Lisle was a type of finish that was applied to obtain smooth and even yarns, largely employed for goods intended for underwear and hosiery.
Yarns made with long-staple fibers such as Egyptian cotton were passed repeatedly and swiftly through gas flames.
These were plied, high-twisted, gassed combed yarns of long-staple cotton.
The acid and tumble exposure remove the loose ends and fuzziness from the fabric, which is subsequently neutralised with an alkaline solution to prevent further acid damage.
[5]: 632 Lisle was used to manufacture underwear, hosiery, stockings, and sports wear.