Gabardine vs Twill: See the Difference

Gabardine and twill are two fabric types that share a common weaving technique yet possess distinct characteristics. Gabardine, a smooth and durable fabric, incorporates the twill weave and is favored for its strength and resilience.

It finds application in tailored garments such as suits, overcoats, jackets, and trousers, offering a polished and refined appearance. Twill, on the other hand, refers to the weaving pattern characterized by diagonal lines formed through the interlacing of weft and warp threads.

Twill fabrics, including gabardine, exhibit versatility and can be used in a wide range of products, from casual clothing and denim to upholstery and accessories.

Key Differences Between Gabardine vs Twill

Gabardine and twill are both types of textile weaves, and they share some similarities, but they also have distinct differences. Here are the key differences between gabardine and twill weaves:

Weaving Pattern

• Gabardine: Gabardine utilizes the twill weave, which creates raised diagonal lines on the fabric’s surface. This weaving pattern gives gabardine its characteristic durability and strength, making it suitable for formal garments such as suits, overcoats, and jackets.
• Twill: Twill, on the other hand, refers to the particular weaving technique used to create fabric. It involves interlacing the weft threads over and under multiple warp threads, resulting in a distinct diagonal pattern. Twill can be used in various fabrics, including gabardine, denim, upholstery, and casual clothing.

Fabric Type

• Gabardine: Gabardine is a specific fabric type that incorporates the twill weave. It is commonly made from tightly woven cotton fibers, although it can also be crafted from other materials such as wool or synthetic fibers. The tight weave of gabardine contributes to its smooth and durable qualities.
• Twill: Twill, on the other hand, is not a fabric type itself but rather a weaving technique. It can be used to create various fabric types, including gabardine. Twill fabrics can be made from different fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, or synthetic materials. The choice of fiber content affects the texture, appearance, and properties of the twill fabric.

Usage

• Gabardine: Gabardine is primarily used for making formal garments such as suits, overcoats, jackets, and trousers. Its smooth and durable nature, along with its ability to hold creases well, makes it a popular choice for professional attire. Gabardine is often associated with tailored and structured clothing.
• Twill: Twill, being a versatile weaving technique, finds application in a wide range of fabrics. While it can be used in formal garments like gabardine, twill is also commonly utilized in the production of casual clothing, denim, upholstery, and other textile products. Twill allows for diverse applications based on the specific fabric type and design.

Durability

• Gabardine: Gabardine, with its tightly woven construction and the utilization of the twill weave, is known for its exceptional durability. The dense weave makes it resistant to wear and tear, ensuring that garments made from gabardine can withstand frequent use and maintain their shape over time.
• Twill: The durability of twill fabrics can vary depending on the fiber content used. Cotton twill, for example, is generally durable and suitable for everyday wear. Wool twill offers added durability and warmth, making it suitable for outerwear. However, the overall durability of twill fabrics may differ based on the specific fiber chosen and the tightness of the weave.

Texture

• Gabardine: Gabardine, characterized by its tightly woven construction, exhibits a smooth texture. The combination of the tight weave and the specific fiber content, such as cotton or wool, contributes to the fabric’s texture. The texture of gabardine enhances its polished and refined appearance.
• Twill: Twill fabrics can have varying textures depending on the fiber content used. Cotton twill tends to have a softer and more breathable feel, while wool twill may have a slightly coarse texture. The texture of twill is influenced by the specific fiber and can range from smooth to more textured, providing versatility in different applications.

Application

• Gabardine: Gabardine is primarily used for formal and structured garments. It finds application in the creation of suits, overcoats, jackets, trousers, and other attire that requires a polished and professional appearance. The durability and ability to hold creases well make gabardine suitable for tailored clothing.
• Twill: Twill, as a versatile weaving technique, can be applied to various fabrics for different purposes. While twill can be used in formal garments like gabardine, it also finds application in casual clothing, denim, upholstery, and other textile products. Twill offers flexibility in its applications based on the desired fabric type and design.

