What is Gabardine Fabric? – Uses, Types, Pros, and Cons
A diagonal surface texture is a distinguishing feature of gabardine fabric. It is a wrinkle, water-resistant, and durable twill-weave worsted wool. It is also hard-wearing which means it can stand the test of time.
This fabric was invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879. He sought to create a versatile and durable fabric blend, resulting in the creation of gabardine. The fabric was patented in 1888 and has since become a staple in his line of products.
Gabardine was also popular in medieval Spain to make traveling coats and other clothing. Synthetic and cotton blends are the main materials used in making the gabardine textile. Its twill weave characteristic is perfect for producing pants, jackets, and summer wear.
What Is Gabardine Fabric?
Gabardine fabric has traditionally been used for clothing. However, due to its unique characteristics and attributes, it is now used in a variety of applications.
The fabric is made by weaving a blend of worsted wool and cotton to achieve a specific look. One side has a smooth feel and appearance, while the other side has a ribbed appearance.
Characteristics of Gabardine Fabric
Gabardine fabric is a popular material used in the production of various clothing items due to its unique characteristics. One of the most notable features of this fabric is its strong and durable nature, which makes it resistant to wear and tear.
-
Durability
Gabardine fabric’s durability comes as no surprise, as it is a layered fabric. This quality also makes it a top choice for designers creating jackets and even coats.
This fabric is made by weaving two yarns together, with one running in the opposite direction from the other. This weaving technique creates a diagonal pattern on the surface of the fabric, known as the “twill” pattern. The twill weave not only gives the fabric its distinctive look but also contributes to its strength and resilience.
-
Breathability
Gabardine fabric is also known for its breathability, which makes it comfortable to wear even in warmer climates. This characteristic is due to the fabric’s weave, which allows air to circulate through the material.
This fabric has a silky and luxurious feel, making it perfect for summer outfits. It might be surprising to learn that it is breathable despite its tight weave. It consists of several varieties of worsted cotton and silk, contributing to its breathability.
-
Water-resistance
The fabric also has water resistance, making it suitable for use in coats and other similar clothing items. Its tight weave allows it to repel water effectively, making it rain-resistant.
It’s important to note that while this fabric is water-resistant, it is not completely waterproof. It may not be suitable for heavy downpours or extended exposure to wet conditions.
Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure your gabardine clothing or accessories remain in good condition.
-
Wrinkle-resistance
Today, gabardine textiles are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and mixed fibers. The twill weave that is a characteristic of gabardine fabric makes them hard-wearing and wrinkle-resistant, adding to their appeal in the fashion industry.
Uses of Gabardine Fabric
Gabardine is a versatile fabric used for clothing, accessories, and home decor. It’s perfect for suits, trousers, coats, raincoats, bags, and upholstery. It’s also easy to care for with machine washing and drying.
-
Clothing
This fabric has become a favorite among fashion designers because of its versatility and durability. Gabardine fabric can be used in a variety of clothing items, from lightweight summer dresses to cozy winter jackets.
The fabric’s unique composition also allows for easy dyeing in a variety of colors and patterns, giving designers endless possibilities for creating unique and eye-catching garments.
-
Accessories
Nowadays, gabardine fabric is a popular choice for fashion items such as handbags and caps. Its durability, water resistance, and aesthetic qualities make it a top fabric material.
-
Upholstery
Gabardine fabrics are now being used in upholstery. Sofa and chair covers made from this material are becoming increasingly popular. This is due to its silky texture, which is soft and feels good against the skin.
Types of Gabardine Fabric
Gabardine fabric is made from various types of fibers, including wool, cotton, or polyester. The fabric can have different properties depending on the type of fiber used. For example, it can be lightweight or heavy, breathable or non-breathable, and stretchy or non-stretchy.
-
Wool Gabardine
This is one of the most common types of gabardine fabric. It is elegant and compact, making it a top choice for quality tailoring in any field.
These characteristics make it ideal for creating both men’s and women’s clothing. Trousers, jackets, coats, and other items made from this fabric have clean and simple lines.
-
Cotton Gabardine
Wool and cotton gabardine textiles are both wrinkle-resistant and commonly used for clothing. The difference between them is that cotton gabardine has a twill weave and is more frequently used than wool gabardine fabric.
Cotton gabardine is often used to make skirts, dresses, pants, uniforms, and other items. Although durable and soft to the touch, it is much lighter than other types of fabric.
-
Polyester Gabardine
The unique combination of polyester and wool is what makes this fabric stretchier than any other. It has a beautiful, supple drape and is wrinkle-resistant, making it a top choice for clothing. It is also popular in crafts and decor.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gabardine Fabric
Gabardine fabric is known for its durability, water resistance, and versatile nature. However, like any fabric, it has its advantages and disadvantages. In this section, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of gabardine fabric in more detail.
Pros of Gabardine Fabrics
Gabardine fabric is one of the most popular textiles in the fashion industry. Its popularity is due to its strength and durability, which make it an ideal choice for a variety of garments.
- One of the main advantages of gabardine fabric is its ability to withstand wear and tear. It is highly durable and can last for years, even with frequent use. This durability also makes it an excellent choice for workwear, as it can withstand the rigors of daily use.
- Gabardine textiles are easy to care for. It can be machine-washed and tumble-dried without losing its shape or color. This makes it a great choice for busy people who don’t have time for delicate fabrics that require special care.
Cons of Gabardine Fabrics
While gabardine fabric has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider.
- Gabardine textiles can be quite expensive due to its high production value. The production of quality gabardine fabric requires special equipment and techniques.
- It can only be sewn using a special thread due to its silky texture. Other than the type of thread, there is a certain sewing style that will fit well with the fabric.
Conclusion
Gabardine fabrics are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a durable, stylish textile. Whether you’re looking for workwear or outdoor wear, this fabric is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
It is a high-quality material that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is versatile and can be used in fashion and other applications, making it a great choice for any project.
