Details & Finishes
Smocking is a decorative technique that gathers fabric into tight, evenly spaced rows of pleats — often reinforced with elastic — that stretch and contract. It shapes a garment to the body while letting it expand for an easy fit, traditionally embroidered in a honeycomb pattern across bodices, cuffs, and waistlines.
The gathered, elasticized rows give both decoration and built-in give, which is why smocking defines the fit of breezy smock dresses and the stretchy backs of fitted tops. Hand smocking shows ornate stitch patterns; elastic shirring is the simpler modern version.
Smocking is the construction behind the smock dress and a close cousin of shirring and ruching.
Download TRYSHOP and preview smocking styles on a photo of yourself before you buy — so you know it suits you, not just the model.
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