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Glossary

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Gabardine

Gabardine gets its name from the combination of the Arabic word “qaba” or overcoat and the Spanish word “tabardina” meaning coat.  This fabric is recognisable for being hardwearing and for its narrow visible ribbing on its right side. Traditionally made from wool or cotton, gabardine is water-repellent and windproof and is soft to the touch.  Woven in wool it is shiny and supple without being prickly. Cotton gabardine is stronger and less supple.  It is often plain because printing patterns on the ribbing is difficult. 

Gauze

Gauze is said to come from Gaza in Palestine where the fabric originated.  Imported until the end of the Middles Ages, it was then woven in Paris and Lyon.  This fabric has a loose weave, with spaces between the warp and weft yarns which give lightness and transparency.  Gauze can be made of cotton, line, wool, silk or threads of gold or silver.  It was the choice material for dancers’ tutus in the 19th century; it is the ideal fabric for light curtains and mosquito netting.

Gros de Londres

Gros de Londres is a fine silk fabric.  Its texture is ribbed with diagonal ribs of varying widths.  Its ribs are of two colours and different textures of alternating yarns.  This fabric is similar to Bengaline and Faille.

Gingham

Gingham is a checked fabric known in France as “vichy”.  From the Malay word “guingong” which means lustrous cotton, it was originally imported from South-East Asia.  It is a fine cotton fabric with checks in two similar colours in the warp and weft on a white base.

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