Lasting is a dense, hard-wearing textile, usually woven in a plain or twill weave using tightly twisted worsted yarns. Historically, mills produced this stiff fabric specifically for items requiring high abrasion resistance, such as shoe uppers, bags, and heavy linings. The tight weave gives the cloth a smooth surface that sheds dirt and resists tearing, making it ideal for structural support in tailored garments rather than for drape or comfort.
Heard on the job
The pattern calls for a layer of lasting in the shoe upper to keep the structure rigid over time.
Insider tip
While rarely seen in everyday fashion, historical costumers still seek out this stiff cloth for authentic footwear and rigid corset construction.
Also heard as
- lasting cloth
- everlasting