Gabardine is a tightly woven fabric with a twill weave that is used heavily in tailoring. It is a durable fabric that is often used to make suits, overcoats, trousers, uniforms, windbreakers, outerwear, and other garments. Gabardine can be woven with natural fibers such as wool and cotton, or as a blend. The original fabric was worsted wool, sometimes in combination with cotton, and was waterproofed using lanolin before weaving. Today, gabardine can be made from pure cotton, texturized polyester, or a blend. Gabardine is tightly woven and water-repellent but more comfortable and breathable than rubberized fabrics.

Gabardine has a distinctive diagonal cord that sometimes has a high sheen. It is viewed as a durable fabric that can stand the test of time. Gabardine is often used for water-resistant outerwear like rain jackets. It is also used to make skirts, dresses, pants, jackets, uniforms, hats, shoes, bedsheets, curtains, and other home furnishings.

Gabardine can be cared for in a home laundry, but it can also withstand dry cleaning for a polished look. It is a popular bottom and outerwear fabric because of its easy maintenance. Gabardine, like other twills, does have a tendency to wrinkle, but it will often be treated with a wrinkle release finish, which makes it even easier to care for. It is advisable to dry clean gabardine blends with a high percentage of worsted wool to prevent shrinkage.