A soft, plain weave fabric originally made from linen, now usually of cotton. It is named for the French city of Cambrai—a linen center since medieval times. The fabric is calendered to give it a glossy finish. On its finer side, cambric is much like lawn or batiste, while in its heavier weight (called “lining cambric”), it can be similar to fine muslin.
Uses: Handkerchiefs, shirts, aprons, dresses, lingerie. Lining cambric is used for linings. Linen cambric is used for collars and cuffs, and tablecloths.