A thin cotton fabric with a wrinkled surface, typically striped, that is used for lightweight summer clothing. The puckered texture helps air circulation and reduces fabric contact with skin.
From Hindi शीरशकर (śīraśakara) meaning 'milk and sugar', referring to the alternating smooth and rough stripes that resembled the texture contrast of these substances. The word entered English in the 18th century through British colonial trade in Indian textiles. Persian شیر و شکر (shīr-o-shakar) has the same meaning and may be the ultimate source.
Seersucker's name literally means 'milk and sugar' because the alternating smooth and puckered stripes reminded Indian weavers of these contrasting textures! The fabric was so perfectly designed for hot climates that it became the unofficial uniform of the American South, though few realize they're wearing ancient Indian cooling technology.
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