From the Persian "taftah", past participle of the verb "Tàftan", twist, braid, weave.

It is one of the most beautiful silk fabrics realized with plain weave and characterized by a greater weft density than the one of the plot.
The rainbow reflections of the iridescent taffeta, are possible because of the two dirrerent colors used for weft and plot. It can also be made with synthetic or man-made fibers.
When soaked with clutinous substances, it is possible to use for therapeutic purposes.
Taffeta is normally used for making cocktail dresses, as well as evening and gala dresses, but it is also widely used within design and interiors.

There are many variations according to the particularity of the texture. Among those are moire or wrikled, referring to crumpled fabrics. Jacquard is much more rare.