The London Lounge

How does gabardine differ from twill (if there is indeed a difference)?

Does it simply refer to a weave in the twill family or does 'gabardine' also tell you something about the fibers or threads themselves?

Thanks,
Cantab

Gabardine is one of many weaves in the twill family. To quote Villarosa and Angeli, " ... it is characterised by vertical twill lines obtained with more warp than weft threads" and "... in order to obtain a changing colour effect, the weft threads are a different colour from the warp threads". The thinner the ridges, the higher the quality.

Cantabrigian, twill is a diagonally ribbed weave. Jeans and chinos are usually woven with a twill weave.

Gabardine is a firm, tightly woven fabric that is smooth on one side and is twill woven on the other side. It's usually made from worsted wool, but it can also be made from other fibers (cotton, synthetic, or a mix of fibers).

Anybody know who makes cotton gabardine these days?

How does that wear for the Summer weather?

There are some cotton and cotton/silk suitings (which, if I remember correctly, are gabardines) in the Harrison's of Edinburgh 'Mersolair' range.