moleskins: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; specialised (fashion, textiles, historical, Australian English).
Quick answer
What does “moleskins” mean?
A strong, durable cotton fabric with a soft, brushed surface, traditionally used for work trousers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong, durable cotton fabric with a soft, brushed surface, traditionally used for work trousers.
1. Trousers or pants made from moleskin fabric. 2. In historical/antiquarian contexts: soft leather from a mole's pelt, used for clothing. 3. In Australian English: a notebook or journal, particularly one with soft, flexible covers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common in BrE, chiefly for fabric/trousers. The notebook sense is almost exclusively Australian English. In AmE, the term is known but less frequent; 'duck cloth' or 'canvas' might be used for similar heavy fabrics.
Connotations
In BrE, connotes practicality, durability, and a degree of traditional, outdoorsy or country wear (e.g., worn for gardening, shooting). In Australian English, the notebook sense is neutral. In AmE, if recognised, it carries a British/Australian or historical flavour.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but higher in BrE. Considered a specialised term outside of specific contexts (e.g., clothing retail, historical reenactment).
Grammar
How to Use “moleskins” in a Sentence
N made of moleskina pair of moleskinsto wear moleskinsdressed in moleskinsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moleskins” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He wore a moleskin waistcoat.
- It's a classic moleskin fabric.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In retail (clothing/textiles): 'Our autumn range features classic moleskin trousers.'
Academic
In historical/material culture studies: 'Moleskins were a common fabric for 19th-century labourers' garments.'
Everyday
Low frequency. Possibly: 'I need to buy some new moleskins for the winter.'
Technical
In textile manufacturing: 'The napping process gives moleskin its characteristic soft handle.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moleskins”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “moleskins”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moleskins”
- Using it as a singular for one trouser leg (correct: 'a moleskin trouser' or 'moleskins'). Confusing it with 'chamois' or 'suede'. Misspelling as 'moleskine' (which is a trademark for notebooks).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes. The fabric was originally named for its soft, suede-like finish, which resembled mole fur. Modern moleskin is made from cotton.
Not standardly. The common phrasing is 'a pair of moleskins' or 'moleskin trousers'. 'Moleskins' is treated as a plural noun for the garment.
Both are brushed cotton, but corduroy has distinct raised ridges ('wales'), while moleskin has a smooth, velvety nap without ridges, making it more wind-resistant.
The trademark 'Moleskine' (note the 'e') is a modern brand name that evokes the historical, soft-covered notebooks used by artists like Picasso. It is linguistically related but a distinct proprietary term.
A strong, durable cotton fabric with a soft, brushed surface, traditionally used for work trousers.
Moleskins is usually formal to neutral; specialised (fashion, textiles, historical, australian english). in register.
Moleskins: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊlskɪnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊlskɪnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MOLE wearing tiny, soft SKINS (trousers) while gardening. The fabric is as soft as a mole's fur but tough enough for skins (hard wear).
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIAL FOR PRODUCT (PARS PRO TOTO): The name of the original animal skin (mole) is transferred to a fabric that mimics its qualities, and then to the product (trousers) made from it.
Practice
Quiz
In Australian English, 'moleskins' can refer to: