A textured cotton fabric characterized by raised geometric patterns, most commonly featuring a waffle or honeycomb weave structure. It's durable, absorbent, and commonly used for polo shirts, sportswear, and formal accessories.
From French 'piqué,' meaning 'pricked' or 'quilted,' referring to the raised, textured surface that appears to be quilted or stitched. The term entered English textile vocabulary in the 18th century.
Piqué became synonymous with tennis and golf attire because its textured surface increases the fabric's surface area, making it more absorbent and quick-drying than smooth fabrics. The most famous example is the Lacoste polo shirt, where the piqué cotton construction became so iconic that many people simply call this fabric 'polo shirt material.'
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