Flannelette Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

History

• This fabric started becoming popular in the 19th century as a lighter alternative to flannel, especially for children's clothing.
• In the mid-1800s, flannelette became associated with cozy nightwear, enhancing its reputation as a comforting fabric used in homes.

Pop Culture

• Flannelette shirts became a fashion staple in the 1990s, especially in grunge culture, often worn by musicians and fans.
• Television shows from the 1990s featured characters frequently donning flannelette shirts, further embedding this soft fabric into popular style.

Science & Technology

• This textile is known for its ability to wick moisture away, making it comfortable for sleepwear.
• Flannelette can be made from cotton or synthetic fibers, affecting its warmth, breathability, and softness.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, flannelette is associated with comfort and warmth, making it a preferred fabric for winter clothing.
• The fabric's use in creating blankets and pajamas emphasizes care and coziness, often linked to familial love and nurturing.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'flannelette' comes from combining 'flannel' with the diminutive suffix '-ette,' suggesting a softer and lighter version.
• Flannel itself is derived from the Welsh word 'gwlanen,' meaning 'woolen,' emphasizing its warm fabric roots.

The term 'flannelette' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the word 'flannel'. Flannel itself has its roots in Wales, where it was traditionally made from wool, often used for garments. As the fabric's popularity grew, manufacturers began to experiment with cotton varieties, giving birth to flannelette—a lighter, softer alternative that offered similar warmth. Initially, flannelette was produced in Britain before spreading to other parts of the world as cotton became more accessible. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, flannelette became a staple in households, especially for children's sleepwear and bedding, thanks to its gentle touch and affordability. Today, it remains a favored choice for cozy clothing and home textiles, evolving with design trends while retaining its foundational qualities.

Ranking #39,056, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 39053 outbidding
• 39054 racoon
• 39055 arthroscope
• 39056 flannelette
• 39057 hatefully
• 39058 perambulate
• 39059 dauber
• ...