Linen - Material Types

List of Material Types With Description

Barragon : This is a lighter cotton that is corded and often used for clothing in warmer weather.

Calico : This is cotton sheet/cloth covered with printed patterns and its name comes from the port of Calicut, Malabar which is near Madras.

Chintz : Another name for Calico, again a cotton cloth covered in print or patterns.

Corduroy : This is a word believed to be of French origin and refers to a type of Fustian that has a corded pile.

Count : This is a commonly used measure to define the quality of cotton. It is the measure of weight and length of yarn. The more lengths of yarn used to make up one pound of weight the finer the threads and the higher the quality of the cotton.

Denim : Denim started as a wool based material but later cotton took over and is now commonly used. Denim was originally developed and sold for workwear, but is now used for casual and fashion clothing.

Diaper : This is a mixed fabric that has a raised diamond pattern. This material was historically used in America for baby's nappies, thus the use of the word diaper in the USA.

Dimity : is a tough, thickish cotton fabric that has a pattern on one side. The pattern can be either printed or of a raised texture in the fabric.

Dowlas : this is a coarse, strong calico.

Drabbet : this is a brown, drab linen or fustian that is often used for smocks.

Drugget : a coarse, woollen material that is used for covering tables and floors.

Duck : a strong linen or cotton material that is not so heavy as canvas and is used for smaller lighter weight sails and also for menswear.

Fustian : this is a rougher but strong cotton. Originally linen was used to make fustian, but later a cotton line mix was used followed more recently by 100%.

Gingham : is a strong woven material which has a chequed pattern. It started as a linen product but is now made using cotton.