Fabric Glossary: Terms Starting with O

Oatmeal Cloth

Oatmeal cloth is a vintage fabric weave made from linen. It is a strong, durable fabric that has a crepe or pebbled texture resembling oatmeal paper.

Oilcloth, Oil Cloth, Oilskin

These are fabrics made with a waterproof coating treated with linseed-oil varnish (soaked or boiled). It is a vintage fabric usually made from a base fabric of silk or cotton. Today, plastics and synthetic fibers have replaced this fabric.

Ombre (Ombré)

Ombre is a dyeing technique where the shades of color graduate from light to dark. The effect can be achieved on fabric as well as hair coloring, nail art, and cake decorating.

Organdy

Organdy is a sheer, stiff cotton fabric made with combed cotton yarns.

Organza

Organza is a sheer, thin, crisp fabric made from silk fibers or synthetics like polyester and nylon. It is a plain weave with a smooth finish and is popular for bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, eveningwear, linings, and interfacing.

Ottoman

Ottoman is a heavy horizontally corded or ribbed fabric. It can be made from silk, wool, or synthetic fibers, and the filling rib yarn or weft yarn is often cotton, wool, or synthetic. Other fabrics in this same family are bengaline, faille, grosgrain, and taffeta.

Oxford Cloth

Oxford cloth is a basket weave shirting fabric with a luster finish usually made from cotton or synthetic blends. It is considered more casual or sporty for shirt styles and has a hearty hand compared to other shirting fabrics. Due to its weave, oxford cloth is naturally resistant to wrinkles and is durable.