What is the difference between herringbone and twill?

Both use the diagonal twill structure, but plain twill runs in one continuous diagonal direction, while herringbone reverses the diagonal at set intervals to create the mirrored V or chevron pattern. Herringbone is essentially a decorative variation of twill.

Does herringbone shirting wrinkle?

Like other twills, herringbone resists wrinkles fairly well — its diagonal structure helps it recover from creasing, and its texture disguises minor wrinkles, making it a practical choice for everyday wear.

Herringbone Shirting Fabric: What It Is & When to Wear It

Q: What is herringbone fabric?

Herringbone is a twill weave that is mirrored at regular intervals to form a V-shaped, zig-zag pattern resembling a herring fish skeleton — which gives it its name. It produces a subtly textured, self-coloured fabric used for shirts, suits and jackets.

Q: Is herringbone formal or casual?

Herringbone is versatile and leans smart. In fine yarns and tonal colours it works for formal and business shirts; in bolder weights and contrasts it reads smart-casual. Its woven texture adds visual interest without a printed pattern.

In short: Herringbone is a twill weave mirrored at intervals to create a V-shaped, zig-zag pattern named after the herring fish skeleton. It gives a subtle, self-coloured texture, drapes and resists wrinkles like other twills, and works from formal to smart-casual depending on yarn and colour.

What makes a herringbone

A standard twill runs in one continuous diagonal. Herringbone takes that diagonal and reverses it at regular intervals, so the ribs meet point-to-point and form a repeating V or chevron. The effect is woven into the cloth — it is not a print — which is why it keeps its texture and depth at any distance.

How it looks and feels

Herringbone has a quiet, sophisticated texture: visible up close, reading as a soft tonal pattern from afar. It shares twill's smooth, fluid drape and gentle sheen. Because the pattern is structural, it adds richness to plain colours and white shirts without the busyness of a print.

Herringbone vs plain twill

	Plain twill	Herringbone
Pattern	Single continuous diagonal	Mirrored V / chevron
Texture	Subtle diagonal	More visible, decorative
Drape	Soft, fluid	Soft, fluid
Wrinkle resistance	High	High
Feel	Versatile workhorse	Dressier, more characterful

When to wear it

Formal/business: fine-yarn herringbone in white or tonal shades adds discreet texture to a dress shirt.
Smart-casual: bolder weights and contrast colours make a characterful everyday shirt.
Layering: its texture pairs well under knitwear and jackets.

Care

Treat it like any quality twill: cool wash, low heat, iron damp. Its texture forgives minor creasing. See the full care guide.

Where D BADAMI fits

D BADAMI weaves twill and dobby constructions in-house — the families that produce textured, self-patterned shirting like herringbone — at 120–160 GSM in cotton and blends, certified to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Class 1 and GOTS. See the range or order wholesale.

FAQ

What is herringbone fabric?

A twill weave mirrored at intervals to form a V-shaped chevron pattern resembling a herring skeleton — a subtly textured, self-coloured cloth.

Is herringbone formal or casual?

Versatile and smart: fine tonal herringbone suits formal shirts; bolder versions read smart-casual.

Difference between herringbone and twill?

Both are twills; plain twill runs one diagonal, herringbone reverses it to create the mirrored V pattern.

Does it wrinkle?

It resists wrinkles well, like other twills, and its texture hides minor creasing.