Gingham is a type of cotton fabric woven in a distinctive checkered or plaid pattern, usually with white crossed with another color like red, blue, or green. The checks are formed right into the weave itself, not printed on afterward, which gives gingham its characteristic crisp, two-toned look.

You've probably seen gingham many times: it's the classic pattern on picnic tablecloths and country-style kitchen curtains. Dorothy's dress in The Wizard of Oz was blue gingham. Many school uniforms use gingham because it's durable, washable, and doesn't show dirt easily. The fabric has a fresh, cheerful quality that makes it perfect for summer clothing, casual button-down shirts, and home decorating.

By the time gingham reached Europe from Asia in the 1600s, it had become the checkered pattern we know today. While gingham can technically come in any color combination, the most traditional versions pair white with a single color in evenly sized checks.