Dimity is a collective term for figured cloths of harness loom decorated with designs and patterns. It is a strong cotton cloth with various stripes and illustrations. It is bleached or washed after looming, less often dyed, unlike fustian, which is usually dyed.[1]
It is a lightweight, sheer cotton fabric, having at least two warp threads thrown into relief to form fine cords. It is a cloth commonly employed for bed upholstery and curtains, and usually white, though sometimes a pattern is printed on it in colors. Originally dimity was made of silk or wool, but since the 18th century it has been woven almost exclusively of cotton.
Diaper is a type of dimity made of linen or cotton. It is a twill weave with diamond patterns.
A palampore is a dimity made in India and used for bed coverings.[2]
Dimity is also a girls' name, which, while still uncommon, is most popular in Australia.
A dimity is 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.