coutil

Coutil is a dense, tightly woven fabric traditionally made from cotton that is used primarily in corsetry and other structured garments. It provides stiffness and resistance to stretching, making it well suited as the main fabric for corset bodies and as an interlining to help hold shape and support.

Most coutil is 100% cotton and features a twill weave, which gives a diagonal pattern and additional strength. It comes in natural undyed or white, and can be dyed. Modern versions may be blends such as cotton-polyester to improve durability and stability. The fabric is valued for low stretch, abrasion resistance, and dimensional stability.

Historically associated with corsetry from the 19th century onward, coutil was chosen for its combination of strength and minimal stretch, allowing corsets to retain shape under long-term wear. In contemporary practice, coutil remains a standard foundation fabric for traditional and modern corsets, sometimes used as an interlining between the outer fabric and lining or as the main fabric for the corset itself.

Care and variants: Care varies by finish, but coutil is typically machine washable with cold water or gentle cycle; air drying is recommended to minimize shrinkage. Some corset makers offer heavier or lighter weights of coutil, or blends, tailored to different levels of stiffness and durability.