Moquette is a type of wovenpile fabric in which cut or uncut threads form a short dense cut or loop pile. The pile's upright fibres form a flexible, durable, non-rigid surface[1] with a distinctive velvet-like feel. Traditional moquette weave fabrics are made today from a wool nylon face with an interwoven cotton backing, and are ideally suited to applications such as public transport.
Moquette originated in France, where it waswoven by hand. Named after the French word forcarpet, its standard width was aFlemishell of 27 inches. There were two finishes: moquettevelouté, which had a cut pile like EnglishWilton carpet, and moquettebouclé, which had an uncut pile likeBrussels carpet.[2] It is still woven inYorkshire using traditional techniques.[citation needed]
Moquette is occasionally used in clothing. In 1932–33, theUnited States Army Air Corps contracted for cold-weather leather flight suits lined with moquette, apparently as an economy substitute forsheepskin.[citation needed]
Due to its durability, moquette is used as public transit seat coverings in many countries.[3] Because it was relatively cheap to produce and readily available,[4] the fabric began to be used in London in the 1920s.[5] It is still used a century later, particularly toupholster the seats ofLondon Underground's Tube trains. Such seat covers may be designed with intricate bright colored patterns to conceal wear. These may reflect local culture and history, such as "Barman" or "Landmark" designed in 2010 for London public transportation seat coverings that depict local landmarks.[6]
