Wholesale Gabardine Fabric

Gabardine fabric is originally made from worsted wool, but other fibers can be used as well, such as pure cotton, texturized polyester, and a blend of cotton and worsted wool or synthetic fibers. As of right now, China is among the largest producers of gabardine fabric in the world. 

What is gabardine fabric?

Gabardine is a tightly woven fabric that is a favorite among fashion designers. This type of fabric was actually first created by Thomas Burberry — the founder of the iconic fashion house Burberry — in 1879 and was eventually patented in 1888. In the past, lanolin was added to make the fabric waterproof, and because of this, gabardine became popular with polar explorers, such as Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amundsen. 

Eventually, gabardine continued to evolve throughout the years, and right now, it features more warp threads than waft, resulting in a tougher fabric. 

The Physical Properties of Gabardine Fabric

Gabardine features several amazing properties, which is why this fabric has been a favorite among designers and creators throughout the years. For starters, it has a silky, luxurious feel even though it’s tightly woven. It’s also resistant to water and wrinkles and can hold its shape really well. 

Long story short, gabardine is a durable fabric, and for that reason, it’s worth the investment.

What is gabardine fabric used for?

Clothing is the primary application for gabardine fabric. Whether it’s casual wear, outerwear, or tailoring, gabardine is a fantastic choice. A few examples of garments that use gabardine include trench coats, jackets, pants, skirts, dresses, anoraks, windbreakers, and suits.

Polyester Gabardine fabric

Polyester Gabardine is a fine woven heavy polyester. Generally, gabardine is a durable woven twill fabric made of polyester with a distinct twill twist. This fabric is ideal for apparel, such as dresses, skirts, pants, and jackets for both men and women.

Characteristics of gabardine fabric

Gabardine fabric has several unique characteristics that make it a popular choice for various applications. Here are some of its key properties:

1. Durability: Gabardine fabric is tightly woven, which makes it exceptionally durable and resistant to wear and tear. Its strong fibers make it long-lasting and able to withstand heavy use.
2. Water resistance: The diagonal or twill weave in gabardine fabric creates a tight, compact structure that makes it water-resistant. This property makes gabardine an ideal choice for outdoor apparel, such as raincoats, jackets, and pants.
3. Wrinkle resistance: Gabardine is known for its wrinkle-resistant properties, which make it an excellent choice for business wear, uniforms, and travel clothing. It holds its shape well and requires minimal ironing.
4. Breathability: Although gabardine is a tightly woven fabric, it is still breathable. This property makes it comfortable to wear in all seasons and climates.
5. Versatility: Gabardine fabric can be made from a variety of fibers, including wool, cotton, and synthetic blends. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from high-end fashion to workwear.
6. Drapability: Gabardine fabric has a smooth, even texture and a moderate drape. This property makes it an excellent choice for tailored garments, such as suits and trousers.

Overall, the unique properties of gabardine fabric make it a versatile and practical choice for various applications. Its durability, water resistance, wrinkle resistance, breathability, versatility, and drapability are just some of the characteristics that contribute to its popularity in the textile industry.

How to care for gabardine fabric

Proper care and maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of gabardine fabric and keep it looking its best. Here are some tips on how to care for gabardine fabric:

1. Read the care label: Always check the care label on your gabardine garment for specific instructions on how to clean and care for the fabric.
2. Avoid heat: Gabardine fabric can be damaged by high heat, so it’s best to avoid hot water, hot dryer settings, and ironing at high temperatures.
3. Wash sparingly: Gabardine fabric doesn’t need to be washed frequently, so avoid over-washing to prevent wear and tear. When you do wash it, use a gentle cycle with cool water.
4. Spot clean: If your gabardine garment has a small stain or spill, try spot cleaning it with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
5. Hang to dry: Air drying is best for gabardine fabric. Avoid putting it in the dryer, which can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage.
6. Store properly: Store your gabardine garments in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid hanging them for long periods, as this can cause stretching and misshapen fabric.
7. Iron carefully: If you need to iron your gabardine garment, use a cool or medium setting with a pressing cloth. Avoid ironing the fabric directly, as this can cause shine marks.

