---
type: "fabric"
name: "Serge"
slug: "serge"
fabric_family: "woven"
construction: "twill"
typical_fibers:
  - "Wool"
  - "Polyester/Wool"
weight_gsm: "200–400 g/m²"
price_tier: 3
url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/serge"
updated: "2025-09-08T02:26:00.60817+00:00"
---

# Serge

Serge is a durable, twill-woven fabric known for its diagonal ribbing, commonly made from wool or a wool-polyester blend, offering a refined appearance and excellent drape.

- **Fabric Family**: Woven
- **Construction**: Twill
- **Typical Fibers**: Wool, Polyester/Wool
- **Weight**: 200–400 g/m²
- **Thickness**: 0.5–1.5 mm
- **Typical Width**: 150 cm
- **Price Tier**: $$$ (3 of 5)

## About Serge

Serge is a classic fabric characterized by its twill weave, which creates a distinctive diagonal pattern. This construction not only enhances the fabric's durability and strength but also contributes to its elegant drape and smooth hand feel. Typically made from wool, serge can also be blended with polyester to improve wrinkle resistance and reduce cost. It is widely used in tailored garments such as suits, trousers, and uniforms due to its ability to hold shape while providing comfort.

## Woven Properties

- **Ends per Inch (EPI)**: 50
- **Picks per Inch (PPI)**: 40

## Stretch Properties

- **Warp Stretch**: 5%
- **Weft Stretch**: 3%

## Performance Properties

- **Air Permeability**: 5 CFM
- **Hydrostatic Head**: 100 mm
- **Spray Rating**: 80
- **Evaporative Resistance (Ret)**: 0.5
- **Thermal Resistance (Rct)**: 0.15
- **UPF Rating**: 15

## Appearance & Hand

- **Luster**: Semi Matte
- **Opacity**: Opaque
- **Surface Texture**: smooth
- **Hand & Drape**: Balanced

## Performance Features

- Wrinkle Resistance
- Stain Release
- Moisture Wicking

## Common Finishes

- Mercerized
- Sanforized
- Water Repellent
- Anti Wrinkle

## Common Applications

- Suits
- Trousers
- Jackets
- Uniforms
- Dresses

## Common Uses in Detail

### Tailored Suits & Trousers

Serge's firm yet fluid drape makes it a longstanding favourite for tailored suits and trousers. Its tight [Twill](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/twill) weave holds a crisp crease beautifully, resists sagging at the knee, and presents a polished, professional surface that elevates formal and business attire.

### Military & Dress Uniforms

Its exceptional durability and smart diagonal rib have made serge the fabric of choice for military and dress uniforms for centuries. It withstands hard wear, retains its structured silhouette through repeated use, and projects the authoritative, neat appearance that formal service dress demands.

### Tailored Dresses & Jackets

The refined surface and excellent drape of serge lend themselves naturally to structured dresses and fitted jackets. It cuts cleanly, sews with precision, and holds garment shape through full days of wear, making it ideal for polished, occasion-ready womenswear and smart-casual outerwear.

## Care Instructions

Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, tumble dry low or hang to dry, iron on low heat if needed.

- Washing Machine Symbol
- Iron Symbol
- Do Not Bleach
- Tumble Dry Low

## Additional Information

Serge is often associated with military uniforms due to its durability and ease of maintenance. It is also favored in formal wear for its sophisticated appearance.

- **Regional Names**: Twill, Tropical Wool
- **Sourcing Regions**: Italy, China, India, Turkey
- **Testing Standards**: Martindale/Rub count, Pilling, Colorfastness to wash, Seam slippage, Tear strength

## Fibers in This Fabric

- [Wool](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/wool.md)

## Similar Fabrics

- [Bedford Cord](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bedford-cord.md) — Woven
- [Birdseye](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/birdseye.md) — Woven
- [Boutis](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/boutis.md) — Woven
- [Cavalry Twill](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cavalry-twill.md) — Woven
- [Cheviot](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cheviot.md) — Woven

---
*Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/serge) — HTML version of this page.*