doublure

Doublure is a term borrowed from French that generally denotes a lining, backing, or secondary layer. In English usage its exact meaning depends on the field, but it typically refers to an internal surface that finishes, protects, or reinforces.

In fashion and textiles, doublure refers to the lining of a garment, shoe, bag, or other item. The doublure is the inner fabric or material that sits against the body or the skin, providing comfort, structure, and a refined finish. It can also involve additional layers used to stabilize a garment or improve drape.

In bookbinding, doublure denotes the inner lining of a book cover or the sheets attached to the inside of the boards. This material strengthens the binding and can affect the long-term durability of the book. Conservators may add doublures to stabilize fragile bindings or to repair prior damage.

In film, television, and stage production, doublure commonly means a body double or stand-in. A doublure performs scenes where the actor’s appearance is required for a shot but a different body type, stunt, or safety considerations are involved. The use of a doublure can be for performance, lighting, or special-effects reasons, sometimes with the actor’s face unchanged and sometimes not.

Other usages describe a secondary layer or backing that reinforces a surface or object, such as a protective lining on various manufactured items. The term’s precise sense is context-dependent, reflecting its core idea of an interior layer that doubles the exterior.