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. The action removes the fuzzy and protruding fibers. The finish adds smoothness, gloss, and evenness to the yarn. Most often, yarn done with a lisle finish was referred to as " Lisle yarn." or "Lisle thread." These were plied, high-twisted, gassed combed yarns of long-staple cotton.
