Polyester doubleknit. Knitted fabric differs from woven fabric in its basic structure, being made from a continuous strand rather than from warp and weft strands. Doubleknit like the fabric pictured is acheived using two sets of latched needles on the machine, which gives a very firm-textured fabric with considerable give. In the 1970s, polyester doubleknits acquired a rather bad name, via an association with the dread "leisure suit"; but in the 50s and 60s lovely wool doubleknits were produced, particularly in Italy and Belgium, from which suits and dresses of surpassing elegance were made.
