what is a herringbone

19 minutes ago 1
Nature

A herringbone is a distinctive V-shaped weaving pattern used in fabrics and other materials, named for its resemblance to the skeleton of a herring fish. It can be created in a variety of textiles through a broken twill weave, where diagonal lines are arranged in alternating directions to form a zigzag or chevron-like motif. Herringbone patterns are common in suits, coats, tweed, upholstery, and flooring, and they often convey a classic, durable, and refined look. Key points:

  • Weave type: broken twill (herringbone weave) that produces the characteristic zigzag.
  • Common materials: typically wool or wool blends, but the pattern can be woven into many fabrics.
  • Common uses: apparel (suits, jackets, shirts), outerwear, upholstery, and flooring.
  • Etymology: named because the pattern resembles the bones of a herring fish.

If you’d like, I can tailor this with more detail for a specific context (fashion, interior design, or historical origins) or show how the pattern is described in different sources.