The word Gabardine or “gaberdine” originally was used to describe a long, loose cloak or gown worn in the Middle Ages, and around the 1590s. Gabardine as a fabric, was invented in 1879 by Thomas Burberry, founder of the Burberry fashion house in Basingstoke, and patented in 1888. The original fabric was waterproofed (treated with wax) before weaving and was worsted wool or worsted wool and cotton, tightly woven and water-repellant but more comfortable than rubberized fabrics. Gabardine was also used to signify a rain cloak or protective smock-frock. In 1904 the word was used to decribe a “closely woven cloth”. Gabardine is a firm and durable fabric with a hard or clear finish. Gabardine is a tightly woven warp-faced twill weave fabric. Warp-faced fabrics have more warp or lengthwise yarns on the surface of the fabric than filling or crosswise yarns. Twill weave fabrics show a diagonal wale, or raised line, on their surface. The fine wale is closely spaced, slightly raised, distinct, and obvious only on the fabric’s face. Usually it is 100% cotton, and sometimes elastane is added in the composition, so that it gives to the fabric some stretch for extra comfort in garments. It can me found in medium to heavy weights in wools, synthetic blends, and acrylics and blends. Gabardines made of cotton or silk are strong, compact and are used for durable creations in garments and furnishings. It can also have various finishes, such as velvet, satin, rough e.t.c.