes polyester taffeta fabric a practical choice for event backdrops, pipe-and-drape systems, and decorative installations where a clean, non-transparent finish is preferred.

Why is Imperial Taffeta popular for swagging and ceiling draping?

Imperial Taffeta is popular for swagging because it is lightweight and easy to work with on site. Installers can quickly create soft swags and ceiling treatments without dealing with heavy fabric loads. At the same time, the fabric has enough body to hold its shape when draped, which helps maintain clean lines in event installations. As a poly silk fabric, it provides a polished look while remaining manageable for large-scale draping setups.

Is Imperial Taffeta the same fabric some designers refer to as poly silk?

Yes. In many event and décor settings, Imperial Taffeta is often referred to as poly silk fabric. The term is commonly used to describe lightweight polyester materials that mimic the look of silk without the cost or maintenance. While not actual silk, polyester taffeta fabric offers a similar visual effect with greater durability, making it a practical option for draping, swagging, and reusable event décor.

Can this fabric be used as poly lining for formal garments and apparel interiors?

Yes. Imperial Taffeta was originally developed as a lining fabric for apparel, which is why it works well for garment interiors. The lightweight construction and smooth finish make it suitable for linings in formalwear, costumes, and structured garments. Over time, this poly silk fabric was adopted in the event industry for draping and décor, but it still performs well as a polyester taffeta fabric for apparel applications where a clean, durable lining is needed.