Appearance

• Gabardine: Gabardine has a sleek and polished appearance due to its tight weave and smooth texture. The fabric drapes well and provides a refined look. The polished appearance of gabardine makes it particularly suitable for formal and professional garments where a sophisticated aesthetic is desired.
• Twill: The appearance of twill fabrics can vary based on the fiber content used and the specific twill weave. Twill patterns, with their diagonal lines or ribs, create visual interest and texture on the fabric’s surface. The appearance of twill can range from subtle to more pronounced, depending on the angle and density of the weave.

Color Saturation

• Gabardine: Gabardine has excellent color saturation capabilities. The tight weave of the fabric allows for vibrant and deep hues to be absorbed and retained, resulting in richly colored garments. This makes gabardine an ideal choice when vibrant or intense colors are desired in formal attire.
• Twill: Color saturation in twill fabrics may vary depending on the fiber content used. Cotton twill, for instance, generally accepts and holds color well.
  However, the color saturation of twill fabrics can depend on the specific fiber and dyeing techniques employed. It is important to consider the fiber content when aiming for specific color vibrancy in twill fabrics.

Crease Retention

• Gabardine: Gabardine has excellent crease retention properties. The tightly woven construction helps the fabric hold creases well, allowing garments made from gabardine to maintain a sharp and wrinkle-free appearance. This is particularly advantageous in formal attire that requires a crisp look.
• Twill: The crease retention of twill fabrics can vary based on the fiber content and the tightness of the weave. While cotton twill may have good crease retention, wool twill, for example, offers even better wrinkle resistance. The specific fiber used in twill fabrics can influence their ability to hold creases effectively.

Formality

• Gabardine: Gabardine is commonly associated with formal attire. Its smooth texture, polished appearance, and ability to hold creases well make it a preferred choice for professional and formal garments like suits, overcoats, jackets, and trousers. Gabardine’s formality lends itself to a refined and sophisticated aesthetic.
• Twill: Twill, as a weaving technique, can be used in both formal and casual applications. While gabardine, which incorporates the twill weave, is more commonly used for formal wear, twill fabrics in general can be versatile and suitable for a range of clothing styles. Twill allows for flexibility in achieving both formal and casual looks depending on the specific fabric and design.

Strength

• Gabardine: Gabardine is known for its strength and durability. The tightly woven construction, combined with the specific fiber content, results in a robust fabric that can withstand regular wear and maintain its integrity over time. Garments made from gabardine exhibit strength and resilience, making them long-lasting.
• Twill: The strength of twill fabrics can vary depending on the fiber content used. Cotton twill, for example, offers good strength for everyday wear. Wool twill, on the other hand, provides even greater strength, making it suitable for outerwear. The choice of fiber impacts the overall strength and durability of twill fabrics.

Resilience

• Gabardine: Gabardine is highly resilient due to its tightly woven construction and durability. The fabric can withstand frequent use, resist wrinkling, and maintain its shape well. The resilience of gabardine ensures that garments made from this fabric can retain their polished appearance and structural integrity over time.
• Twill: The resilience of twill fabrics depends on various factors, including the fiber content and the tightness of the weave. Different twill fabrics may exhibit varying levels of resilience. While some twill fabrics, such as cotton twill, offer good resilience, others, like wool twill, provide added resilience due to the inherent properties of the fiber.

Breathability

• Gabardine: Gabardine’s breathability can vary depending on the specific fiber used. Cotton gabardine tends to be more breathable, allowing air circulation and moisture absorption, which contributes to overall comfort. Wool or synthetic fiber gabardine may have different breathability characteristics.
• Twill: Breathability in twill fabrics is influenced by the choice of fiber content. Cotton twill, for instance, generally offers good breathability, making it suitable for comfortable and breathable clothing. The breathability of twill fabrics can vary based on the specific fiber and the weave density.

