crash, any of several rugged fabrics made from yarns that are irregular, firm, strong, and smooth but sometimes raw and unprocessed. Included are gray, bleached, boiled, plain, twill, and fancy-weave crash. The coarsest type is called Russian crash. Linen is generally used for the warp yarn, while linen, jute, or a mixture of linen and jute is used for the filler. Plain weave is normally employed, but twill is sometimes used.
Crash may or may not be made with novel or fancy borders, and it is sold in white or natural shades or in dyed colours. It is used for toweling, draperies and other decorative cloths, dresses, caps, summer suits, and sport coats.