Plate No. 120 · fabric

Acetate

Acetate is a second regenerated-cellulose fiber, but where rayon reforms the cellulose itself, acetate chemically converts it into a new compound, cellulose acetate, before spinning. The result is lustrous, crisp, and silk-like, with a luxurious sheen that made it a favorite for linings, eveningwear, and satin. It dyes and drapes beautifully but is weak when wet and sensitive to heat and to some solvents, so it demands gentle care. The Dreyfus brothers, who first made acetate dope for aircraft in the First World War, turned it to textiles in the 1920s.