Coarseness

• Gabardine: Gabardine is known for its smooth texture and refined appearance. The tight weave of the fabric contributes to its smoothness, making it less coarse compared to some other fabrics. Gabardine’s non-coarse nature enhances its comfort and lends itself well to formal and tailored clothing.
• Twill: The coarseness of twill fabrics can vary depending on the specific fiber used and the desired texture. While cotton twill may have a softer and less coarse feel, wool twill may have a slightly more textured and coarse surface. The coarseness of twill fabrics is influenced by the fiber choice and the tightness of the weave.

Cleaning

• Gabardine: Gabardine is generally easy to clean and maintain. It is often machine washable, although specific care instructions may vary depending on the fiber content. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines ensures proper cleaning and helps maintain the fabric’s quality and appearance over time.
• Twill: Twill fabrics, including gabardine, can have different cleaning requirements based on the fiber content. Cotton twill is often machine washable and easy to clean. However, other twill fabrics, such as wool twill, may require more specialized care, such as dry cleaning. It is important to follow the recommended cleaning instructions for each specific twill fabric.

Maintenance

• Gabardine: Gabardine is relatively low maintenance. It is designed to be durable and resilient, allowing it to withstand regular use without significant maintenance needs. Following proper cleaning instructions and handling the fabric with care will help maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan.
• Twill: Maintenance requirements for twill fabrics can vary based on the specific fiber used. Some twill fabrics, like cotton twill, are generally low maintenance and easy to care for.
  However, other types, such as wool twill, may require more specialized attention, such as occasional steaming or professional pressing, to maintain their appearance and shape.

Versatility

• Gabardine: Gabardine, while versatile within the realm of formal attire, has a more specific application. It is commonly used for suits, overcoats, jackets, and trousers, especially in formal settings. Gabardine’s versatility lies in its ability to provide a polished and refined look suitable for professional wear.
• Twill: Twill fabrics, including gabardine, are versatile in terms of their applications. Twill can be used in a wide range of fabrics, allowing for various clothing styles and textile products. Twill’s versatility extends beyond formal attire and includes casual clothing, denim, upholstery, and more.

Texture

• Gabardine: Gabardine has a smooth texture due to its tightly woven construction. The smoothness of the fabric contributes to its polished appearance and refined feel. The specific fiber content used in gabardine can further influence its texture, such as cotton gabardine being softer to the touch.
• Twill: The texture of twill fabrics can vary depending on the fiber content used. Cotton twill, for example, tends to have a softer and more breathable feel, while wool twill may have a slightly coarse texture. The texture of twill fabrics is influenced by the specific fiber and weave density.

Wrinkle Resistance

• Gabardine: Gabardine is known for its excellent wrinkle resistance. The tight weave and the inherent properties of the fabric help it maintain a crisp and smooth appearance, even after prolonged wear or sitting. This makes gabardine ideal for formal attire that requires a wrinkle-free and polished look.
• Twill: Wrinkle resistance in twill fabrics can vary depending on the fiber content used. While some twill fabrics, like cotton twill, offer good wrinkle resistance, others, such as wool twill, may have additional natural wrinkle resistance properties. The specific fiber and weave tightness influence the wrinkle resistance of twill fabrics.

Tailoring

• Gabardine: Gabardine is highly suitable for tailoring due to its ability to hold creases well and maintain a sharp appearance. The fabric’s durability and resilience make it an excellent choice for precise and structured garment construction, allowing for clean lines and tailored fits.
• Twill: Twill fabrics, including gabardine, can be used in tailoring depending on the desired style and application. Twill’s versatility allows for different tailoring techniques and customization options, making it adaptable to various garment constructions.

Color Options

• Gabardine: Gabardine offers a wide range of color options, allowing for vibrant and deep hues. The tight weave of the fabric allows for excellent color saturation, resulting in rich and intense shades. This makes gabardine suitable for garments that require bold and striking colors.
• Twill: Color options in twill fabrics can vary based on the fiber content used. Cotton twill, for instance, can be dyed in a wide array of colors, offering versatility in color choices. Twill fabrics made from different fibers may have varying color options depending on the dyeing techniques and limitations specific to each fiber.

