Italian refers to Italian cloth, a historic worsted or cotton-blend textile woven with a smooth, glossy finish. Tailors traditionally used it for lining coats, waistcoats, and heavy garments because its slick surface allows outerwear to slide easily over inner clothing. It is prized for resisting wear and maintaining a neat drape.
Heard on the job
Cut the waistcoat back panels out of the black Italian to match the lining.
Also heard as
- Italian cloth