delaine

A woman wears a delaine dress to a garden party.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A lightweight woolen fabric: "delaine" refers to a thin, soft woolen cloth, often used for making dresses and light garments. It is typically made from merino wool or a blend, characterized by its fine texture and draping quality.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She chose a dress made of delaine for the spring wedding. (A lightweight woolen fabric suitable for elegant, light attire.)
  • The tailor recommended delaine for its softness and breathability. (The fabric is praised for its comfort and suitability for warm weather.)

Advanced Usage

• "delaine dress": a garment specifically made from delaine fabric.
  • The vintage delaine dress was preserved in excellent condition. (A dress crafted from this lightweight woolen fabric, often associated with 19th-century fashion.)

Variants and Related Words

• Delaine wool: a term referring to the type of wool used to make delaine fabric.
  • The sweater was knitted from delaine wool, making it exceptionally soft. (Wool from merino sheep, processed to be fine and light.)

Synonyms

• Worsted: a smooth, compact yarn or fabric made from long-staple wool, similar in fineness.
• Cashmere: another lightweight, soft woolen fabric, though typically more expensive and from cashmere goats.
• Muslin: a lightweight cotton fabric, sometimes used as a substitute for delaine in dressmaking.

Related Idioms