Flannelette

/flænəˈlɛt/ noun

Definition

A soft cotton fabric brushed to create a fuzzy surface similar to flannel, but lighter and less expensive.

Etymology

English adaptation of 'flannel' with the diminutive suffix '-ette' (meaning small or imitation version), describing a fabric that resembles flannel but is lighter.

Kelly Says

Victorian working-class families wore flannelette while the wealthy wore flannel—the '-ette' suffix was how textiles were literally class-marked, with one letter separating luxury from affordability.

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