Greige (pronounced "gray") refers to woven fabric in its raw, unfinished state - directly off the loom before any bleaching, dyeing, or finishing processes.
Characteristics
Greige fabric:
- Contains natural cotton colour (off-white/cream)
- Has sizing agents from weaving
- May have natural oils and impurities
- Is stiff and not ready for consumer use
In Towel Production
The production sequence:
- Greige: Fabric woven
- Scouring: Removes impurities
- Bleaching: Whitens (if needed)
- Dyeing: Adds colour (piece-dyed)
- Finishing: Final treatments
Why It Matters
Greige fabric is the starting point. Quality of the greige goods affects the final product - poor greige fabric can't be fully compensated by finishing.
Other Names
- Grey goods
- Gray goods
- Loom-state fabric
- Unfinished goods
Related Terms
- Piece-dyed - Dyeing greige fabric
- Finishing - Post-weaving processes
- Scouring - Cleaning greige fabric