Flounces

Flounces are decorative fabric features used in clothing and home textiles. They take the form of a strip or panel that is attached to a seam and shaped to project outward, creating volume and movement. Flounces are usually created by gathering or pleating along a curved edge, or by cutting the fabric in a circular or arc shape before attaching.

Common forms include gathered or shirred flounces, circular or semi-circular flounces that create a full, fan-like edge, and tiered flounces made of several joined sections. The edge of a flounce may be finished with a narrow hem, rolled hem, or decorative trim. Flounces can be designed to drape softly or stand away from the garment, depending on fabric choice and construction.

Applications: In fashion, flounces appear on skirts, dresses, blouses, sleeves, and lingerie accessories, often used to emphasize movement, femininity, or a vintage silhouette. In home décor, flounces decorate curtains, bed skirts, and cushion covers to add softness and volume.

Construction considerations: The presence of a flounce increases fabric consumption and affects garment drape. Lighter fabrics yield airy, fluttering flounces, while stiffer or heavier fabrics create a more structured, architectural effect. Care depends on fabric; delicate flounces may require gentle washing or hand care, and trims or edges should be maintained to prevent fraying. Flounces have appeared in various historical fashion periods and continue to be used in contemporary designs with diverse shapes and scales.