When dressmaking during colder months,  we often desire garments that are really going to protect us from the elements! But which materials are best for making one of the most popular and well-loved garments - the 'trench coat'. A firm fashion favourite throughout the decades, trench coats not only give the wearer a smart style and fit, but also the practical use of keeping underclothes warm and dry. Gabardine is a very tough and tightly woven fabric, that can be made of a variety of fibres. It is traditionally made from wool, however it is now most commonly found in cotton or a combination of  cotton and polyeter fibres. It is known for its diagonal rib on the face of the fabrcis, and its smooth surface on the back of the fabric. Gabardine has been a popular fabric for over 100 years, and was first invented in 1879 by Thomas Burberry, and was designed to put up with 'wear and tear', which is why it has lasted the ages as a choice of material for many designs of trench coats throughout fashion houses across the world. Here are just a couple of the uses of Gabardine in Dressmaking:
  • Ladies Dressmaking - Gabardine can be used in Dressmaking to create many garments in fashion such as jackets and lighter weight coats. It is also used for Dressmaking ladies skirts and suits.
  • Mens Dressmaking - Gabardine is popular for Dressmaking suits and trousers, due to the high quality of the fabric.
Overcoats often have Gabardine as the Fabric choice as it is hard wearing and the thick weave of the fabric means that it can be used for warmth. I hope you have enjoyed today's blog and that it has given you some new Dressmaking ideas, and shown you how you can use Gabardine Fabric in your Dressmaking. If you have any thoughts or comments, please feel free to leave them in the box below. And...don't forget to follow us on our Facebook and Twitter pages to keep up to date on all the latest Dressmaking products and special offers!! Until next time, Calico Laine