A lightweight, smooth cotton or cotton-blend fabric commonly used for clothing, dresses, and other textiles.
From French 'châlis', possibly from the place Châlons-en-Champagne, or from unclear French origins. The word entered English in the 18th century and became standard terminology in the textile industry for this specific type of affordable, elegant fabric.
Despite sounding French and fancy, challis was actually the working-person's version of fine fabrics—it mimicked the appearance of more expensive materials but cost a fraction of the price, making pretty clothing accessible to ordinary people.
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