greige

Greige refers to fabric in its natural, undyed state after weaving or knitting, before any dyeing or finishing. In the textile industry, greige goods are the base materials that are subsequently processed to achieve color and texture.

Etymology and color: The term comes from the French gris, meaning gray. In practice, greige denotes an unfinished material rather than a precise color. The visible shade of greige can vary by fiber and processing, typically spanning white to off-white, beige, or neutral gray tones.

Processing and finishing: Greige fabric may undergo desizing and scouring, bleaching or dyeing, and various finishing steps. Finishing methods—such as calendaring, softening, or chemical and mechanical treatments—alter texture, hand, weight, and appearance while the fabric remains the same material. Cotton greige, for example, is commonly dyed or printed to yield a wide range of colors, while some markets value it in its natural, neutral state for sustainability or aesthetic reasons.

Applications: Greige fabrics are widely used across apparel, home textiles, and industrial applications. They serve as the starting point for customized dyeing programs in fashion and interior design, or may be sold as natural or undyed options for buyers seeking specific environmental or stylistic goals.

Industry notes: The term greige distinguishes unfinished, undyed materials from finished or colored fabrics. The concept is relevant across fibers, including cotton, linen, wool, and synthetics, though the appearance and processing requirements can vary by fiber type.