Solid fabric on a twill weave base, the gabardine fabric marks the spirits of its visible diagonals on its front...

But gabardine has evolved a lot and its beauty and mysteries do not stop there. Follow us to discover the history of this fabric woven over time.

WHAT IS GABARDINE FABRIC ?

Originally made of wool, gabardine quickly became cotton. It is then less warm but less expensive and softer. Today, there are many compositions of gabardine: They are made of natural, synthetic or mixed fibers for attractive characteristics. One appreciates the gabardine fabric for its density, its volume and its behaviour. This tonic and dynamic material makes Enjoy a nice fall. 

A little summary ? Smooth, resistant, breathable, comfortable, easy to sew... Isn't this gabardine incredible? Well, you haven't seen anything yet: 

1. Origin of the gabardine

The word derived from the Arabic "qaba" and the Spanish "gabardina", designates in the Middle Ages a protective coat made of wool. That's right! The gabardine existed in the 12th century. Thomas Burberry did not invent it. He made it lighter and waterproof: He created the gabardine trench coat we know today.

2. The gabardine is not masculine

Marked by the exploits of men dressed in Burberry gabardine (they climbed high peaks, approached the poles, even flew), the collective unconscious has long attributed this fabric to the male gender. In everyday life and in movies, it is the flagship piece of the gentleman.

It is feminized over time. Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren have given panache to this utilitarian garment. In the early 1960s, the designer Yves Saint Laurent made it a true symbol of Parisian style, contributing to its popularity.

Since then, the gabardine has become an essential of the female wardrobe, worn as much by the Queen of England as by style icons... A joy to compose silhouettes of all kinds don't you think?

WHAT TO SEW WITH GABARDINE ?

The gabardine fabric allows you to sew many cuts. Yes, because the secret is that there is not ONE but many gabardines. From the thickest gabardine to the lightest, each one has its own advantages that should be exploited:

1. The uses of gabardine

A. Lightweight

The fine gabardines (see our FRUTTATA and AZZURRO fabrics) will be perfect for sewing mid-season shirts like Herwin, from atelier des premières. They can also be used for summer sewing ideas like shorts or light pants. 

B. Average weight

Medium weight gabardines (such as JOURNAL and LINEA) will be suitable for sewing jackets and the most structured sewing ideas. Dresses such as Maison Essentielle or straight skirts will also be perfect in a gabardine of this weight.

C. Heavy truck

Heavyweight gabardine is suitable for rather classic, almost unwearable cuts. So think about sewing clothes in heavy gabardine that will outlast the trends. By the way, let's take a look at a timeless sewing idea that is still very much in vogue:

2. Choosing a gabardine for a trench coat

You have probably understood it. Inspired by the famous brand Burberry, the flagship piece to sew in a gabardine fabric is the trench. But which gabardine fabric for a trench coat? Follow our professional advice.

A. Rain resistant fabric 

To wear it throughout the seasons, choose a gabardine covered with resin. The gabardine will then be a "breathable" water repellent fabric . To wear it throughout the seasons, choose it with a tight weave. 

B. Durable fabric

A glance is all it takes to be sure of the quality of a gabardine. Here are the points to check: Regularity of weaving, good hold when crumpling between our hands ... Trust yourself, feel the quality fabric for more durability.

C. Trendy sewing idea 

Whether you want it colorful or classic, discover the 3 pattern/fabric combos to sew: Start by choosing one of our AFFOGATO or COMODO gabardines and then your favorite pattern London - Orageuse, Tracy trench coat or V1650 Vogue.

3. Other achievements

Offering beautiful stitching, ideal for the folded seams of jackets and coats, the gabardine fabric can also be sewn into leather goods accessories. With our new selection of fabrics made in Italy, you can sew : Bags, pouches or cases.

HOW TO WASH THE GABARDINE ?

The last question, but not the least: How to wash a gabardine fabric? Nothing to worry about. TheCare of the gabardine is made according to its composition. Cotton gabardine can be washed up to 40°C in the washing machine. On the other hand, the gabardine fabrics in mixed fibers must be washed at 30°C with a delicate program.

The gabardine fabric allows to keep a balance between formality and elegance. With its variety of weaves and compositions, it is possible to bring to life garments that look professional, but also much more whimsical. Think outside the box with patterns and colors to modernize this legendary fabric!

Your ideas are taking shape? Discover without further delay our new qualities of Gabardine on your online fabric store, en.tessuti.fr to give them life: Click here .