Madras Cotton
Madras Overview
Madras is a lightweight fabric with patterned texture, generally derived from Cotton, but also produced from rayon or silk. Madras is designed using either a plain weave, or dobby (a part in a loom that controls harnesses so as to permit weaving of small, geometric figures) or Jacquard (a loom producing an intricately woven pattern) for creating designs. It is made using combed or carded yarns, depending on the quality of the fabric. Some of the yarn is mercerized to make the Madras lustrous and durable.
Madras Characteristics
Madras is a lightweight fabric with a high thread count. It
often has a solid colored background with stripes, plaids, checks or designs on it.
What is Madras used for?
Madras is used primarily used for summer clothing due to the thin, lightweight nature of the fabric. It is used for the design of shorts, shirts, dresses and jackets, as well as for men's and women's sportswear of all kinds.
Madras History
Madras cloth originated in Madras, India (later renamed Chennai.)
Madras is also a city located in Jefferson country, Oregon. The city was originally called "The Basin" after the circular valley the city is located in, and in 1903 it was renamed "Madras," after the cotton fabric originating from Chennai, India. During the 1960's, a popular fabric was called the "bleeding madras". It used dyes that were not colorfast in a typically plaid design, causing the colors to bleed and fade each time it was laundered so that a new look resulted.
Madras Care Instructions
Machine wash warm
Wash dark colors separately.
Use only non- chlorine bleach when necessary.
Hang to dry or tumble dry low, remove promptly.
Use hot iron, iron whilst damp.