Prunella (cloth)

In clothing, prunella is a worsted fabric, sometimes also made with a blend of silk. Documented from the 17th to the 20th centuries,
it was produced in Norwich.
Prunella was used in a variety of garments such as petticoats, academic and barristers' gowns, judges' robes, coats, waistcoats, and shoes.

Etymology

Prunella was named from the French prunelle, meaning sloe, for its dark colour.

Weave

Prunella had a warp-faced weave structure.

Variations

Though the cloth was initially worsted material, manufacturers sometimes used a combination with silk, or with cotton in the weft.