Dimity was a collective term for figured cloths of harness loom decorated with designs and patterns. It was a strong cotton cloth with various stripes and illustrations. It was only bleached or washed after loom less often dyed after looming, unlike fustian, usually dyed.[1]
It was a lightweight, sheer cotton fabric, used historically, having at least two warp threads thrown into relief to form fine cords. It was a cloth commonly employed for bed upholstery and curtains, and usually white, though sometimes a pattern was printed on it in colors. It was stout in texture, and woven in raised patterns.[2] Originally dimity was made of silk or wool, but since the 18th century it has been woven almost exclusively of cotton.
Diaper was another kind of Dimity made of linen and sometimes cotton as well. It was a twill weave structure with diamond patterns.[1]
A palampore is a dimity made in India and used for bed coverings.[3]
Dimity is also a girls' name, which, while still uncommon, is most popular in Australia.
A dimity was a bit of draping worn by performers of the Poses Plastiques, which was an early form of strip tease. Performers wore flesh colored silk body stockings and a dimity to give the illusion of modesty.