Some fabrics are known on a much more mainstream level than others. For example, everyone has heard of denim, but not everyone is familiar with georgette cloth or crepe de chine.
Before we dive into gabardine, it's important to understand how fabric types and compositions are defined in fashion.
The Difference Between Fabric & Composition
Fabric, composition, and material are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things.
- Material is the raw substance, like cotton, leather, or polyester.
- Fabric is the finished textile created from those materials, such as denim, tweed, or chiffon.
- Composition refers to the specific breakdown of fibers within a fabric (e.g.: 70% wool, 30% silk).
What Is Gabardine?
Gabardine is a tightly woven fabric traditionally made from wool or worsted wool, sometimes blended with cotton. It is often characterized by a diagonal rib on the face of the fabric, created by a twill weave.
Today, it can also be made from 100% cotton, texturized polyester, or viscose, or blends of these fibers. The tight weave of the fabric helps to make it water resistant, but it is also often coated with lanolin to make it even more water-repellant.
A Brief History Of Gabardine
The hardwearing fabric dates back to the 19th century. Gabardine was first invented in 1879 by Thomas Burberry, founder of the British fashion house Burberry. The fabric was patented in 1888 by Burberry.
At the time, outerwear was often heavy, stiff, and uncomfortable. Burberry sought to create a fabric that was lightweight yet weather-resistant. It has to be stylish enough for everyday wear but strong enough to withstand the unpredictable British weather.
The result was gabardine: a tightly woven fabric, typically made from worsted wool or cotton, with a distinctive twill weave. This construction gave the material its signature smooth front and impressive resistance to the elements, such as wind and rain.
Gabardine quickly became a hallmark of Burberry and was famously used to create the brand’s signature trench coats, a style that remains iconic to this day.
Its reputation grew further when explorers and adventurers, such as Sir Ernest Shackleton during his Antarctic expeditions, chose gabardine clothing for its resilience and practicality.
With this history in mind, what sets gabardine apart from other textiles?
What Makes Gabardine Special?
The genius of gabardine lies in its construction. Its diagonal twill weave makes it tightly packed, preventing water and wind from penetrating easily while still allowing the fabric to breathe. This combination means gabardine garments are both protective and comfortable, a rare balance in textiles.
Other key characteristics of gabardine include:
Durability: The dense weave makes it resistant to wear and tear.
Versatility: Gabardine can be made from wool, cotton, or blends, allowing it to work in both casual and luxury contexts.
Timelessness: Its crisp structure lends itself to sharp tailoring, from trousers to outerwear.
Where To Buy Designer Accessories?
If you are looking to incorporate more functional fabrics into your collection, other fabrics to consider are canvas (especially coated canvas) and nylon. These fabrics are used more often to create handbags than gabardine, which is typically used for outerwear.
myGemma has a wide range of designer accessories available for purchase. These include everything from nylon Prada bags to Hermès Birkins to Tiffany & Co. silver jewelry.
Each item is properly assessed before being listed on the website and on the myGemma app. We have an in-house army of experts to authenticate every piece. We guarantee authenticity or your money back.
Check out myGemma's Trustpilot reviews.
Where To Sell Designer Accessories Online?
Offering competitive price quotes and fast payments, myGemma is your new go-to for selling your designer accessories.
The selling journey has been designed with you in mind. All you have to do to get started is fill out the online form. If you choose to sell directly, price quote to payment can take as little as 24 hours. We also offer the options to trade-in or to consign, depending on your wants and needs.
- Trade-in: Put value toward your next purchase
- Consign: Maximize payout with expert support
- Sell directly: Get quick cash offers
Buy or sell with myGemma to help contribute positively towards a circular economy. It’s the most sustainable way to consume luxury goods.
