A crosswise-ribbed fabric similar to faille but with finer, more closely spaced ribs, originally made with silk warp and wool or cotton weft.
Named after Bengal, India, where similar ribbed fabrics were traditionally woven. The European version developed in the 19th century combined local silk-weaving techniques with colonial cotton and wool.
Bengaline was the perfect compromise fabric for Victorian ladies – it had silk's luxury and luster on the surface but practical cotton or wool underneath for durability and easier care! This hybrid approach made formal wear more accessible to the growing middle class.
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