Changjang fabric is also called chameleon fabric. This material can change its color depending on the lighting, and from what angle we look at it. Colored fabrics are different - dyed in one color, with printed or coupon designs, but there are also those that have the effect of color overflow. This is achieved by weaving differently colored yarns.

Sometimes the threads have different textures. Fabrics are created on the basis of silk or cotton threads, viscose or synthetic fibers. Different in color, weft and warp threads are twisted very tightly, and due to this, the material is dense and at the same time thin. These fabrics are a type of taffeta.

Types of shangjans

The name Changjan comes from the French changeant, which means changeable. This material was first used in the 18th century. But at that time, shangjans were produced only from natural silk. And, of course, such fabric was very expensive.

Women of fashion immediately fell in love with her, because a dress of amazing beauty was obtained from a silk changjin. However, not only dresses were adorned with this fabric, but also decorative elements in salons and halls of noble and wealthy nobles. A little later, cotton fibers were used as raw materials. This reduced the cost of the fabric, but the fabric itself remained invariably good, although it lacks the sheen and elasticity of silk changjans.

Changjang fabric did not lose its popularity in subsequent years. Especially fashionistas fell in love with her at the beginning of the twentieth century, and the cotton look. Women's dresses, capes, light coats made of cotton shangjang did not go out of fashion for a long time. Then came the era of viscose materials, although today the production of cotton shangjans continues.



Viscose shangjang its appearance resembles silk, it looks very impressive, but at the same time its cost is much lower. The disadvantage of this type is its low strength. When the synthetic shangjang fabric was obtained, the expectations that it would completely replace the previous types did not come true.

Thin, iridescent and inexpensive fabrics can only be used for outerwear and decorative materials.

The synthetic shangjang is made from polyester or polyamide fibers. The fabric is also dense and durable, with iridescence, but does not have the properties inherent in natural fabrics. The synthetic material does not allow air to pass through, it is hot in the heat, in the cold it is cold.

The variety of modern synthetic fibers makes it possible to create very interesting fabrics. They have an iridescent effect and an original texture. Low cost and expressive palette allow using such fabric in youth fashion. More often it is used in outerwear products as a top layer and as a spectacular finishing material.




Now such a chameleon fabric is made from different raw materials - silk, cotton, viscose, polyester, polyamide. The weave type is the simplest - plain weave. Depending on the raw materials used, the properties and characteristics of shangjans differ, but all of its types have basic common properties:

1) Iridescence
2) Density
3) Color fastness (does not fade or fade)
4) Wear resistance
5) Water repellent properties.
6) Shanzhan made of silk and cotton raw materials is air permeable, has the ability to thermoregulate, does not cause allergies, and is hygroscopic. On top of that, the silk changjin is unusually light.

A common disadvantage of all shanjans is a high degree of tissue creasing.

Application of the shangjang today

Since now it is not the 18th century, but the 21st, then, in addition to natural fabrics, synthetic ones have also been used, from which they sew beautiful Wedding Dresses, evening dresses and theatrical costumes. They are also used in luxurious interiors as bedspreads, curtains, etc.

Currently, silk shangjang is very rare on the market, because this fabric is very expensive. It is used for sewing expensive evening dresses. The fabric is gorgeous and comfortable to wear, very durable. It is better to dry-clean items made from silk shangjans.

Cotton shangjang continues to be in demand. It is this fabric that designers prefer. A durable, beautiful material used for a wide variety of women's wardrobe items - from blouses to light coats, as well as in home interiors.

But synthetic shangjans are used for finishing outerwear. These are jackets, light coats, as well as interior items. Despite the disadvantages of synthetics, jackets, the top layer of which is made of iridescent material, look very original and protect well from wind and moisture.

Curtains, pillowcases and bedspreads are mainly made of synthetic changjin. These things are strong and durable. Synthetic shangjans are also used for upholstering furniture.




Washing is recommended by hand or machine on a delicate cycle. In this case, it is better to use liquid detergents, without chlorine. Spinning in the machine is not recommended. For hand washing, do not use force either. Since the shangjans are crumpled fabric, it is better to dry the clothes on a hanger, and iron them from the wrong side at a minimum temperature, and it is desirable that the product still retain moisture.

Shanzhan has been popular for more than one century. Which type to choose depends on what kind of product you want to have. Changjang items have an unusual look and will give you a stylish look.