Gabardine Fabric: Why You Should Wear It and How to Style
Gabardine is a tough, tightly woven fabric with a diagonal rib. Why does it stand out? Find out its unique qualities, history, and how it’s used in clothing.
Key Takeaways
-
Gabardine is a durable, breathable, and versatile fabric known for its smooth texture, wrinkle resistance, and ability to hold its shape, making it suitable for a wide range of garments.
-
The history of gabardine, invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879, highlights its significance in fashion, particularly through its association with the iconic trench coat during World War I.
-
Different types of gabardine, such as cotton, wool, and synthetic blends, cater to various needs and preferences, offering options for casual wear, outerwear, and tailored clothing suitable for multiple seasons.
Understanding Gabardine
Gabardine is a durable, tightly woven twill fabric with a distinct diagonal cord, primarily made of cotton. This tightly woven fabric features:
-
a smooth texture
-
impressive durability
-
wrinkle resistance
-
ability to hold its shape
Whether you are wearing it for a casual outing or a formal event, gabardine is considered to ensure you look polished and easily put together, updated for any occasion.
One of the standout properties of gabardine is its breathability, making it comfortable to wear in various weather conditions. Additionally, it is lightweight and water-resistant, adding to its versatility. These characteristics make gabardine a preferred choice for a wide range of garments, from casual wear to outerwear and tailored clothing.
The History of Gabardine
The story of gabardine begins with Thomas Burberry, who invented this remarkable fabric in 1879. Burberry’s goal was to create a versatile fabric that could withstand wear and tear, making it a practical choice for various applications. The name ‘gabardine’ is inspired by ‘gaberdina’, a term from the Middle Ages.
Gabardine quickly gained popularity, especially in the form of the trench coat, which became iconic during World War I. Burberry primarily used worsted wool to create gabardine, a twill fabric that set new standards for durability and functionality. This historical significance has cemented gabardine’s place in the world of fashion.
Types of Gabardine Fabrics
Gabardine comes in various forms, each with unique properties that cater to different needs and preferences. From cotton gabardine, which is lightweight and breathable, to wool gabardine, known for its warmth and durability, and synthetic blends that enhance its properties, there is a type of gabardine for every occasion.
Let’s explore these types in more detail.
Cotton Gabardine
Cotton gabardine is a lighter fabric compared to its counterparts, making it an excellent choice for warm weather clothing. Its lightweight and breathable nature make it perfect for summer attire, providing comfort without compromising on style. Whether it’s a casual dress or a pair of trousers, cotton gabardine ensures you stay cool and comfortable.
One of the reasons cotton gabardine is so popular is its versatility. It can be used to create a variety of garments, from lightweight jackets to breathable pants. This fabric’s ability to hold its shape while remaining soft and flexible makes it a favorite for casual wear.
Wool Gabardine
Wool gabardine, on the other hand, is characterized by:
-
Heavier weight and warmth, making it ideal for winter clothing
-
Excellent insulation, ensuring that you stay warm even in the coldest weather
-
Durability and resistance to wrinkles, making it a great choice for formal attire as well.
This fabric is perfect for creating tailored garments such as suits, jackets, and overcoats. The elegance and compactness of wool gabardine add a touch of sophistication to any outfit, making it a staple in many Wardrobe.
Synthetic Blends
Synthetic blends of gabardine fabrics incorporate materials like polyester and rayon, enhancing the fabric’s durability and wrinkle resistance. These blends create a new material that retains the traditional qualities of gabardine while offering additional benefits such as increased flexibility and a wider range of colors.
This makes synthetic blend a popular choice for both casual and formal garments, weaving a widespread connection between comfort and style.
Popular Garments Made from Gabardine
Gabardine’s versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of clothing items, from casual wear to more formal attire. Its durability and polished look make it a preferred choice for various garments, including trousers, jackets, and skirts.
Let’s explore some of the popular garment garments made from gabardine lining in more detail.
Casual Wear
Gabardine’s inherent stretch and softness make it suitable for casual pants and dresses. Its flexibility and comfort are why many prefer it for casual garments, ensuring that you look stylish without sacrificing comfort. Pants made from gabardine are particularly appreciated for their comfort and resistance to creasing, making them a practical choice for everyday wear.
Casual clothing made from gabardine includes garments like lightweight dresses and skirts, which are favored for their comfort and ease of movement. Cotton gabardine, in particular, can be comfortable for summer, especially when woven lightly, but it can also serve well in winter if layered appropriately. This versatility makes gabardine a staple in many wardrobes.
Outerwear
The trench coat, made from gabardine, was designed during World War I to meet the needs of British Army officers. Its water-resistant properties make it suitable for outerwear, providing protection against light rain. This historical significance has made the trench coat an iconic piece of outerwear.
