What Is Gabardine Fabric?
Gabardine is a hard-finished, warp-faced twill fabric with a distinctive diagonal rib effect on the very-tight face. This rib construction is weaved with a twill, which ensures the fabric has strong, structured and a clean finish.
Gabardine can be made from:
- Wool (traditional gabardine)
- Cotton
- Polyester
- Blended fibers (poly-cotton, wool blends)
Originally an outerwear material, it is used in casual and formal wear.
History of Gabardine
Thomas Burberry popularized gabardine in the late 19th century, using it as a weather-resistant alternative to rubberized cloth. GABARDINE The name is derived from an old term for protective garments.
Gabardine, over the years was used in and become a staple of:
- Trench coats
- Military uniforms
- Professional and tailored apparel
Key Characteristics of Gabardine Fabric
GabardineFabric can be identified by the following characteristics:
- Durability Gabardine’s tight twill weave gives it durability and longevity, as well as tear- and abrasion-resistance.
- Diagonal Weave Gabardine’s distinctive texture and chic look come from its visible diagonal ribs.
- Smooth Finish Gabardine is a good hanging fabric and always looks smart so it’s perfect for tailored clothing.
- Wrinkle Resistance Gabardine is especially suited for the use of warp-faced weaves, as this twill can be woven in a way that it produces a dull fabric when it reflects light. Gabardine maintains this same dullness on the back, making it reversible.
- Breathability A fabric of natural fiber, especially wool gabardine breathes as it holds shape.
Is Gabardine Fabric Waterproof?
Essential protection Gabardine isn’t fully waterproof, but its dense weave makes it naturally water-resistant. Water beads on it rather than getting soaked in right away.
Treated or coated, gabardine can also become more weather-resistant, which is one of the reasons it is often found in coats and outerwear.
Types of Gabardine Fabric
- Wool Gabardine Traditional and luxurious Breathable and temperature-regulating Widespread in suits, dress pants and coats
- Cotton Gabardine Softer and lighter Perfect for casual or uniform wear Comfortable in warm climates
- Polyester Gabardine Highly wrinkle-resistant Durable and affordable Frequently used in work wear, and uniforms
- Stretch Gabardine Contains elastane or spandex Offers flexibility and comfort Popular in modern tailored clothing
Common Uses of Gabardine Fabric
Gabardine is a versatile fabric and can be used in many ways:
Clothing
- Suits and blazers
- Trousers and skirts
- Trench coats and jackets
- Uniforms and workwear
Accessories
- Bags and briefcases
- Hats and caps
Home & Industrial Use
- Upholstery
- Drapery
- Protective coverings
Advantages of Gabardine Fabric
- Long-lasting and hard-wearing
- Professional, tailored appearance
- Versatile across seasons
- Resistant to wrinkles and creasing
- Holds shape well
Disadvantages of Gabardine Fabric
- Weigh the plain weaves sometimes
- Might be a bit stiff if not softened/blended
- Need to be taken care of, wool are more than snips.
- More expensive in premium wool gabardine
How to Care for Gabardine Material
Care depends on fiber content:
Wool Gabardine
- Dry clean recommended
- Avoid high heat
- Store properly to prevent creasing
Cotton or Polyester Gabardine
- Machine wash on gentle cycle
- Use mild detergent
- Lay flat to dry or line dry or low heat tumble dry
Clean according to your garment’s care label.
Gabardine vs Twill Fabric
Even though gabardine fabric has a twill weave, it does not necessarily mean all twill is considered gabardine. Gabardine has a denser weave than twill, making it longer-lasting and smoother than standard twill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is gabardine a summer or winter fabric?
Gabardine works in both seasons. Wool gabardine bears up best in the cooler months, but cotton and polyester styles can be worn year-round.
Is gabardine good for suits?
Yes. Wool gabardine is prized for suits because of its structure and its elegant drape.
Does gabardine shrink?
Natural-fiber gabardine, like any natural fiber, can shrink if not handled with care. Synthetic versions are more stable.
Is gabardine stretchy?
Only if spandex or elastane is mixed in with it.
Conclusion
Gabardine is a trademark woven twill fabric and ideal for many uses because of it’s strong diagonal pattern, its soft feel, and how long it lasts. The fact is, whether on a suit, coat or uniform, gabardine remains a strong choice in both the fashion and industrial spheres.
Knowing the different types, its use and how you can take care of them has a direct impact on your garment that is made of this timeless material.