Last summer my husband and I spent a week in Florence with friends who were there on a three-month sabbatical. When I asked my girlfriend, Patti, what clothes to bring, she answered: “It’s really hot here. Everyone’s wearing gauze.” Not even sure what gauze was, I investigated further.
When I think of gauze, I think of white bandage material that comes in squares. You use on cuts and injuries.
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/gauze-pads.webp)
What is Gauze Fabric?
“Cotton gauze is a lightweight fabric made of cotton. It is made of plain weave or by a leno weave. In technical terms “gauze” is a weave structure in which the weft yarns are arranged in pairs and are crossed before and after each warp yarn keeping the weft firmly in place.”
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/open-weave-gauze.webp)
This single weave gauze too transparent for clothing. The tighter woven cotton gauze used in garments today is referred to as DOUBLE GAUZE or BUBBLE GAUZE.
I LOVE Gauze for so many reasons:
- Soft, lightweight, and breathable (after all, it is cotton)
- Washes great and doesn’t wrinkle like linen (which is made from stiffer flax fiber)
- Absorbent, meaning it wicks up that perspiration (remember those blood-stained gauze pads)
- Since it’s cotton, it takes dye really well (ergo, you can find it in so many colors)
- It seems to glide effortlessly over your body (not form fitting like jersey or boxy like linen)
- It’s transitional, meaning it’s a good choice for long sleeve cooler mornings turning into warmer afternoons
- A favorite for children’s garments because it is so soft
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/blue-gauze-soft-s.jpeg)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/blue-gauze-dress.jpeg)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/red-gauze-long-sleeve.jpeg)
Bubble gauze is so perfect for kids and babies.
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/gauze-dress_clover_main_720x720.webp)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/baby-gauze-swaddler.webp)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/turquoise-baby-gauze.webp)
On a recent trip to Key West, Florida, I saw gauze EVERYWHERE.
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/gauze-shirt-.jpeg)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/green-gauze.jpeg)
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/white-gauze.jpeg)
And, you can put your own stylish stamp on it:
![](https://qstylethebook.com/wp-content/uploads/white-gauze-outfit.jpeg)
Maybe I’m behind and all of you already knew about the many virtues of gauze. Let us know all the reasons you love it!
2 Comments
I wore gauze like a uniform when we lived in Thailand. So cool and comfortable. I had skirts and pants and tops all in colors. Washes and dries fast and because it’s already wrinkled – no ironing. Looks great after just hanging to dry.
Kay
Last year I sung the praises of linen, but got a few comments about it wrinkling so easily. I agree with you, gauze washes so well and air dries in a flash.
Thanks for writing.