By following these care tips, you can keep your gabardine garments looking their best for longer. Proper care can help maintain the fabric’s unique properties and prolong its lifespan, allowing you to enjoy it for years to come.

Famous Brands and Designers that use Gabardine Fabric

Gabardine fabric has been used by many famous brands and designers throughout history, and it has played a significant role in the success of their designs. Here are some examples of famous brands and designers that use gabardine fabric:

1. Burberry: The British luxury fashion brand, Burberry, is known for its iconic trench coats, which are made from gabardine fabric. The company’s founder, Thomas Burberry, invented the gabardine fabric in 1879, and it has been a staple of the brand ever since. The fabric’s durability, water-resistance, and wrinkle-resistance make it an ideal choice for outerwear.
2. Yves Saint Laurent: The French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, was known for his elegant and timeless designs, many of which were made from gabardine fabric. He used the fabric in his iconic Le Smoking suit, which was a women’s tuxedo suit that revolutionized women’s fashion in the 1960s.
3. Ralph Lauren: The American fashion designer, Ralph Lauren, is known for his classic and preppy designs, many of which feature gabardine fabric. He often uses the fabric in his men’s suiting, and his Polo Ralph Lauren brand is famous for its gabardine chinos and khakis.
4. Giorgio Armani: The Italian fashion designer, Giorgio Armani, is known for his minimalist and sophisticated designs, many of which are made from gabardine fabric. He often uses the fabric in his men’s suiting, and his Armani Collezioni brand is famous for its gabardine blazers and trousers.
5. Gucci: The Italian luxury fashion brand, Gucci, has incorporated gabardine fabric into many of its designs over the years. The brand’s iconic GG logo was first printed on gabardine fabric in the 1960s, and the brand’s current creative director, Alessandro Michele, has used the fabric in his designs for the brand.

In conclusion, gabardine fabric has been a popular choice for many famous brands and designers throughout history, and its durability, water-resistance, and wrinkle-resistance make it an ideal choice for outerwear and suiting. It has contributed to the success of many iconic designs, and it continues to be a popular choice in the fashion industry today.

Environmental Impact of Gabardine Fabric

The environmental impact of producing and using gabardine fabric can vary depending on the specific materials used and the production processes involved. Here are some potential environmental impacts to consider:

1. Use of Resources: Gabardine fabric can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, and polyester. The production of these materials requires significant resources, such as water, energy, and land. For example, cotton is a water-intensive crop that can lead to soil degradation and pollution from fertilizer and pesticide use.
2. Waste Generated: The production of gabardine fabric can generate significant amounts of waste, including textile scraps, chemical waste, and wastewater. Textile scraps can be repurposed or recycled, but much of the waste ends up in landfills, where it can contribute to environmental degradation.
3. Carbon Footprint: The production and transportation of gabardine fabric can also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. For example, the production of polyester, which is a common material used in gabardine fabric, is energy-intensive and can release greenhouse gases during the manufacturing process.
4. Chemical Use: The production of gabardine fabric may involve the use of chemicals, such as dyes and finishing agents, that can be harmful to the environment and human health. These chemicals can end up in waterways and soil, leading to pollution and environmental degradation.

To mitigate the environmental impact of gabardine fabric, there are several steps that can be taken. For example, using sustainable materials such as organic cotton or recycled polyester can reduce the use of resources and the carbon footprint of production. Choosing production processes that minimize waste and chemical use, such as waterless dyeing techniques, can also help reduce the environmental impact. Additionally, recycling and repurposing textile scraps can reduce waste and support a more circular economy. By making these changes, the environmental impact of gabardine fabric can be reduced, making it a more sustainable choice for the fashion industry.