The action of alkali treatment in both aqueous and alcoholic media is investigated to attain silk-like polyester fabric. The use of alkoxide solutions is more effective on polyester fabric. Rapid loss in weight up to 15-20% occurs at ambient conditions. Immersion and padding techniques are applied. The effect of treatment on some properties of polyester fabric are given through measurements of tensile strength, drapability, permeability, density gradient, crystallinity, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Optimization of the treatment conditions is also suggested. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.