<P> Grosgrain / ˈɡroʊɡreɪn /, also gros - grain and, rarely, gros grain, is a type of fabric characterized by its ribbed appearance . In grosgrain, the weft is heavier than the warp, creating prominent transverse ribs . It is called a "corded" fabric since the weft resembles a fine cord . Grosgrain is a plain weave corded fabric, with heavier cords than in poplin but lighter than in faille . Grosgrain has a very dull appearance with little luster but is very strong . It is a firm, close - woven, fine - corded fabric . While grosgrain fabric is generally black, it can be many different colors, and grosgrain ribbon comes in a large variety of colors and patterns . </P> <P> "Grosgrain" is commonly used to refer to a heavy, stiff ribbon of silk or nylon woven via taffeta weave using a heavy weft which results in distinct transverse ribs . Historically grosgrain was made from wool, silk, or a combination of fibers such as silk and wool or silk and mohair . When a combination of fibers was used, the end result was sometimes given the name grogram, silk mohair, gros de Tours or gros de Napels . </P>

Word linking with gros for a type of ribbon