Gabardine Explained

Gabardine is a tightly woven fabric, often made from cotton, wool, or a blend of both. Its signature look comes from the elegant diagonal ribs, called a twill pattern, that run through the material when you look closely. Despite its dense weave, gabardine remains breathable, making it comfortable even in warm weather. It's also wrinkle-resistant and durable, helping clothes keep their shape over time. These qualities make gabardine a go-to choice for many types of clothing.

Origins

During the Renaissance, in the Mediterranean regions of Spain and Italy, skilled weavers crafted “gabardina” – a long, loose outer garment often made from wool. Over time, the term "gabardine" began to refer to any protective outerwear, including laborers' smock-frocks. It was this association that inspired Thomas Burberry to use the name "gabardine" for the waterproof twill worsted wool fabric he created in 1879 and patented in 1888.

Burberry’s innovation 

Thomas Burberry, the visionary founder of the Burberry fashion house, revolutionized fabric production by perfecting the twill weave technique and adopting it for the mass production. He popularized gabardine as the go-to fabric for outerwear, especially with his groundbreaking waterproof coats. These coats marked a departure from the older Mackintosh raincoats, which relied on fabric treated with a rubber adhesive composed of rubber and a solvent. Soon, Burberry was making these waterproof coats for soldiers of the British Army in WWI, ensuring their protection from the harsh weather conditions on the battlefield. These coats, designed to protect soldiers from harsh weather, became famously known as "trench coats". 

Later on, Burberry aimed to create a more lightweight and adaptable material that retained the same level of durability and weather resistance. In 1879, he introduced the invention of cotton gabardine—a modified version of the original wool fabric. Cotton gabardine was made by weaving fine cotton yarns in a distinct twill pattern, similar to that of its woolen predecessor. This groundbreaking new fabric transformed outerwear and rapidly gained popularity for its practicality.

Today, cotton gabardine reigns supreme among tailors and has been the fabric of choice for refined womenswear for over a century. Its versatility extends beyond outerwear: its soft nature makes it an option for daily attire, including dresses and shirts. The elegant diagonal ribbing pattern imparts the fabric with a distinctive texture, lending it exceptional strength, as well as water and wrinkle resistance. As cotton gabardine weaves its magic into the realm of shirts, it effortlessly blends sophistication with practicality.

Cotton Gabardine Shirts by ETNA

 At ETNA, we choose the the finest cotton gabardine for our styles. If you are looking for an original shirt made from organic cotton, our Quarta and Sesta shirts are standout additions to your wardrobe. We've selected gabardine for these models to ensure their intricate design keeps its shape, granting an impeccable look to your outfit all day long. Sesta’s magical trumpet sleeves and flounced hem, and Quarta’s puffy sleeves with elongated bell-shaped cuffs, owe their distinctive style to the use of this exceptional fabric.