Gabardine is a tightly woven fabric in a twill weave. The fabric has a sheen and feels soft due to its dense structure. This structure also makes the fabric somewhat water-repellent. A gabardine retains its shape well and does not wrinkle very much. Due to its character and weight (mid-weight) the gabardine is widely applicable in both women's and men's fashion, and can be worn all year round. It is widely used in jackets, skirts, overcoats, trousers, bags etc.
Gabardine is a tightly woven and versatile fabric that can be used tp make e.g. suits, jackets, skirts, trousers, uniforms. With a rich history and unique production method, gabardine has earned its place as a high-quality material used in various garments.
Characteristically, gabardines are woven in a twill weave with a clear diagonal line on the face side and a smooth back. They can be made from different fibres, in this section only the organic cotton gabardines in the ECOLOGICAL TEXTILES collection are presented but we also have gabardines from 100% wool and a blend from organic cotton with hemp. All our organic cotton gabardines are GOTS certified.
Gabardine was introduced in the early 20th century by British tailor Thomas Burberry. He developed a fabric that was both water-repellent and breathable, naming it gabardine. The fabric quickly gained popularity in the fashion industry due to its durability and versatility. During World War I, gabardine was widely used for the production of military uniforms because of its protective properties and the comfort it provided to soldiers. After the war, gabardine became increasingly used in civilian fashion, becoming a symbol of elegance and style.
Gabardine is a beloved fabric in the fashion industry due to its many applications. It is often used for crafting high-quality trousers, such as slacks and chinos, due to its durability and smooth finish. Additionally, gabardine is widely employed in the production of jackets, trench coats, and dresses. The fabric offers a perfect combination of style and functionality, making it suitable for both formal and casual occasions.
Gabardine possesses several properties that make it appealing to designers and consumers. In addition to its water-repellent characteristics, it is also wrinkle-resistant and maintains its shape even after prolonged wear. The fabric is easy to maintain and requires minimal ironing and cleaning efforts. Most gabardines have an average weight, not very heavy and certainly not too light. This means that the clothing made from gabardine is usually suitable for wearing all year round.
Gabardine's enduring presence in the fashion industry can be attributed to its exceptional quality and versatility. From its unique production process to its historical significance, gabardine continues to be a favored fabric for creating stylish and durable garments.
We made four different sample sets with organic cotton gabardines. One set contains all the colours of the gabardine ET_TKW011_0 (5,5 oz., 240 gr/m2). Another set contains samples of the slightly heavier ET_TKW011_1, a fabric with a weight of 8 oz (270 gr/m2). The set with HEAVY GABARDINE contains samples of article ET_TKW011_4, fabrics with a weight of 285 gr/m2. There is also a set with samples of the four different qualities in our collection.