Acetate is made from cellulose, usually from wood pulp. That cellulose is treated with acetic acid and then spun into threads. The result is a fabric with a soft sheen, a fluid drape and a light, cool feel on the skin. That is why you often see acetate in satin-look blouses, linings and festive tops. It looks like silk, but is easier in everyday use. Below you can read how acetate is made, how it wears and how to care for it.
How is acetate made?
Acetate belongs to the family of cellulose fibres, like viscose, modal and lyocell. The base is plant-derived, but the end product comes about through a chemical process. The cellulose is treated with acetic acid and dissolved. The solution is pressed through tiny openings. Then the solvent evaporates and fine, smooth filaments remain. Those smooth fibres give acetate its characteristic sheen.
Acetate is therefore not a natural fibre like cotton or silk, and not a fully synthetic fibre like polyester either. It sits in between and is therefore also called semi-synthetic.
Acetate next to other glossy fabrics
| Property | Acetate | Silk | Polyester satin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheen | Soft, deep | Soft, lively | Often brighter |
| Drape | Fluid | Fluid | Depends on the weave |
| Feel | Cool and smooth | Cool and smooth | Smooth, slightly warmer |
| Creasing | Moderate | Moderate to a lot | Little |
| Care | Careful, low temperature | Very careful | Easy |
In appearance, acetate sits between silk and synthetic satin. If you want a satin look that is really easy to maintain, choose polyester. If you want the most beautiful drape, choose acetate.
Why a little elastane?
Pure acetate has little stretch. By adding a small percentage of elastane, the fabric moves with your shoulders and arms. You can see this in the Rosamund blouse in white: 96% acetate and 4% elastane. The blouse is lightweight and silky-soft, has a soft drape and a regular fit. You can wear the lavallière collar loose or tied. That is why the blouse works both at the office and at dinner.
The same blouse is available in light blue and pearl cream. Especially in those light shades, the soft sheen of acetate really comes into its own.
How does acetate wear in practice?
- Light and airy. Acetate is thin and feels cool, which makes it pleasant in spring and summer and at the office.
- Rich colours. The smooth fibre reflects light, so colours look slightly deeper than with matt cotton.
- Fluid drape. An acetate blouse follows the body and falls in soft folds, which instantly makes simple trousers look smarter.
- Sensitive to heat. Acetate does not tolerate high temperatures. You notice this when ironing and drying.
How to combine an acetate blouse
A glossy blouse combines well with matt fabrics. Combine it with pleated trousers, such as the Arabelli in black, or with a knee-length skirt such as the Rosa in black. That way the sheen stays an accent and not a statement. For the evening you can choose two soft shades, such as pearl cream with black.
You will find more combinations in the blouses for women and in the Dinner and Dates collection.
Caring for acetate: six rules
- Always read the label and follow the instructions for the specific garment.
- Wash cold or by hand, inside out and in a wash bag if you use the machine.
- Do not wring or squeeze. Press the water out carefully with a towel.
- Not in the dryer. Hang the blouse to dry on a wide hanger, out of the sun.
- Iron on the lowest setting and on the inside, or use a steamer at a distance.
- Be careful with nail polish remover and perfume. Acetone dissolves acetate. Let perfume and nail polish dry well before you put your blouse on.
On our page with care instructions you will find more explanation per material.
Common mistakes with acetate
Most damage to acetate comes not from wearing, but from care. This often goes wrong:
- Ironing too hot. At a high temperature acetate can become shiny or even melt. Always use the lowest setting and a pressing cloth.
- In the dryer. The heat can make the fabric shrink or dull the sheen.
- Wet on a narrow hanger. Wet, the fabric is heavier and can stretch at the shoulders. A wide, rounded hanger prevents that.
- Deodorant on the fabric. Let deodorant dry first, otherwise the fabric can stain or discolour under the arms.
- Sitting on rough surfaces. A smooth fibre can snag on rough chairs or bags with metal details.
Acetate through the year
Acetate is light and cool, but not only suitable for summer. In spring you wear an acetate blouse loose over trousers, in autumn under a fine-knit cardigan or a tweed jacket. Especially in combination with matt, warmer fabrics, the sheen comes out beautifully.
How do you recognise acetate?
On the label, acetate is sometimes listed as acetate or acetate fibre. You can also recognise the fabric by its soft, deep sheen and cool, smooth touch. Compared with polyester satin, acetate often feels slightly drier and falls a little heavier. If you hold an acetate blouse up by the shoulders, the fronts fall down in soft, fluid folds.
Who is acetate suitable for?
Acetate suits you well if you like a subtle sheen and want to care for the fabric carefully. It is ideal for the office, dinners and festive afternoons. If you want something you throw in the machine without thinking, a polyester blouse or a bamboo blend is more practical.
Shop the look
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, white
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, light blue
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, pearl cream
Arabelli: high-waist pleated trousers, black
Rosa: elegant knee-length skirt, black
Frequently asked questions
Is acetate the same as satin?
No. Acetate is a fibre, satin is a way of weaving. An acetate fabric can be woven in a satin weave, but satin can also be made of silk or polyester.
Can you wash acetate in the washing machine?
That depends on the label. If it is allowed, wash cold on a delicate cycle, inside out and in a wash bag. If in doubt, hand washing is the safest.
Does acetate crease easily?
Acetate creases moderately. Creases often disappear simply by hanging the blouse in a steamy bathroom or with a steamer at a distance.
