Calico

Calico, a plain-weave cotton fabric commonly printed with simple, two-coloured designs or patterns and used to make colourful dresses and shirts. The fabric, one of the oldest textiles known, originated as a fine weave in Kozhikode (Calicut), India, after which it was named. Calicoes were first imported into Europe from India during the Renaissance and have since been manufactured in both Europe and the United States. Calico was especially popular in America during the 19th century.