In order to provide a metal fabric of a design which reduces or even completely compensates for the effect of darkening which is intrinsic to the metal fabric at a predetermined fabric density, a metal fabric having an optical waveguide element penetrating a core fabric area is suggested. In addition, a metal fabric having multiple optical waveguide elements and/or optical waveguide elements integrated structurally into the fabric is suggested. In addition, a method for manufacturing a metal fabric is presented.