Supple, lightweight, plain-woven fabric, originally of silk and worsted
Challis, sometimes referred to as challie[1] or chally,[2] is a lightweight woven fabric, originally a
silk-and-
wool blend, which can also be made from a single fibre, such as cotton, silk or wool,[3] or from man-made fabrics such as
rayon.[4] It was first manufactured in
Norwich, England, in about 1832, when it was designed as a thin, soft material similar to
Norwich crepe, but matte-textured rather than glossy, and more pliable.[3][5]
It was being exported to Australia in 1833.[6] Challis could be made with woven designs, or printed.[5] 'French challis' has a glossy finish.[3] The designs were often floral,
paisley, or geometric,[7] and based on French silk patterns.[3]
The term is derived from an Anglo-Indian word, shallee, which means 'soft'.[7] At least one source suggests the term is American Indian.[8]
^Pizutto, Joseph James; Arthur Price; Allen C. Cohen (1987).
Fabric science. Fairchild Publications. p. 352.
ISBN9780870055829. Retrieved 16 July 2013.