Wool gabardine is better suited for colder months, although if woven loosely, it may also be worn during warmer seasons. Common uses of gabardine in modern fashion include overcoats and trench coats, providing both style and protection against the elements.
Tailored Clothing
Gabardine is commonly used today in tailored garments such as suits, jackets, and trousers, offering a polished and professional appearance. Wool gabardine is known for its elegance and compactness, making it ideal for quality tailoring. This fabric’s ability to hold its shape and resist wrinkles makes it a favorite for formal wear.
Cotton gabardine is particularly popular for tailored clothing, offering a combination of elegance and practicality. Whether it’s a suit for a business meeting or a jacket for a formal event, gabardine ensures you look your best.
Benefits of Wearing Gabardine
The durability of gabardine is enhanced by its layered fabric structure, making it resistant to wear and tear. This tightly woven fabric is frequently chosen for apparel due to its durability and wrinkle resistance. Despite its tight weave, gabardine allows for air circulation, contributing to its breathability.
Gabardine’s waterproof properties make it a popular choice for creating durable outerwear such as anoraks and windbreakers. This versatility is why gabardine is favored for a wide range of garments, including both casual and formal styles.
Caring for Gabardine
Proper care is essential to maintain the quality of gabardine garments. Follow these guidelines:
-
Wash gabardine on a gentle cycle.
-
Use low heat in the dryer or opt for hand washing.
-
Always check the care label for specific cleaning instructions, as gabardine garments can have unique requirements.
-
For minor stains, spot clean with a mild detergent and a soft cloth, avoiding rubbing.
Professional dry cleaning is the safest option for cleaning gabardine, ensuring proper care. Gabardine should be kept dry and air-dried naturally if it gets wet, without direct heat sources.
Use a warm iron on a low setting for ironing gabardine, and avoid excessive heat. Using a cloth between the iron and gabardine while ironing can prevent damage to the fabric.
Is Gabardine Suitable for All Seasons?
Gabardine’s suitability for different seasons largely depends on the fiber used. Cotton gabardine is preferable for summer, while wool gabardine is ideal for winter. This versatility makes gabardine a practical choice for year-round wear.
The fabric’s breathable nature allows it to be worn comfortably in warm weather, appealing to modern fashion sensibilities. Whether it’s a lightweight summer dress or a warm winter coat, gabardine adapts to different seasonal needs.
Gabardine in Modern Fashion
Gabardine is favored by contemporary designers for its durability and versatility, making it ideal for various stylish garments. The distinct diagonal ribbing pattern of gabardine adds a sophisticated aesthetic, making it a preferred choice for refined womenswear. Its unique texture and strength have made it a favorite among designers for producing a variety of clothing items, including lightweight dresses and winter jackets.
Designers are increasingly incorporating gabardine into everyday wear, such as shirts and dresses, due to its unique texture and strength. This modern appeal ensures gabardine remains a staple in the fashion industry.
Where to Buy Gabardine Fabric
Gabardine fabric can be purchased from various retail and wholesale suppliers. Many fabric stores and online retailers offer gabardine in different colors and weights. Whether buying in retail or wholesale, gabardine fabric is widely accessible for various sewing and fashion projects.
MH has gabardine available for wholesale, making it a convenient option for bulk purchases.
Summary
In summary, gabardine is a versatile and durable fabric that has stood the test of time. From its invention by Thomas Burberry to its modern-day applications, gabardine continues to be a favorite in the fashion industry. Its unique properties, including durability, wrinkle resistance, and breathability, make it suitable for a wide range of garments, from casual wear to formal attire.
Whether you are looking for a lightweight summer dress or a warm winter coat, gabardine has something to offer. By understanding the different types of gabardine fabrics and how to care for them, you can ensure that your gabardine garments remain in excellent condition for years to come. Embrace the timeless elegance and practicality of gabardine and elevate your wardrobe with this remarkable fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gabardine fabric made of?
Gabardine fabric is primarily composed of cotton or wool, distinguished by its durability and a smooth texture that features a diagonal cord pattern.
How should I care for my gabardine garments?
To properly care for your gabardine garments, wash them on a gentle cycle or by hand, and use low heat settings when drying; professional dry cleaning is also advisable. This approach will help maintain their quality and longevity.
Is gabardine suitable for all seasons?
Gabardine can be suitable for all seasons, depending on the fiber content used; cotton gabardine is recommended for summer, while wool gabardine is preferable for winter.
What are the benefits of wearing gabardine?
Wearing gabardine provides notable benefits such as durability, wrinkle resistance, breathability, and water resistance, making it an ideal choice for both casual and formal attire.
Where can I buy gabardine fabric?
Gabardine fabric is available for purchase at various retail and wholesale suppliers, including online retailers and local fabric stores. Consider checking both options for the best selection and prices.
Contact MH
MH offers gabardine. Please contact us for more details or inquiries. We're here to help!
