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DictionarychallisLightweight fabric
noun

challis

SHAL-ee/ʃˈæli/

A soft, lightweight fabric used for clothing.

The floral challis drapes in soft folds beside a matching scarf.

A length of matte floral challis cascades from a loosely folded stack into soft, fine folds, with a matching simply cut scarf beside it.
Etymology

The fabric's name is of unknown origin, perhaps from a surname. It is said to have first been manufactured at Norwich as a fine fabric for dresses.

In context

Inside the Hem13:56
cotton crepe machine, drapey rayon challis, pil- uh silk poly charmeuse, silk poly rayon crepe de chine. They're specific. Um she's going lightweight, drapey to somewhat structured,
Review: Vogue 2024 Spring Sewing Patterns

More examples

  • The lightweight challis drapes easily over her hand.
  • The skirt is made from printed challis.
  • The shop stocks several colors of wool challis.

Similar words

muslin
A different lightweight fabric, usually cotton with a plain weave.
crepe
A fabric distinguished by its crinkled or pebbled surface.