‘Audleby’ draping navy blue gaberdine fabric

When it comes to navy blue suitings, we often feel like Goldilocks here at ClothSpot. Too heavy, too light, too stiff, too draping, too structured – it’s all about picking the exactly the right fabric for the project you’re planning. We’re so pleased to have yet another choice for you in the form of this navy blue gaberdine fabric.

What kind of fabric is this?

We’d describe our navy blue gaberdine fabric as a medium-to-lighter-weight suiting fabric. Gaberdines are fabulously versatile fabrics. Draping and with a twill weave, heavier versions are usually of wool; this viscose mix version is a softer, lighter-weight version, with the appearance of a medium-weight twill.

What does this fabric feel like?

Our draping navy blue gaberdine fabric has a soft, gentle handle. It will be comfortable and forgiving worn next to the skin as trousers or a dress.

How does this fabric move?

With a softly-rounded, lively movement as you can see from this video, this navy blue gaberdine fabric falls gracefully and moves with a swing.

Will I need to line this fabric?

Our navy blue gaberdine fabric has very good opacity for its weight as well as good structure. Trousers or a tunic would not require lining; a more fitted garment such as a dress bodice however might require a lining to add structure and shape. A skirt would require lining in order to enable it to move over hosiery.

What can I make with this fabric?

This graceful yet practical navy blue gaberdine fabric is probably best suited to relaxed-yet-formal separates rather than structured suits. Dresses, skirts, trousers and tunics are all options. This is a fabric that will cope with some fitting as well as gathers and pleats although it’s not one to hold a shape.

If you’re heading down the trouser route, then we’d suggest more relaxed, flowing styles are probably more the forte of this navy blue gaberdine fabric. There’s a little bit of mechanical ease across the bias of this twill-woven fabric as you’d expect – however there’s no horizontal stretch so your pattern will need to accommodate a little ease.

On the trouser front, we’re looking at the ‘McKenzie’ Woven Pant from Style Arc. We think that wide-cut leg will be the perfect opportunity to show off our navy blue gaberdine fabric.

Fabric width

142cm

Fabric composition

65% polyester, 35% viscose

Fabric care

Wash at 30 or 40 degrees – see our Fabric care pages for more information.