Broadcloth is a type of smooth, tightly woven fabric with a slight shine, traditionally made from wool but now also made from cotton or synthetic fibers. The name comes from its history: medieval weavers made this cloth on especially wide looms, producing fabric that was unusually broad compared to other textiles of the time.

You've probably worn broadcloth without knowing it. Many dress shirts, both the kind worn with suits and the button-down shirts people wear to school or work, are made from cotton broadcloth. The fabric feels crisp and holds its shape well, which is why it's popular for clothing that needs to look neat and professional.

The fabric gets its smooth surface from a specific weaving technique where many threads are packed closely together. When you run your hand across broadcloth, it feels almost silky, quite different from rougher fabrics like denim or canvas. This smooth texture made broadcloth valuable for centuries, first as a luxury wool fabric in medieval Europe, and later as an affordable, practical cotton fabric for everyday clothing.