1. a durable yellow or buff cotton fabric, originally made in China
2. clothing made from nankeen fabric
Usage: historical

Examples

• The sailor wore nankeen trousers that had faded from years at sea.
• Nankeen was prized for its durability and natural color.
• The merchant imported bolts of nankeen from Chinese textile mills.
• His summer suit was made of lightweight nankeen fabric.
• The museum displayed 18th-century nankeen garments.
• Workers preferred nankeen clothing for its practical qualities.