Chiffon is a very light, sheer fabric that feels almost like holding a cloud. It's made from silk or synthetic fibers woven so loosely that you can see through it, giving it a delicate, floating quality. When someone moves in a chiffon dress or scarf, the fabric seems to drift and ripple in the air.

Designers use chiffon for elegant clothing like formal dresses, scarves, and blouses because of its graceful drape. The fabric catches light beautifully and adds a soft, romantic look to whatever it decorates. You might see it in layers on a ballet costume or flowing from a bride's veil.

Despite looking fragile, chiffon is surprisingly strong for its weight. However, its sheerness means people usually layer it over other fabrics.

Chiffon can also describe a style of pie or cake that's especially light and airy, like lemon chiffon pie. Just as the fabric floats, a chiffon dessert feels almost weightless on your tongue, made fluffy by folding whipped egg whites into the mixture.