13 Facts About Grosgrain

Grosgrain is a type of fabric or ribbon defined by the fact that its weft is heavier than its warp, creating prominent transverse ribs.

Grosgrain is a plain weave corded fabric, with heavier cords than poplin but lighter than faille, and is known for being a firm, close-woven, fine-corded fabric.

Grosgrain has a dull appearance, with little luster in comparison to many fabric weaves, such as satin, often used for ribbons; however, it is comparatively very strong.

Grosgrain fabric is most commonly available in black, but grosgrain ribbon comes in a large variety of colors and patterns.

Grosgrain is both a direct French loan word and a folk corruption of the French word.

Grosgrain ribbon is often used for facings and for waistbands.

Grosgrain is traditionally used to hem and highlight the cut of lapels, collars and visible outermost edges of the formal frock coat and the later morning coat.

Grosgrain is preferred over satin for practicality—it is more durable than silk or satin, as the fabric does not snag as easily.

Grosgrain is used for matching accessories such as bow ties and cummerbunds, though these are often in barathea to complement the main suiting.

Grosgrain ribbons are popular for use in ribbon decorations for hats grosgrain is most notably used in top hats and opera hats, or as the trimming band on the Homburg.

Grosgrain made out of cotton or low-cost synthetic fibres such as polyester are very common for gift-wrap ribbons, or for decorating and ornamenting scrapbooks and greeting cards.

Grosgrain ribbon is used for a variety of different crafts as well, from bead making, to book-binding, trimming or embellishing, as well as a multitude of other uses.

Grosgrain ribbon is the primary ribbon material used in the hair bow industry.