sharkskin

American  

[shahrk-skin] / ˈʃɑrkˌskɪn /

noun

1. a smooth fabric of acetate or rayon with a dull or chalklike appearance, for apparel.

2. a fine worsted fabric in twill weave, compact in texture and light to medium in weight, for suits.

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sharkskin British  

/ ˈʃɑːkˌskɪn /

noun

1. a smooth glossy fabric of acetate rayon, used for sportswear, etc

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Etymology

Origin of sharkskin

First recorded in 1850–55; shark ¹ + skin

Example Sentences

And no one looked better in spearpoint collars and sharkskin silk suits than Ray.

From Seattle Times • May 29, 2022

He closed his eyes and puckered up, but instead of sharkskin on his lips, he felt his head get sucked backward, as if caught in a vacuum.

From New York Times • May 9, 2022

This fall, Supreme is offering a throwback sharkskin suit with notch lapels in muddy brown and blue.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 7, 2019

I grew up in Chicago in the 1960s, and so I’m also thinking about all those guys in those sharkskin suits and that processed hair.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2018

Eleanor, today, was wearing her sharkskin suit jacket and an old plaid cowboy shirt.

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell