A tightly woven, diagonal-ribbed fabric typically made from wool or cotton, known for its durability and weather resistance. It's commonly used for trench coats, suits, and other tailored garments requiring structure.
From Spanish 'gabardina,' originally referring to a type of cloak worn by pilgrims. The word evolved to describe both the garment and eventually the distinctive twill-weave fabric used to make weather-resistant outerwear.
Gabardine was Burberry's breakthrough innovation—Thomas Burberry's tightly woven wool gabardine was weatherproof without being waterproofed, revolutionizing outerwear. This fabric literally clothed exploration, from Antarctic expeditions to aviation pioneers, proving that fashion could be both functional and sophisticated.
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