Common Uses

• Gabardine: Gabardine is commonly used for formal and structured garments, including suits, trousers, overcoats, jackets, and skirts. Its polished appearance, durability, and ability to hold creases well make it a popular choice for professional and tailored clothing.
• Twill: Twill fabrics find application in various products beyond formal wear. Twill can be used in the production of casual clothing, denim, upholstery, bags, and accessories. The versatility of twill allows for diverse uses in both apparel and non-apparel items.

Historical Significance

• Gabardine: Gabardine has a significant historical significance as a fabric. It was developed in the late 19th century and gained popularity for its durable and weather-resistant properties. Gabardine was notably used by pioneering fashion designers such as Thomas Burberry for their iconic trench coats.
• Twill: Twill, as a weaving technique, has a long historical significance. It is one of the oldest known weaving patterns, with evidence of its use dating back thousands of years. Twill fabrics have been employed in various cultures and periods for their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Cost

• Gabardine: The cost of gabardine can vary based on the quality of the fabric and the fiber content used. Generally, gabardine made from high-quality materials may have a higher price point compared to lower-quality options. Factors such as brand, production methods, and fiber origin can also influence the cost of gabardine.
• Twill: The cost of twill fabrics, including gabardine, can vary depending on factors such as the fiber content, fabric quality, and manufacturing process. Different fiber types and fabric variations may impact the overall price of twill fabrics, with higher-quality and specialized twill fabrics often commanding a higher cost.

Availability

• Gabardine: Gabardine is widely available, especially in the market for formal and tailored fabrics. It is commonly found in fabric stores, specialty fabric suppliers, and online retailers. Gabardine’s popularity and demand ensure its availability in a range of colors and fiber options.
• Twill: Twill fabrics, including gabardine, are generally readily available. They can be found in fabric stores, online marketplaces, and various textile outlets. Twill’s versatility and widespread usage ensure a wide availability of different twill fabric variations and fiber choices.

Gabardine vs Twill: Comparison Table

Feature	Gabardine	Twill
Weaving Pattern	Utilizes twill weave	Refers to the particular weave
Fabric Type	Specific fabric	Weaving technique
Fiber Content	Cotton, wool, synthetic	Cotton, wool, silk, synthetic
Usage	Formal garments	Various fabrics
Durability	Highly durable	Durable
Texture	Smooth	Varies based on fiber
Application	Suits, overcoats, jackets	Denim, upholstery, casual clothing
Appearance	Polished, sharp	Varies based on fiber
Color Saturation	Ideal for vibrant hues	Depends on fiber
Crease Retention	Holds creases well	Varies based on fiber
Formality	Formal attire	Versatile
Strength	Strong	Strong
Resilience	Maintains shape well	Varies based on fiber
Breathability	Depends on fiber	Varies based on fiber
Coarseness	Smooth	Varies based on fiber
Cleaning	Machine washable	Varies based on fiber
Maintenance	Follow manufacturer’s guidelines	Follow manufacturer’s guidelines
Versatility	Limited to formal garments	Various applications
Texture	Smooth	Varies based on fiber
Wrinkle Resistance	Resistant to wrinkles	Varies based on fiber
Tailoring	Excellent for tailored garments	Varies based on fiber
Color Options	Suitable for vibrant and deep hues	Varies based on fiber
Common Uses	Suits, trousers, overcoats, jackets	Denim, upholstery, casual clothing
Historical Significance	Developed in the late 19th century	Ancient weaving technique
Cost	Varies based on quality and fiber	Varies based on quality and fiber
Availability	Widely available	Widely available

Frequently Asked Questions

To Recap

Gabardine and twill exemplify the diversity and versatility of fabrics woven using the twill technique. Gabardine, with its smooth texture, durability, and crease retention, stands out as an excellent choice for formal attire and tailored garments.

On the other hand, twill’s flexibility allows for its application in both formal and casual contexts, making it suitable for a wide range of products.

Whether it’s the refined appearance of gabardine or the varied uses of twill, these fabrics continue to be valued for their strength, resilience, and ability to create visually appealing patterns through the diagonal lines of the twill weave.