Batiste is a very fine, semi-sheer plain-weave fabric of cotton (occasionally linen) made from evenly spun fine yarn. By tradition the name is linked to Baptiste, a weaver from Cambrai, but this version has no historical basis. Light, soft to the touch and breathable, it was historically used for shirts, christening gowns, handkerchiefs, collars and lace-trimmed underlinen. In contemporary fashion it is prized for its near-weightless transparency in blouses, summer dresses and layered skirts. Its fineness demands a careful cut and gentle laundering, but it lends an air of refined simplicity.
