A type of lightweight fabric made from cotton or linen, historically used for clothing in tropical climates.
Possibly from Hindi or other South Asian languages, the exact origin is debated among textile historians. The term entered English during the colonial period, likely reflecting trade with Indian textile industries.
Calool represents the forgotten vocabulary of colonial-era fashion—it was a practical solution for European settlers in hot climates, showing how colonialism spread both people and their needs across the globe, creating new demand for specific textile types.
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