Grosgrain

Grosgrain is a type of fabric that can be readily identified by its heavily ribbed surface texture. Today the most common use of grosgrain fabric is in the construction of cloth ribbons where a high degree of strength, durability and flexibility is desirable as well as acting as an accessory fabric in the construction of clothing.

Between the 17th and 18th century grosgrain was a popular choice for lining and expensive jackets. Traditional linings of silk or satin were quite costly and thus the inexpensive grosgrain fabric gained popularity. This trend ended at the beginning of the 18th century when grosgrain became relegated to its use in ribbon making and smaller aspects of clothing construction such as button or fastener linings.