Gabardine
A tightly woven twill fabric with a steep diagonal rib. Originally made from wool by Thomas Burberry. The tight weave provides natural water resistance.
Material Score Breakdown
7-axis material rubric, not a garment verdict — see disclosure below.
How long the fabric lasts with regular use
Softness, feel against skin, wearability
Air flow and ventilation
Heat retention and insulation
Ability to pull sweat away from skin
Environmental impact of production and disposal
How easy it is to wash, dry, and maintain
Products with gabardine
We don't have any gabardine products in our catalog yet — it's a rare natural fiber. Here are top-rated natural alternatives:
Merino Cardigan
100% Merino Wool
Merino Long-Sleeve Sweater Polo
100% Merino Wool
Merino Sweater
100% Merino Wool
Merino Johnny-Collar Sweater Polo
100% Merino Wool
Slim Merino Ribbed Sweater
100% Merino Wool
Merino Crew-Neck Sweater
100% Merino Wool
What this score doesn't measure
This is a material rating, not a verdict on any specific garment made from gabardine. The axes above are research-backed averages for the fiber itself.
- ×Construction. Yarn staple length, weave / knit structure, stitch count, finishing. Identical fiber, very different garments.
- ×Fabric weight (GSM). A 140 GSM tee and a 220 GSM tee made of the same gabardine feel and last very differently.
- ×Dye + finishing chemicals. Beyond the three we flag (PFAS, formaldehyde, antimony), dozens of textile finishes aren't modelled.
Best For
Excellent durability (80) and comfort (65) for office wear
Good warmth (70) for cold weather
Good comfort (65) and care ease (55) for casual wear
Good durability (80) and breathability (55) for outdoor activities
Good sustainability score (65)
Pros
- ✓ Natural water resistance
- ✓ Excellent drape and structure
- ✓ Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- ✗ Can be heavy
- ✗ Dry cleaning often recommended
Better alternatives
Higher-scored natural materials. Same category — what to consider instead.
+18 vs Gabardine · 92/100
BiodegradableThe rarest and most expensive animal fiber in the world, from the vicuña of the Andes. Finer than cashmere, incredibly soft, warm, and lightweight. A single coat yields only 250g of usable fiber every 2-3 years.
+12 vs Gabardine · 86/100
BiodegradableUltra-fine wool from Merino sheep. Softer and less itchy than regular wool, with excellent temperature regulation and moisture management.
+8 vs Gabardine · 82/100
BiodegradableExtra-long-staple cotton historically grown in the West Indies (Barbados, Jamaica) and Sea Islands of Georgia/South Carolina. Among the rarest commercial fibers on earth — staple length up to 2.5", silky hand feel, intense color saturation when dyed. Used in heritage luxury shirting and bespoke menswear.
Care Guide
Special Notes
• Press on wrong side to avoid shine
Additional Care Tips
- • Dry clean for best results
- • Press with steam on reverse side
Cost
$$$$$
Mid-range
Shrinkage
Minimal shrinkage — follow care instructions
Eco Rating
Moderate impact — consider eco alternatives