In the 18th century, sousae was a thin handloom fabric made of cotton, silk, or a blend of the two, imported from India. It was usually about a yard wide and varied from 10 to 20 yards in length. Sousaes were very much in demand in England at the beginning of the 18th century; typical orders included checks, small stripes, and "white and black stripes".
Examples are found referenced in the Maurepas Papers or "Textiles et Documents Maurepas", as well as early documentation from "The Plain Dealing Linnen-Draper" (1696)
- Our Pale Pink Silk & Cotton Sousae is lightweight and has a crisp hand with a soft drape. The slight striping runs horizontally between the selvedges.
- Suitable for woman's dresses, petticoats, men's waistcoats, linings, a variety of trims, dress aprons, mantelets, embroidery, linings, or any application where a lightweight fabric is desired.
- 30% Silk, 70% cotton; 50 inches wide.
- 2.12 oz per sq yard, 72.02 grams per sq meter
