A durable, tightly woven fabric, usually made from cotton or wool, used for garments like trousers and jackets.
From Spanish 'gabardina,' which came from Middle English 'gabardyne.' The word likely derives from Old French or Iberian languages. The fabric became associated with practical, tough clothing.
Gabardine became famous as the fabric for spy and detective coats in 20th-century movies—its tightly woven structure made it water-resistant and durable, perfect for characters who needed tough clothing for mysterious adventures.
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