interlining
C1Technical / Professional
Definition
Meaning
An extra layer of material sewn between the outer fabric and the lining of a garment to provide warmth, shape, and structure.
1. In transportation and logistics, the practice of issuing a single ticket for a journey involving multiple carriers or modes of transport. 2. In publishing, the placement of blank lines between printed lines of text. 3. In textiles and garment construction, the process or material used for the interlining function.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is highly domain-specific. In clothing/textiles (the primary meaning), it refers to a physical material or construction technique. In transport/logistics, it's a commercial agreement or ticketing practice. These meanings are distinct and context-dependent, rarely overlapping.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The textile meaning is dominant in both. 'Interlining' as a transport/logistics term is used in international industry jargon in both varieties. No significant usage difference.
Connotations
In clothing, it connotes quality, tailoring, and structure. In transport, it connotes connectivity and convenience.
Frequency
Low-frequency in general discourse. More likely encountered in professional contexts (fashion design, tailoring, airline/travel industries).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [GARMENT] has [ADJECTIVE] interlining.To apply/interline with [MATERIAL] interlining.Interlining between the [OUTER FABRIC] and the [LINING].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In fashion retail: 'The premium line features wool interlining for superior drape.' In logistics: 'Our interlining agreement with regional carriers expands our network.'
Academic
In textile science or fashion history papers discussing garment construction techniques.
Everyday
Very rare. Possibly when discussing the quality of a coat or suit: 'This blazer holds its shape well because it has good interlining.'
Technical
Primary domain. Detailed discussions of materials (e.g., fusible vs. sew-in), weights, and application methods in tailoring and couture.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tailor will interline the coat with horsehair canvas for a classic silhouette.
- Have you interlined those curtains for extra insulation?
American English
- We need to interline the jacket with a lightweight fusible before assembling it.
- She interlines all her formal gowns for better structure.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. 'Interlining' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable. 'Interlining' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- This is an interlining fabric, not meant to be seen.
- The interlining process is crucial for bespoke tailoring.
American English
- Check the interlining specifications on the tech pack.
- We're having an interlining issue with the new batch of blazers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This winter coat is warm because it has a thick interlining.
- The tailor added interlining to make the collar stand up properly.
- Fusible interlining is bonded to the fabric with heat, whereas sew-in interlining is stitched by hand for flexibility.
- The quality of the interlining determines how well a structured blazer will retain its shape over time.
- The couturier insisted on a bespoke, hand-stitched horsehair interlining to achieve the garment's distinctive, architectural silhouette.
- Interlining agreements between legacy carriers and low-cost airlines have blurred the traditional boundaries of aviation alliances.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a coat's 'INNER LINING.' Interlining is the special layer IN BETWEEN (INTER) the outer fabric and that inner lining, giving it INTERnal structure.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A SKELETON / FRAMEWORK. (Interlining provides the hidden 'skeleton' that gives the garment its form.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'междустроковый' for the textile term; it's incorrect. The correct term is 'прокладка' (in clothing).
- For transport, 'интерлайн' is a direct borrowing, but 'сквозной билет' or 'договор о совместной эксплуатации' are descriptive equivalents.
- Do not confuse with 'interlining' of text, which is 'интерлиньяж' or 'межстрочный интервал'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'interlining' (structural layer) with 'lining' (the inner, often decorative, layer).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'layer'.
- Mispronouncing with stress on the first syllable (IN-ter-lining) instead of the third (in-ter-LIN-ing).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is 'interlining' LEAST likely to be used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are similar materials used for structure. 'Interfacing' is typically lighter, used on smaller areas like collars and cuffs, and is often fused. 'Interlining' is usually a heavier, more substantial layer used throughout larger sections of a garment (like a coat front) for warmth and shape, and is often sewn-in.
No, it is a specialist term. Most people will encounter it only if they are involved in sewing, tailoring, high-end fashion, or specific logistics roles. In everyday conversation, simpler terms like 'extra lining' or 'stiff layer' might be used instead.
Yes, the verb is 'to interline'. It means to insert or provide with an interlining. For example, 'The pattern instructions tell you to interline the bodice before attaching the lining.'
Related but not identical. A codeshare is a specific type of commercial agreement where one airline sells seats on another's flight under its own designator code. Interlining is a broader term for any ticketing agreement allowing travel on multiple carriers with one ticket, which may or may not involve code-sharing.