Gingham: The History Behind A Picnic’s Favorite Print

Written & Creative Directed By Halle Kory

Photography By Britney Spangenberg

Modeled By Mikayla Buneta, Ashlyn Sorrells, Annabella Diaz, & Rachel Schmieder

No pattern evokes summer nostalgia quite like gingham. Whether you spend your time lounging on checkered blankets, playing in the park or indulging in all the best picnic foods, sunny afternoons are sure to cultivate carefree memories. Beyond its association with leisurely outdoor gatherings, gingham has a rich history that spans continents and centuries.

Gingham was first made in Dutch-colonized Malaysia in the 17th century. It was popularized by the Dutch and English around the 1800s. We know gingham now to be a plain woven fabric, featuring a vichy check duotone pattern. However, when the pattern was first made, it was a different story. The word “gingham” itself comes from the Malay word “genggang” which means striped. But, as the pattern started to spread across the world, it lost its original stripes, and became the vichy check pattern we love and adore today.

The United States got its hands on gingham in the 19th century. Typically made of cotton or muslin, it was known as a medium weight, durable, and low-cost fabric option that could withstand both factory and farm work. When Judy Garland wore a light blue gingham dress in the 1939 movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” gingham stepped into the spotlight and instantly became a fashion classic. Following Judy Garland, other notable celebrities that have worn gingham include Brigitte Bardot in 1959, who wore the pattern  for her wedding, and Katharine Hepburn in 1940, who wore gingham in “The Philadelphia Story.”

Gingham is still relevant around the world. The pattern has become a staple print that reappears in the summer every year and never goes out of style. A true testament to gingham’s longevity is the fact that many would, and do, wear the famous “The Wizard of Oz” dress even now.

It is more than just a pattern; it is a gateway to cherished memories. It has found its place not only in our closet, but in our homes, accessories, and of course, our picnic blankets. Its ability to evoke warmth and nostalgia ensures that gingham will remain a beloved staple for generations to come.